Ford Low Cab Forward (Ford year). Manual — part 21

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment,
passengers and cargo). The GVWR is shown on the Vehicle Rating Decal
located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The GVW must
never exceed the GVWR.

Exceeding the vehicle weight rating limits listed on the Vehicle
Rating Decal could result in substandard vehicle handling or

performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.

GCW (Gross Combined Weight) – is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicles’ braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing
vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle. The
GCW must never exceed the GCWR.

Tongue Load – refers to the amount of the weight that a trailer pushes
down on a trailer hitch.

Example: For a 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg) conventional trailer, multiply 5,000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lb.
(227 to 340 kg).

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Vehicle
Rating Decal.

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR

and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

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Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.

TRAILER TOWING

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

Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
2nd unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings. The
weight of the additional “body” must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.

Provided the vehicle’s GAWR, GVWR and GCWR are not exceeded, your
vehicle may tow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth wheel trailer of
up to 12,500 lbs. To calculate the maximum trailer weight your vehicle
can tow, subtract the towing vehicle’s actual loaded weight from its
GCWR. For example, if your vehicle has a 26,000 lbs. (11,794 kg) GCWR
and your loaded vehicle’s actual weight is 16,000 lbs (7,258 kg), then the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow is 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg).

Note: The maximum allowable trailer weight is not to exceed 12,500 lbs
(5,670 kg). There may be some instances where your vehicle is lightly
loaded or empty and the calculated maximum trailer weight exceeds
12,500 lbs (5,670 kg). In these instances, the maximum allowable trailer
weight is limited to a maximum of 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg).

Note: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Vehicle
Rating Decal.

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.

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Model

Maximum

GVWR - lbs.

(kg)*

Maximum

GCWR - lbs.

(kg)

LCF

15000 (6804)

26000 (11794)

16000 (7258)

26000 (11794)

17950 (8142)

26000 (11794)

17999 (8164)

26000 (11794)

19500 (8845)

26000 (11794)

* Refer to your Vehicle Rating Decal for your vehicle’s GVWR.

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.

Hitches

Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

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.

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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.

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

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.
Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter 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.

• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

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