weight FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual

128
[SS12900(R)01/96]
The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel. The
right front passenger seat air bag (if equipped) is in the upper
right hand section of the instrument panel ledge above the
glove compartment.
*
[SS13010(R)05/96]
If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the severity of the impact
and activate the air bags if necessary. The air bag system is
designed to deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions more
severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of similar size and weight)
head-on at about 28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses
the crash severity rather than vehicle speed, some frontal
collisions at speeds above 28 mph (45 km/h) will not inflate the
air bag.
*
[SS13020(R)05/96]
When the sensors activate the system, the air bags inflate
rapidly, filling with non-toxic nitrogen gas in a fraction of a
second. Immediately after inflation, the air bags deflate by
releasing the nitrogen gas through vent holes. The whole
process takes place in a matter of seconds.
[SS13025(R)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the
air bag cover on the steering wheel or in front seat areas
that may come in contact with a deploying air bag.
Failure to follow this instruction may increase the risk of
personal injury in the event of a collision.
*
[SS13030(R)05/96]
RWARNING
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation.
Do not try to touch them after inflation.
File:06unssr.ex
Update:Fri Mar 21 09:43:41 1997

Seating and Safety Restraints
133
*
[SS15025(R)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
%*
[SS15900(R)01/96]
Safety Seats for Children
*
[SS16000(R)01/96]
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight
of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing and using the safety seat.
*
[SS16015(R)01/96]
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top
tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position
which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps seeAttaching Safety Seats With
Tether Strapsin this chapter.
*
[SS16025(R)05/96]
When installing a child safety seat, be sure to use the correct
safety belt buckle for that seating position, and make sure the
tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. For a shoulder/lap
belt combination with a sliding tongue, make sure the retractor
is in the automatic locking mode.
*
[SS16090(R)05/96]
All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or by the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.
*
[SS16250(R)01/96]
RWARNING
Seatbacks should be upright for use with child safety
seats.
File:06unssr.ex
Update:Fri Mar 21 09:43:41 1997

190
*
[GF28750(R)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[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.
*
[GF28950(R)05/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[GF29050(R)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF29101(R)05/96]
n
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.)
*
[GF29151(R)05/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29201(R)05/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29350(R)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997

Driving
193
*
[GF30001(R)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing Information
*
[GF30050(R)01/96]
The following terms are used to describe the ability to carry or
tow a load:
*
[GF30101(R)01/96]
n
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF30150(R)01/96]
n
Payload
*
[GF30200(R)01/96]
n
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[GF30250(R)01/96]
n
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
*
[GF30301(R)01/96]
n
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
*
[GF30310(R)01/96]
n
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF30320(R)01/96]
n
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[GF30330(R)01/96]
n
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[GF30340(R)01/96]
n
Trailer Weight Range
*
[GF30351(R)01/96]
Base Curb Weight
*
[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.
*
[GF30451(R)01/96]
Payload
*
[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.
*
[GF30550(R)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[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).
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997

194
*
[GF30650(R)01/96]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a limit or a
specification.If an owner loads up a vehicle and weighs it, that's
the GVW at that moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW.
%*
[GF30701(R)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[GF30750(R)01/96]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner should observe the
manufacturer's specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The
GVWR is the maximum total weight of base vehicle, passengers,
optional components and cargo that a particular vehicle was
designed to carry.
%*
[GF30801(R)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF30850(R)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
*
[GF30901(R)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the carrying capacity for each axle system. For trucks,
the rear axle will be designed to carry more weight than the
front.
*
[GF30950(R)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of thelowest rated
axle and suspension component as well as other factors. This is
why it's so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[GF31001(R)01/96]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of the axle and
suspension system, which is to be considered when determining
the lowest rated component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire pressure.
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997

Driving
195
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[GF31120(R)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[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.
*
[GF31140(R)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[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.
*
[GF31160(R)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[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.
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997

196
*
[GF31180(R)01/96]
Trailer Weight Range
*
[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.
%*
[GF31301(R)01/96]
Calculating The Load
*
[GF31350(R)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[GF31401(R)03/96]
n
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance Certification
Label, and the Trailer towing specifications in the Owner
Guide (refer to the Index)
*
[GF31450(R)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration to locate the
various ratings on your Safety Compliance Certification
Label.
*
[GF31501(R)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do not include
these ratings into your calculations.
*
[GF31550(R)01/96]
n
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle
(without cargo).
*
[GF31601(R)01/96]
n
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.
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997

198
*
[GF31751(R)01/96]
Use this chart to perform your calculations.
[GF31801(R)01/96]
twenty-six pica
chart:0090124-A*
[GF31851(R)01/96]
NOTE: The Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label has
two weight related entries that sometimes cause
confusion.
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997

Driving
199
*
[GF31901(R)01/96]
Front Axle Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If this value is
given as 83 pounds (38 kgs) on the label, does this mean that
you are limited to adding only 83 pounds (38 kgs) of
accessories to the front end capacity? Not exactly. This says that
you can load 83 pounds (38 kgs) of options on the front axle,
add 150 pound (68 kgs) passengers to all seating positions, and
add evenly distributed cargo in the box without exceeding the
GAWR F.
*
[GF31950(R)01/96]
It is possible to hang heavier equipment on the front as long as
the vehicle owner/operator compensates. This can be
accomplished, if necessary, by carrying fewer passengers, less
cargo or positioning cargo more toward the rear, which has the
effect of reducing the load on the front. Keep in mind that the
GAWR F, GAWR R, nor the GVWR should ever be exceeded.
*
[GF32001(R)01/96]
Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If, for
example, this value is given as 112 pounds (51 kgs), does this
mean that you are limited to adding 112 pounds (51 kgs) of
accessories to your vehicle? Not exactly. This is a number that is
related to government crash test standards, and only indirectly
reflects on the amount of accessory weight that can be carried.
*
[GF32050(R)01/96]
In the case of both these numbers (83 and 112 pounds) (38 and
51 kgs), the important thing to remember is that for safe
operation, an owner/operator should calculate the amount and
the distribution of all weights (passengers, accessory equipment
and cargo). These combined weights should fall below the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR.
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997

Driving
211
*
[GF36500(R)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[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.
%*
[GF36600(R)01/96]
Hitches
*
[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).
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997