Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Gvwr); Gross Axle Weight Rating (Gawr); Overloading; Loading - Chrysler 300c Owner's Manual

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182 STARTING AND OPERATING
The label contains the following information:
Name of manufacturer

Month and year of manufacture


Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)


Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Type of vehicle

Month, Day, and Hour of manufacture (MDH)

The bar code allows a computer scanner to read
the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, and
cargo. The total load must be limited so that you
do not exceed the GVWR.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it
is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

Overloading

The load carrying components (axle, springs,
tires, wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not
exceed the GVWR and the front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of
your vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded
and ready for operation. Weigh it on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of
the vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.

Loading

To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side.
Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible.
Stow all loose items securely before driving. If
weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load
is within the specified GVWR, you must redis-
tribute the weight. Improper weight distribution
can have an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.
NOTE:
Refer to the "Vehicle Certification Label"

affixed to the rear of the driver's door for your
vehicle's GVWR and GAWRs.
Refer to the "Tire Placard" for your vehicle's

proper tire pressure.

TRAILER TOWING

In this section you will find safety tips and infor-
mation on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow
your load as efficiently and safely as possible.