Driving With A Heavy Load; Using A Luggage Rack - Ford 2001 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual

Driving
It is extremely dangerous to
ride in a cargo area, inside
or outside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these
areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed. Do not
allow people to ride in any area of
your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be
sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a safety belt
properly.

Driving with a heavy load

The total weight of the vehicle plus
the total weight of passengers and
cargo should never exceed the
GVWR.
The weight that the vehicle carries
over the front and rear axles should
never exceed the GAWR for the
respective axle.
The weight limits of your vehicle's
tires affect the GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Using tires with higher
weight limits than the original tires
will not increase the GVWR or
GAWR of your vehicle; using tires
with lower weight limits may lower
the GVWR or GAWR of your
vehicle.

Using a luggage rack

The sunroof opens to the outside.
When placing a luggage rack or any
load on the roof, ensure there is
proper clearance before opening
the sunroof.