Ford Excursion (2000 year). Manual — part 32

to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added to the
cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve capacity
(FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front axle reserve
capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e. restrict the
number of passengers or amount of cargo carried).

You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.

Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and Front and rear
gross axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these
limitations be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.

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

the Driving chapter of this owner guide.

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, 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 has the capability to 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.

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow

1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.

2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.

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3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.

If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).

Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.

Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.

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.

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4x2 w/automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

5.4L

3.73

5 896 (13 000)

2 812 (6 200)

6.8L

3.73

7 711 (17 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

4.30

8 164 (18 000)

4 536 (10 000)

4x4 w/automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

5.4L

4.10

6 577 (14 500)

3 265 (7 200)

6.8L

3.73

7 711 (17 000)

4 354 (9 600)

6.8L

4.30

8 164 (18 000)

4 536 (10 000)

The frame mounted hitch receiver is non-removable.

Towing a Class IV trailer (extra heavy duty) 2 268–4 536 kg
(5 001–10 000 lbs.) trailer weight requires a weight-distributing
or fifth-wheel hitch.

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

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,

structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.

Trailer towing table

4x2 with automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

5.4L

3.73

5 896 (13 000)

2 812 (6 200)

6.8L

3.73

7 711 (17 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

4.30

8 164 (18 000)

4 536 (10 000)

7.3L

(Diesel)

3.73

8 164 (18 000)

4 536 (10 000)

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129

4x4 with automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

5.4L

4.10

6 577 (14 500)

3 265 (7 200)

6.8L

3.73

7 711 (17 000)

4 354 (9 600)

6.8L

4.30

8 164 (18 000)

4 536 (10 000)

7.3L

(Diesel)

3.73

8 164 (18 000)

4 536 (10 000)

The frame mounted hitch receiver is non-removable.

Towing a Class IV trailer (extra heavy duty) 2 268–4 536 kg
(5 001–10 000 lbs.) trailer weight requires a weight-distributing
or fifth-wheel hitch.

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 0–13 mm (1/2 inch) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 3.

Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle
is lower or higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function

of the load equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.

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