1997 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 188

Driving WARNING Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are NOT designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Driving With a Heavy Load There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry or tow. 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. The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations. WARNING Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. Securing Loads in Cargo Area To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab, secure any movable cargo pieces using ropes or straps and the tie down holes in the stake pockets of the steel pickup box or the tiedown brackets inside the pickup box. The Splash pickup box contains additional tie-down hooks to secure cargo. 187