Ford Windstar Owner's Manual page 234

Understanding Loading Information
There are five terms that are used to describe a vehicle's ability
to carry a load:
Base Curb Weight
Payload
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
Base Curb Weight
The base curb weight is the weight of the vehicle including fuel,
coolants, lubricants, emergency tools and spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that is standard. It does not
include passengers, cargo or optional equipment installed by
factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
Payload
Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight
of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is
designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus
the base curb weight.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
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