1996 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual - Page 277

Driving Your Explorer GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the loaded trailer. The GCWR is specified by the manufacturer to indicate the combined maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed to tow. Maximum Trailer Weight Rating The maximum trailer weight rating is the maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow. It is specified by the manufacturer and is determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing vehicle. Maximum Trailer Weight The maximum trailer weight is the maximum weight of a trailer the loaded vehicle is permitted to tow. It is determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) from the GCWR for the towing vehicle. Trailer Weight Range The trailer weight range is a specified range by weight, which the trailer must fall within, ranging from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating. Calculating The Load To know how much weight your vehicle can carry: s Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance Certification Label, and the Trailer towing specifications in the owner guide (refer to the Index) - Refer to the following sample illustration to locate the various ratings on your Safety Compliance Certification Label. 277