Ford E-250 (2006 year). Manual — part 33

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights

Engine

Rear

axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - lb.

(kg)

Maximum

Loaded

Trailer Weight

- lb. (kg)

Maximum

frontal area of

trailer - ft

2

(m

2

)

E-350 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase) (11000 GVWR)

5.4L

4.10

13000

(5897)

8400 (3810)

60 (5.52)

6.8L

4.10

18500

(8391)

10000 (4536)

60 (5.52)

E-350 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)

5.4L

4.10

13000

(5897)

8400 (3810)

60 (5.52)

6.8L

4.10

18500

(8391)

10000 (4536)

60 (5.52)

E-350 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase) (11000 GVWR)

5.4L

4.10

13000

(5897)

8400 (3810)

60 (5.52)

6.8L

4.10

18500

(8391)

10000 (4536)

60 (5.52)

E-450 Cutaway (158” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)

6.8L

4.56

20000

(9072)

10000 (4536)

60 (5.52)

E-450 Cutaway (176” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)

6.8L

4.56

20000

(9072)

10000 (4536)

60 (5.52)

E-450 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)

5.4L

4.56

14050

(6373)

9200 (4173)

60 (5.52)

6.8L

4.56

18500

(8391)

10000 (4536)

60 (5.52)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

133

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights

Engine

Rear

axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - lb.

(kg)

Maximum

Loaded

Trailer Weight

- lb. (kg)

Maximum

frontal area of

trailer - ft

2

(m

2

)

E-450 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)

5.4L

4.56

14050

(6372)

9200 (4173)

60 (5.52)

6.8L

4.56

18500

(8391)

10000 (4536)

60 (5.52)

Maximum trailer weight for all cutaway (E-350 and E-450) vehicles
must be calculated by subtracting the weight of the vehicle (including
incomplete vehicle weight and payload which includes second unit
body weight, cargo and passengers) from the GCW. Otherwise,
maximum trailer weight is 10,000 lb. (4536 kg).

For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300
meters) elevation.
To determine the maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle as equipped, follow the section Vehicle loading earlier in this
chapter.

Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.

Distribute the load so that only 10–15% of the total is on the tongue. Tie
down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.

Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.

Note: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in

engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

134

Preparing to tow

Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance.

Hitches

Do not use or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.

Safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.

Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.

Trailer brakes

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough

braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.

The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.

Using a step bumper (if equipped)

The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000
lb. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue weight capacity.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

135

If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first

500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) for the first 500 miles (800 km) of

towing and do not perform fast accelerations from a stop during this
time.

• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist

in transmission cooling.

• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive
OFF) on moderately steep hills, Second (2) on steep hills, and First (1)
on very steep hills. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for more information.

Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

136