FORD 2005 Five Hundred v.1 - Manual (Page 160)

The following gives you a few more examples on how to calculate the
available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
• Another example for your vehicle with 1400 pounds of cargo and
luggage capacity. You decide to go golfing. You and your friends
average 220 pounds each and the golf bags weigh approximately
30 pounds each. Is there enough load capacity to carry you, 4 of
your friends and all the golf bags? The calculation would be:
1400 – (5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 – 1100 – 150 = 150 pounds; yes,
you have enough load capacity in your vehicle to transport 4 of your
friends and golf bags.
• A final example for your vehicle with 1400 pounds of cargo and
luggage capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up
cement from the local home improvement store to finish that patio
you have planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of the
vehicle with the rear seat folded down, you have room for 12–100
pound bags of cement. Do you have enough load capacity to transport
the cement to your home? If you and your friend each wighed 220
pounds, the calculation would be: 1400 – (2 x 220) - (12 x 100) =
1400 – 440 – 1200 = –40 pounds; no, you do not have enough cargo
capacity to carry that much weight. You will need to reduce the load
weight by at least 240 pounds. If you remove 3–100 pound cement
bags, then the load calculation would be:
1400 – (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 – 440 – 900 = 60 pounds; now you
have the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home.
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 Certification label
found on the driver’s door.
TRAILER 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 a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Ford Five Hundred (500), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),
Market: USA_English (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
160