2011 Ford Taurus Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 232

Tires, Wheels and Loading In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (9 x 45 kg) = 635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kg. The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance Certification Label found on the edge of the driver's door. TRAILER TOWING Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety and to maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing. Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 1,000 lb (454 kg) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 100 lb (45 kg). Do not tow with the Taurus SHO; it is not rated to tow a trailer. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing: • Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles (800 km). • Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer. • Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications. • Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to tow in this chapter. • Stay within your vehicle's load limits. • 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 Special operating conditions in your scheduled maintenance. For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on calculating your vehicle's load, refer to Vehicle loading - with and without a trailer in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight. WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label. 232 2011 Taurus Owners Guide, 3rd Printing USA (fus)