towing FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual

4
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[II04000(R)05/96]
Ford Extended Service Plan
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[II04100(R)05/96]
More Protection for Your Vehicle
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[II04120(R)05/96]
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing a Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP). Ford ESP
is the only extended service program with the Ford name on it
and the only service contract backed by Ford Motor Company.
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[II04140(R)05/96]
Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed and
administered by Ford. It provides:
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[II04160(R)05/96]
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protection against repair costs after your Bumper to Bumper
Warranty expires;
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[II04180(R)05/96]
and
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[II04200(R)05/96]
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other benefits during the warranty period (such as:
reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain maintenance
and wear items).
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[II04220(R)05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford Motor
Company dealer. There are several Ford ESP plans available in
various time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental. (In Hawaii, rules vary. See your
dealer for details.)
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[II04240(R)05/96]
When you purchase Ford ESP, you receive peace-of-mind
protection throughout the United States and Canada, provided
by a network of more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor
Company dealers.
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[II04260(R)05/96]
NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United States and
Canada are not eligible for ESP coverage.
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[II04280(R)05/96]
This information is subject to change. Ask your dealer for
complete details about Ford ESP coverage.
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182
[GF17140(R)05/96]
NOTE: Do not drive the vehicle with the left and right
manual locking hubs set to different positions.
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[GF17150(R)05/96]
To shift from 4H to 2H:
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[GF17160(R)05/96]
Move the transfer case shift lever forward to the 2H position.
This can be done at any speed. However, the front driveline
will remain engaged to the front wheels until the manual
locking hubs are disengaged. To disengage the manual locking
hubs, stop the vehicle and rotate both hub lock selector knobs
counterclockwise to the FREE position.
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[GF17170(R)05/96]
Operating in 2H with the hubs in the LOCK position increases
fuel consumption, noise, vibration, and wear. For prolonged 2H
operation on dry pavement, set the manual locking hubs to the
FREE position.
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[GF17180(R)05/96]
To shift between 4H and 4L:
[GF17190(R)05/96]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic transmission into N
(Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles with a manual
transmission. Pull the transfer case shift lever to the left and
shift the transfer case to the desired 4H or 4L position. This
shift should be with one continuous motion without pausing in
the N position. Pausing in the neutral position can result in gear
clash and difficult shifting. If while shifting between 4H and 4L,
the transfer case gets stuck in the N position or is difficult to
shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be necessary to let the vehicle
roll slightly and/or turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions).
[GF17200(R)05/96]
To shift between N (Neutral) and either 4H or 4L
[GF17210(R)05/96]
To shift into N (Neutral), stop the vehicle and engage the
parking brake. Place the automatic transmission into N (Neutral)
or depress the clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, pull the transfer case shift lever to
the left and move the transfer case shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. The N (Neutral) position should only be used for
vehicle towing.
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190
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[GF28750(R)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
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[GF28801(R)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided the Gross
Combined Weight (GCW) is less than or equal to the GVWR
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing information found later
in this chapter.
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[GF28950(R)05/96]
Trailer Towing
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[GF29001(R)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety
and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for
the type of trailer you tow.
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[GF29025(R)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on the standard
and optional equipment on your vehicle. Refer to the following
Vehicle Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer Towing Tables
to determine the specific towing capability of your vehicle.
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[GF29050(R)01/96]
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Stay within the load limits when you tow.
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[GF29101(R)05/96]
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Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
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[GF29151(R)05/96]
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Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
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[GF29201(R)05/96]
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Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
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[GF29350(R)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
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Driving
193
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[GF30001(R)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing Information
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The following terms are used to describe the ability to carry or
tow a load:
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Base Curb Weight
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[GF30150(R)01/96]
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Payload
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[GF30200(R)01/96]
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GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
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[GF30250(R)01/96]
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GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
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[GF30301(R)01/96]
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GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
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[GF30310(R)01/96]
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
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[GF30320(R)01/96]
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Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
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[GF30330(R)01/96]
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Maximum Trailer Weight
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[GF30340(R)01/96]
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Trailer Weight Range
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[GF30351(R)01/96]
Base Curb Weight
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[GF30401(R)01/96]
The Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including
fuel, coolants, lubricants, emergency tools, spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that isstandardon that model. It
does not include passengers, cargo or optional equipment
installed by factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
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[GF30451(R)01/96]
Payload
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[GF30501(R)01/96]
Payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight of cargo,
occupants and optional equipment that the truck is designed to
carry. It is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the base curb
weight.
