Ford Explorer Sport (2003 year). Manual — part 28

The Safety Certification Label, located on the driver’s door pillar, lists
vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment,
refer to these limitations.

Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment is
within the weight limitations, including both gross vehicle weight and
front and rear gross axle weight rating limits.

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

Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle

rollover, and/or personal injury.

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.

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.

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.

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow

1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in the Trailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.

2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.

3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.

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114

TRAILER TOWING

Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.

Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
• Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
• Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to

tow in this chapter.

• Use extra caution when driving with a trailer. Refer to Driving while

you tow in this chapter.

• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the

severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.

• Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km

(500 miles).

• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the

proper installation and adjustment specifications.

Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
to Vehicle loading in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight. Tongue load
should not exceed 10% of the loaded trailer.

4x2 w/automatic transmission

Engine

Rear

axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Trailer Weight

Range

(0-Maximum)

- kg (lbs.)

Maximum

frontal area of

trailer - m

2

(ft

2

)

4.0L

SOHC

All

4127 (9100)

0-2286

(0-5040)

4.64 (50)

Notes: For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to Vehicle loading in this chapter.

Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.

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115

4x2 w/manual transmission

Engine

Rear

axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Trailer Weight

Range

(0-Maximum)

- kg (lbs.)

Maximum

frontal area of

trailer - m

2

(ft

2

)

4.0L

SOHC

All

3175 (7000)

0-1361

(0-3000)

4.64 (50)

Notes: For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to Vehicle loading in this chapter.

4x4 w/automatic transmission

Engine

Rear

axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Trailer Weight

Range

(0-Maximum_

- kg (lbs.)

Maximum

frontal area of

trailer - m

2

(ft

2

)

4.0L

SOHC

All

4127 (9100)

0-2195

(0-4840)

4.64 (50)

Notes: For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to Vehicle loading in this chapter.

Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.

4x4 w/manual transmission

Engine

Rear

axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Trailer Weight

Range

(0-Maximum_

- kg (lbs.)

Maximum

frontal area of

trailer - m

2

(ft

2

)

4.0L

SOHC

All

3175 (7000)

0-1270

(0-2800)

4.64 (50)

Notes: For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to Vehicle loading in this chapter.

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116

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.

Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
1,588 kg (3,500 lb).

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. 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.

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 towing vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.

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117