1997 Ford F150 Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 115

Driving steady pressure on the brake pedal. Allow more stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider using one of the lower gears. VEHICLE LOADING It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms: • Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment. • Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers and optional equipment. The payload equals gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) minus base curb weight. • Gross vehicle weight (GVW): Base curb weight plus the payload weight (including passengers, cargo and optional 116