1997 Ford F350 Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 187
1997 Ford F350 Manual
Page 187 highlights
NOTE: The Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label has two weight related entries that sometimes cause confusion. Front Axle Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If this value is given as 83 pounds (38 kgs) on the label, does this mean that you are limited to adding only 83 pounds (38 kgs) of accessories to the front end capacity? Not exactly. This says that you can load 83 pounds (38 kgs) of options on the front axle, add 150 pound (68 kgs) passengers to all seating positions, and add evenly distributed cargo in the box without exceeding the GAWR F. It is possible to hang heavier equipment on the front as long as the vehicle owner/operator compensates. This can be accomplished, if necessary, by carrying fewer passengers, less cargo or positioning cargo more toward the rear, which has the effect of reducing the load on the front. Keep in mind that the GAWR F, GAWR R, nor the GVWR should ever be exceeded. Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If, for example, this value is given as 112 pounds (51 kgs), does this mean that you are limited to adding 112 pounds (51 kgs) of accessories to your vehicle? Yes that is correct for permanently installed accessories. This is a number that is related to government crash test standards. Therefore, no more than this weight should be permanently installed on your vehicle. In the case of both these numbers (83 and 112 pounds) (38 and 51 kgs), the important thing to remember is that for safe operation, an owner/operator should calculate the amount and the distribution of all weights (passengers, accessory equipment and cargo). These combined weights should fall below the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR. 187