1997 Mercury Mountaineer Owner's Manual - Page 111
1997 Mercury Mountaineer Manual
Page 111 highlights
Driving 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. Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury. Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow 1. Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to find the axle code number and engine type for your vehicle. 2. Use the appropriate maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle ratio. 3. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks. 4. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow and must fall 111