Loading Your Vehicle - GMC C series 2002 Owner's Manual

Loading Your Vehicle

There is a GVW Rating label on your vehicle that shows
how much weight it may properly carry. It also 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 GVW Rating label is provided by the final
manufacturer and should be on the door or door jamb.
It also tells you the maximum weights for the front and
rear axles, called 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.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your 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 your vehicle.