1997 Ford Aerostar Owner's Manual - Page 189

that you can load 83 pounds (38 kgs) of options on the front axle, add 150 pound (68 kgs) passengers to all seating positions, and add evenly distributed cargo in the box without exceeding the GAWR F. It is possible to hang heavier equipment on the front as long as the vehicle owner/operator compensates. This can be accomplished, if necessary, by carrying fewer passengers, less cargo or positioning cargo more toward the rear, which has the effect of reducing the load on the front. Keep in mind that the GAWR F, GAWR R, nor the GVWR should ever be exceeded. Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If, for example, this value is given as 112 pounds (51 kgs), does this mean that you are limited to adding 112 pounds (51 kgs) of accessories to your vehicle? Yes, that is correct for permanently installed accessories. This is a number that is related to government crash test standards. Therefore, no more than this weight should be permanently installed on your vehicle. In the case of both these numbers (83 and 112 pounds) (38 and 51 kgs), the important thing to remember is that for safe operation, an owner/operator should calculate the amount and the distribution of all weights (passengers, accessory equipment and cargo). These combined weights should fall below the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR. Trailers Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the tongue (usually 10% of the trailer weight). Load-equalizing hitches on large rigs may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's axles. This weight must be included in capacity calculations when determining if the vehicle is loaded within safe limits. 189