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VEHICLE LOADING
G
V
W
R
ROSS
EHICLE
EIGHT
(GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total
permissible weight of your vehicle including driver,
passengers, vehicle, options and cargo. The label also
specifies maximum capacities of front and rear axle
systems Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Total load must
be limited so GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not
exceeded.
P
AYLOAD
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
G
A
W
R
ROSS
XLE
EIGHT
ATING
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles, or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for
increased durability, do not necessarily increase the
vehicle's GVWR.
T
S
IRE
IZE
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
ATING
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
R
S
IM
IZE
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
I
P
NFLATION
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR).
C
W
URB
EIGHT
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
(GAWR)
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
L
OADING
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
RESSURE
STARTING AND OPERATING
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to ensure that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) has not been exceeded. The weight on the front
and rear of the vehicle should then be determined
separately to be sure that the load is properly distributed
over the front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle may
show that the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
heavier items down low and be sure that the weight is
distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or
the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Also overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information 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.
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