Ford 1996 Windstar Manual page 253

Driving Your Windstar
Payload
Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight
of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is
designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus
the base curb weight.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. The GVWR is the
maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded
including passengers, cargo and all equipment.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on the axle system.
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