1997 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 135

1997 Ford Explorer Manual

Page 135 highlights

Driving • GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - Carrying capacity for each axle system (front and rear). The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver door pillar. • GCW (Gross Combined Weight) - The GCW is the maximum combined weight of the towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the loaded trailer. The GCW is specified by the manufacturer to indicate the combined maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed to tow. Payload = GVWR minus Base curb weight To obtain the correct weights for your vehicle, try taking your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks. Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the originals because they might lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR. (Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR or the GAWR limitations.) In high altitudes, engines will lose power at a rate of 3% power per 300 m (1000 ft) increase in elevation. A reduction in GVW and GCW is recommended for maximum vehicle performance. 136

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GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) —
Carrying capacity
for each axle system (front and
rear). The GAWR is specific to
each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label on the driver door pillar.
GCW (Gross Combined
Weight) —
The GCW is the
maximum combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including
passengers and cargo) and the
loaded trailer. The GCW is
specified by the manufacturer to
indicate the combined maximum
loaded weight that the vehicle is
designed to tow.
Payload = GVWR minus Base
curb weight
To obtain the correct weights for
your vehicle, try taking your
vehicle to a shipping company or
an inspection station for trucks.
Do not use replacement tires with
lower weight capacities than the
originals because they might lower
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR.
(Replacement tires with a higher
weight limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR or the
GAWR limitations.)
In high altitudes, engines will lose
power at a rate of 3% power per
300 m (1000 ft) increase in
elevation. A reduction in GVW and
GCW is recommended for
maximum vehicle performance.
Driving
136