1998 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 127

Driving • Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to tow in this chapter. • Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving while you tow in this chapter. • Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the severe duty schedule in the ''Service Guide''. • Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles). • Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications. Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer to Vehicle loading in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight. Trailer towing table (4x2 manual transmission) GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer weights Rear Maximum Trailer weight Maximum Engine axle GCWR-kg range-kg (lbs.) frontal area of ratio (lbs.) (0-Maximum) trailer-m2 (ft2) 2-door 4.0L EFI 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-907 (0-2 000) 4.64 (50) 4.0L EFI 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 424 (0-3 140) 4.64 (50) 4-door 4.0L EFI 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-880 (0-1 940) 4.64 (50) 4.0L EFI 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 325 (0-2 920) 4.64 (50) Notes: -For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1 800 ft) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table and instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer to Vehicle loading in this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the GCWR. Towing a trailer over 907 kg (2 000 lbs.) requires a weight distributing hitch. 127