Ford F-150 Heritage (2004 year). Manual — part 32

Cargo Weight – includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.

GAW (Gross Axle Weight) – is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the driver’s door or door pillar. The total load on each
axle must never exceed its GAWR.

Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,

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

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GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) – is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.

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
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the driver’s
door or door pillar. The GVW
must never exceed the GVWR.

Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,

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

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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 vehicle’s 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 or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight – refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.

Examples: For a 5,000 lbs. (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 lbs. (227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lbs. (5,216 kg) fifth wheel trailer,
multiply by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725
to 2,875 lbs. (782 to 1,304 kg)

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

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.

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, wheel size 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.

TRAILER TOWING

Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III 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 periodically during, and after any towing operation.

Exceeding the maximum GCWR could result in extensive damage
to your vehicle and personal injury.

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