Ford 2006 Escape Hybrid Owner's Manual page 185

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle
(including all options, equipment,
passengers and cargo). The GVWR
is shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label
located on the B-Pillar or the edge
of the driver's door. The GVW
must never exceed the GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety
Compliance Certification
Label vehicle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle
handling or performance, engine,
transmission and/or structural
damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and
personal injury.
GCW (Gross Combined Weight) – is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle's braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR.) Separate functional brakes should be used for
safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight – is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
Tires, Wheels and Loading
185