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ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
This is the most a particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be
provided. For motorhomes, in the same location as the certification label described above, there is a
vehicle placard in the entry door frame. This placard provides tire and loading information. In addition,
this placard will show the vehicle's seating capacity for people and a statement regarding maximum
cargo capacity.
Cargo Capacities
For motorhomes, cargo can be added to the vehicle, up to the maximum weight specified on the
placard. For motorized vehicles, the combined weight of passengers and cargo is provided as a single
number. If fewer people are traveling, more cargo can be added. If more people are involved, the weight
of cargo must be reduced. In any case, remember: the total weight of a fully loaded vehicle, including
passengers, cannot exceed the stated GVWR.
For motorhomes, the water and propane also need to be considered. The weight of fully filled propane
containers is considered part of the weight of the RV before it is loaded with people or cargo and is not
considered part of the disposable cargo load. Water, however, is a cargo weight and is treated as such. If
there If there is a fresh water storage tank of 50 gallons, this tank when filled would weigh about 400
pounds. If more cargo or people are being transported, water can be off-loaded to keep the total
amount of cargo added to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR so as not to overload the vehicle.
Understanding this flexibility will allow you to make choices that fit your travel and camping needs.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly to prevent overloading front to back and side
to side. Heavy items should be placed low and as close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too many
items on one side may overload a tire.
The best way to know the actual weight of the vehicle is to weigh it at a certified public scale. Talk to
your RV dealer to discuss the weighing methods needed to determine the various weights related to the
RV. This would include weights for the following: axles, wheels, hitch and total weight.
How Overloading Affects Your RV and Tires
The results of overloading can have serious consequences for passenger safety. Too much weight on
your vehicle's suspension system can cause spring, shock absorber, or brake failure, handling or steering
problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
An overloaded vehicle is hard to drive and hard to stop. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail
completely, particularly on steep hills. The load a tire will safely carry is a combination of the size of tire,
its load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Excessive loads and/or under-inflation cause tire overloading and, as a result, abnormal tire flexing
occurs. This situation can generate an excessive amount of heat within the tire. Excessive heat may lead
to tire wear and eventually tire failure.
It is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the load, so proper inflation is critical. Since RVs can
be configured and loaded in many ways, air pressures must be determined from actual loads
(determined by weighing) and taken from the load and inflation tables provided by the tire
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