Chevrolet 2009 Equinox Owner's Manual page 272

Certification Label
A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label is found
on the rear edge of the driver's door, or on
the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar).
The label shows the size of your original tires and
the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel, and cargo.
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The Certification/Tire label also tells you the
maximum weights for the front and rear axles,
called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads on your front and rear
axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh
your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this.
Be sure to spread out your load equally on both
sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
CAUTION:
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Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or
either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of the vehicle.
Notice Overloading your vehicle may cause
:
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.