Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire
size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full
GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the
total weight of the vehicle with all fluids, includ-
ing vehicle fuel, at full 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.
Loading
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.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a
commercial scale to insure that the 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. Weigh-
ing the vehicle may show that the 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 ad-
verse 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 con-
trol. 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.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and recom-
mendations 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.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation"
condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be sup-
ported by the scale.
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