1996 Ford F150 Owner's Manual - Page 214

Driving With a Heavy Load There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle. The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher weight limit than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations. RWARNING If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged or you may lose control and injure someone. Heavy duty front suspension package (option) This optional front suspension package is designed to handle the additional loads that will be imposed on the vehicle by adding aftermarket equipment, such as a snowplow. Refer to the Safety Compliance Certification Label for details. Securing loads in cargo area To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab, secure any movable cargo pieces using ropes or straps and the tie down holes in the stake pockets of the steel pickup box or the tie-down bars in the flareside pickup box. 212