VEHICLE WEIGHT
This section will guide you in the proper
loading of your vehicle and/or trailer, to
keep your loaded vehicle weight within
its design rating capability, with or
without a trailer. Properly loading your
vehicle will provide maximum return of
the vehicle design performance. Before
loading your vehicle, familiarize your‐
self with the following terms for deter‐
mining your vehicle's weight ratings,
with or without a trailer, from the vehi‐
cle's specifications and the certification
label:
Base curb weight
This is the weight of the vehicle includ‐
ing
all standard equipment. It does not
include passengers, cargo, or optional
equipment.
Vehicle curb weight
This is the weight of your new vehicle
when
you picked it up from your dealer
plus any aftermarket equipment.
Cargo weight
This figure includes all weight added to
the
Base Curb Weight, including cargo
and optional equipment.
GAW (Gross axle weight)
This
is the total weight placed on each
axle (front and rear) - including vehicle
curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross axle weight rating)
This is the maximum allowable weight
that
can be carried by a single axle
(front or rear). These numbers are
shown on the certification label.
The total load on each axle must never
exceed its GAWR.
GVW (Gross vehicle weight)
This is the Base Curb Weight plus actual
Car
go Weight plus passengers.
GVWR (Gross vehicle weight
rating)
This is the maximum allowable weight
of
the fully loaded vehicle (including all
options, equipment, passengers and
cargo). The GVWR is shown on the cer‐
tification label.
Overloading
WARNING
n
V
ehicle weight
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) for your vehicle are on the
certification label attached to the
driver's (or front passenger’s) door.
Exceeding these ratings can cause
an accident or vehicle damage. You
can calculate the weight of your load
by weighing the items (and people)
before putting them in the vehicle.
Be careful not to overload your vehi‐
cle.
Driving your vehicle
6-132
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