Weight Terms - Monaco 2002 Diplomat Service Manual

Driving & Safety
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WEIGHT TERMS

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The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) stickers on the motorhome (normally located on the support
pillar next to the driver's seat) will show the chassis manufacturer's and/or
the RV manufacturer's total vehicle maximum weight ratings and per axle
weight rating.
The GVWR is the maximum total weight for which the motorhome is rated –
including passengers, fluids, and cargo. The GAWR is the maximum for which
a single axle is designed. These per axle and total maximum weight ratings
could be limited by the tires, wheels, axle and axle bearings, the motorhome
frame or other components of the motorhome.
The GAWR sticker is only a guide in knowing the maximum loaded axle
weights, and subsequently the correct tire inflation pressure. Every recreational
vehicle, even of the same make and model, will vary in actual loaded axle
weights because of different options and personal loads.
While the actual loaded axle weight should be below the GAWR, the
motorhome must be weighed in a loaded condition to know its actual weight.
Weigh the front axle, the total unit and the rear axle. It is possible for a
motorhome to be within the GVWR yet overloaded on an axle. It is even possible
for one wheel position to be overloaded, even though the GAWR has not been
exceeded. For this reason (if there is room to the sides of the scales) weigh
each wheel position of the motorhome. This will give a clear indication of
exactly how the weight of the motorhome is distributed. These instructions and
diagrams are presented on the following pages. When the total weight and the
weight on each axle is known, the tire load data chart in this manual will show
the correct cold inflation pressure per tire for each axle.
There are two important factors to consider when loading the motorhome:
total weight and balance. When loading heavy objects keep them as low as
possible, preferably on the floor. Load weight must be distributed as evenly as
possible. The following is an explanation of commonly used weight
abbreviations.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): GVWR means maxi-
mum permissible weight of this motorhome. GVWR is equal to or
greater than the sum of UVW plus NCC.
• Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): UVW means weight of this
motorhome as built at factory with full fuel, engine oil and
coolants. UVW does not include cargo, fresh water, LP-Gas, occu-
pants or dealer installed accessories.
D I P L O M A T