Gvwr And Gawr (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating And Gross Axle Weight Rating) - Subaru 2002 Forester Owner's Manual

Starting and operating
J GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)
Certification plate
HS0143
The certification plate attached to the driver's side door jamb shows
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must never exceed the GVWR. GVW is
the combined total of weight of the vehicle, fuel, driver, all passengers,
luggage, any optional equipment and trailer tongue load. Therefore, the
GVW changes depending on the situation. The GVWR equals Curb
Weight (actual weight of your vehicle – including standard equipment,
fluids, emergency tools and spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle capac-
ity weight.
In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never
exceed the GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocat-
ing luggage inside the vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than the vehicle capacity
weight, either front or rear GAW may exceed the GAWR, depending on
the distribution of the luggage.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should confirm that GVW and
front and rear GAWs are within the GVWR and GAWR by putting your
vehicle on a vehicle scale, found at a commercial weighing station.
Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range than the originals
because they may lower the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement
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