1996 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 240

Driving With a Heavy Load There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry. 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. You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the left front door lock facing or on the door latch post pillar. Usage of replacement tires with a higher weight limit than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations and is not recommended. 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. Towing Behind Another Vehicle - Recreational Vehicle Towing an automatic transaxle vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a Recreational Vehicle (RV), is not recommended unless a front wheel dolly is used. Do not tow your automatic transaxle with the front wheels on the ground or transaxle damage may occur. 240