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[GF30550(R)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
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[GF30601(R)01/96]
If you add base curb weight and the weight of a load (including
passengers, cargo and optional equipment) being carried at a
particular time, you get the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
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Driving
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[GF31050(R)01/96]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles are rated at 10% lower load
carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
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[GF31101(R)01/96]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and rear
GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The GAWR of the
front and rear axles exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
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[GF31110(R)03/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
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[GF31120(R)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
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[GF31130(R)01/96]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the towing
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
The GCWR is specified by the manufacturer to indicate the
combined maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed
to tow.
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[GF31140(R)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
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[GF31150(R)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the maximum weight of a
trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and is determined by subtracting the vehicle curb
weight for each engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight of the driver
from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
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[GF31160(R)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight
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[GF31170(R)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight is the maximum weight of a trailer
the loaded vehicle is permitted to tow. It is determined by
subtracting the weight of the loaded towing vehicle (including
passengers and cargo) from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
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[GF31180(R)01/96]
Trailer Weight Range
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[GF31190(R)01/96]
The trailer weight range is a specified range by weight, which
the trailer must fall within, ranging from zero to the maximum
trailer weight rating.
[GF31250(R)01/96]
NOTE: Ranger pick-ups are not recommended for slide-in
camper usage.
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[GF31301(R)01/96]
Calculating The Load
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[GF31350(R)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
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[GF31401(R)03/96]
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Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance Certification
Label, and the Trailer towing specifications in the Owner
Guide (refer to the Index)
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[GF31450(R)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration to locate the
various ratings on your Safety Compliance Certification
Label.
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[GF31501(R)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do not include
these ratings into your calculations.
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[GF31550(R)01/96]
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Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle
(without cargo).
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[GF31601(R)01/96]
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Subtract the total weight of passengers, driver and optional
equipment added by the factory, dealer or aftermarket
supplier to determine how much cargo weight you can carry.
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Driving
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[GF36500(R)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF36550(R)05/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
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[GF36600(R)01/96]
Hitches
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[GF36650(R)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a weight
carrying hitch and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer
tongue loads through the underbody structure. Use a
frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000
lb (907 kg).
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[GF36800(R)01/96]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a
hitch which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches
are acceptable if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
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[GF37000(R)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent noxious gases or water from entering.
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[GF38800(R)03/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the
automatic transmission gearshift into the 2 (Second) or 1 (Low)
position.
[GF38925(R)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
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[GF38950(R)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet for additional information.
[GF39000(R)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
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[GF39100(R)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
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[GF39200(R)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
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[GF39300(R)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
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[GF39400(R)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue
load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
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[GF39500(R)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km)
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
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[GF39600(R)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
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242
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[ER30000(R)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
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[ER30100(R)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[ER30300(R)01/96]
Ranger 4x2/4x4
[ER30500(R)04/96]
The recommended method to tow your Ranger is with flatbed
or wheel lift equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable.
[ER30700(R)01/96]
Ranger without rear bumper
[ER30900(R)01/96]
The recommended method to tow your Ranger is with flatbed
or wheel lift equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable. Be sure to remove the undervehicle spare tire before
attaching slingbelt towing equipment.
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Update:Thu Mar 20 08:56:46 1997

Roadside Emergencies
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[ER31000(R)01/96]
three fourths page
art:0090196-A*
[ER31200(R)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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Update:Thu Mar 20 08:56:46 1997