Chrysler Journey User Manual page 200

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 maxi-
mum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving
condition can result if either rating is ex-
ceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle
and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs,
tires, wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
198
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 dis-
tribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety haz-
ards and shorten useful service life. Heavier
axles or suspension components do not nec-
essarily 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.
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.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the re-
quirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer
towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo, and tongue weight. The total load must
be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.