UNITY MOTORHOME MOTORHOME OPERATION
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MOTORHOME OPERATION
MOTORHOME PREPARATION
Before beginning an extended trip, ensure you are
thoroughly familiar with your motorhome’s condition,
components, features, appliances and limitations.
Take ample time to read the operator’s manual and the
material in the Motor Information Kit, and ensure you
understand the operation of all the components.
Adequate preparation is essential for an enjoyable and
successful trip. Your motorhome provides the freedom to
do what you want, where you want and when you want.
The time you spend getting to know your motorhome
will enhance your enjoyment, maximize your experience
and contribute to a more successful trip.
MOTORHOME LOADING AND
WEIGHTS
The components of your motorhome are designed to
perform if the motorhome is not loaded in excess of
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), the maximum
front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) or
the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). These
ratings are listed on the Canada and U.S. Department
of Transport labels located on the driver’s pedestal
behind the skirting.
The GVWR is the maximum permissible weight of the
fully loaded motorhome.
The Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) is the weight of
your motorhome as manufactured at the factory with
full fuel, engine oil and coolants.
The Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) (Canada) is equal to
the GVWR minus each of the following: UVW, full fresh
(potable) water weight (including water heater), full
LP gas weight, and Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating
(SCWR).
The Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity (OCCC)
is equal to the GVWR, minus UVW, plus full LP gas
weight. In other words, OCCC is the amount of weight
in occupants, cargo, water, and trailer tongue weight
that can be added to the motorhome without exceeding
the GVWR. Refer to the Certification Labels Samples
section on page 7 for visual appearance and relevant
locations in the motorhome
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the
maximum allowable loaded weight of the motorhome
and any towed vehicle.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the value
specified as the load carrying capacity of a single axle
system, as measured at the tire-ground interface.
To determine that your motorhome is properly loaded,
drive the fully loaded vehicle to a scale and weigh as
follows:
1.
Drive only the front wheels onto the scale to obtain
the front gross axle weight.
2. Next, place the entire vehicle (both axles) onto the
scale to obtain the gross vehicle weight.
3. Drive forward until only the rear wheels are on the
scale, and obtain the rear gross axle weight.
4.
To obtain the corner weight for your motorhome,
drive each tire individually onto the scale and record
the weight.
Compare the gross vehicle weight with the GVWR
on the label. If the gross vehicle weight exceeds the
GVWR, you must reduce the total vehicle load. If the
gross vehicle weight is less than the GVWR on the label,
check the front and rear gross axle weights against the
front and rear GAWRs on the label. If either axle weight
exceeds the GAWR for that axle, redistribute the load
to ensure that loads on front and rear axles are within
the required limits.
Load heavier items as centrally and as low as possible.
Store lighter items in cabinets, closets and drawers.
Secure luggage or similar cargo inside your motorhome
to prevent it from shifting and causing damage or injury.
ᘐ CAUTION
Total vehicle load must NOT exceed the maximum
GVWR/GAWR/GCWR of the chassis.
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