Ford F150 2003 Owners Manual

Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping....

Do not use “aftermarket lift kits” or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These “aftermarket lift kits” could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
You should carefully observe the...

Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep...

•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required...

Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type...

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x2 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.31 4077 (9000) 2132 (4700)
4.2L 3.55 4530 (10000) 2585 (5700)
4.6L 3.08 4530 (10000) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 4763 (10500) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.55...

Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x2 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1588 (3500)
4.6L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1315 (2900)
4.6L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1588 (3500)
SuperCab 4x2 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1497 (3300)
4.6L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1179 (2600)
4.6L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1452 (3200)
Engine Rear axle...

Engine Rear axle
ratio/tire size -
cm (inches)Maximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
5.4L 3.31/40.6 (16) 5443 (12000) 3175 (7000)
5.4L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5897 (13000) 3628 (8000)/
3447 (7600)
5.4L 3.55/43.2 (17) 5670 (12500) 3401 (7500)/
3221 (7100)
5.4L 3.73/40.6 (16) 6124 (13500) 3719 (8200)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWR
-kg(lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x4 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1179 (2600)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1452 (3200)
4.6L 3.31 3265...

Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1....

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up...