1997 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 192

Driving Vehicle Loading/Towing Information Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space with large or heavy loads. Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire, rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. The Certification Label is located on the left front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar. Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most owners start with a base vehicle and add production and dealer installed and/or aftermarket components to suit their tastes and purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for personal transportation only are likely to have considerable optional equipment, such as step bumpers and light bars, for example. WARNING It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will suffer and service concerns may arise. 191