Ford Excursion (2005 year). Manual — part 40

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

The following gives you a few more examples on how to calculate the
available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
• Another example for your vehicle with 1400 pounds of cargo and

luggage capacity. You decide to go golfing. You and your friends
average 220 pounds each and the golf bags weigh approximately 30
pounds each. Is there enough load capacity to carry you, 4 of your
friends and all the golf bags? The calculation would be: 1400 – (5 x
220) – (5 x 30) = 1400 – 1100 – 150 = 150 pounds; yes, you have
enough load capacity in your vehicle to transport 4 of your friends and
golf bags.

• A final example for your vehicle with 1400 pounds of cargo and

luggage capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up
cement from the local home improvement store to finish that patio
you have planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of the
vehicle with the rear seat folded down, you have room for 12-100
pound bags of cement. Do you have enough load capacity to transport
the cement to your home? If you and your friend each wighed 220
pounds, the calculation would be: 1400 – (2 x 220) – (12 x 100) =
1400 – 440 – 1200 = – 40 pounds; no, you do not have enough cargo
capacity to carry that much weight. You will need to reduce the load
weight by at least 240 pounds. If you remove 3-100 pound cement
bags, then the load calculation would be:

1400 – (2 x 220) – (9 x 100) = 1400 – 440 – 900 = 60 pounds; now you
have the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home.

The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Certification label
found on the driver’s door.

Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles

For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see the Preparing to drive your vehicle section in

this chapter.

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Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping

distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.

TRAILER TOWING

Your vehicle may tow a Conventional/Class IV trailer provided the
maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer
weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.

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

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.

The hitch receiver was designed not to be removed. Any
modification or removal of the hitch receiver compromises the
safety benefit it was designed to provide.

4x2 w/automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle ratio

Maximum

GCWR-lb. (kg)

Maximum

trailer

weight-lb. (kg)

5.4L

3.73

13000 (5897)

6100 (2766)

5.4L

4.10

14500 (6350)

7600 (3466)

6.8L

3.73

17000 (7711)

10000 (4536)

6.8L

4.30

20000 (9072)

11000 (4988)

4x4 w/automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle ratio

Maximum

GCWR-kg (lb.)

Maximum

trailer

weight-kg (lb.)

5.4L

4.10

14500 (6350)

7100 (3220)

6.8L

3.73

17000 (7711)

9600 (4354)

6.8L

4.30

20000 (9072)

11000 (4988)

The frame mounted hitch receiver is non-removable.

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Towing a Class IV trailer (extra heavy duty) 5,001–11,000 lb.
(2,268–4,536 kg) trailer weight requires a weight-distributing
hitch.

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.

Preparing to tow

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

Load equalizing hitch

When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:

1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.

2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.

3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within

1

⁄

2

” (13 mm) of the reference point.

After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in
Step 2.

Note: Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load
equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.

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.

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164

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
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.

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

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, activate the Tow/Haul (if

equipped) feature. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For
additional information, refer to the Understanding the positions of
the 5–speed automatic transmission section in this chapter.

• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.

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