Vehicle Loading; Trailer Towing; Maximum Towing Capacity - Suzuki VITARA series Owner's Manual

VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING

Vehicle loading

Your vehicle was designed for specific
weight capacities. The weight capacities of
your vehicle are indicated by the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the
Permissible maximum Axle Weight (PAW,
front and rear). The GVWR and PAW (front
and rear) are listed in "SPECIFICATIONS"
section.
GVWR – Maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including
all the occupants, accessories and cargo
plus the trailer nose weight if towing a
trailer).
PAW (front and rear) – Maximum permissi-
ble weight on an individual axle.
Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and
actual loads at the front and rear axles can
only be determined by weighing the vehi-
cle. Compare these weights to the GVWR
and PAW (front and rear). If the gross vehi-
cle weight or the load on either axle
exceeds these ratings, you must remove
enough weight to bring the load down to
the rated capacity.
6-1
WARNING
Never overload your vehicle. The
gross vehicle weight (sum of the
weights of the vehicle, all the occu-
pants, accessories, cargo plus trailer
nose weight if towing a trailer) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). In addition,
never distribute a load so that the
weight on either the front or rear axle
exceeds the Permissible maximum
Axle Weight (PAW).
WARNING
Always distribute cargo evenly. To
avoid personal injury or damage to
your vehicle, always secure cargo to
prevent it from shifting if the vehicle
moves suddenly. Place heavier
objects on the floor and as far for-
ward in the cargo area as possible.
Never pile cargo higher than the top
of the seat backs.

Trailer towing

While towing a trailer can adversely affect
handling, durability and fuel economy. Your
vehicle can be used to tow a trailer which
does not exceed the towing capacity spec-
ified below:

Maximum towing capacity

(trailer, cargo & tow bar)
M16A engine model
Braked trailer: 1200 kg (2646 lbs)
Unbraked trailer: 400 kg (882 lbs)
D16AA engine model
Braked trailer: 1500 kg (3307 lbs)
Unbraked trailer: 600 kg (1323 lbs)
54P00-01E
60A185