1997 Mercury Mountaineer Owner's Manual - Page 110
1997 Mercury Mountaineer Manual
Page 110 highlights
Driving Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the original because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations. TRAILER TOWING Your vehicle may tow a Class I or II trailer provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio. See the Trailer towing table later in this chapter. Do not exceed the maximum loads stated on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. Refer to Vehicle loading for a definition of the terms on the label. Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle. Distribute the trailer load so that only 10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the hitch. Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components carefully before and after any towing operation. 110