DRIVING & SAFETY - 2
CAY M A N 2 0 0 7
37
The Federal Certi cation Label is a guide
in knowing the maximum loaded axle weight
rating GAWR, and subsequently the correct
tire in ation pressure for that weight. 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 determine
actual weight. Separately weigh the front axle,
rear axle and tag axle, if equipped. It is possible
for a motorhome to be within the GVWR yet
overloaded on one axle. It is even possible
for one wheel position to be overloaded, even
though the GAWR has not been exceeded. For
this reason it will be necessary to weigh each
wheel position of the motorhome to give a clear
indication of exactly how the weight of the
motorhome is distributed.
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 in ation 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 oor or
below in storage compartments. Load weight
must be distributed as evenly as possible.
The following is an explanation of
commonly used weight abbreviations:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR): Maximum permissible weight
of this motorhome. GVWR is equal to or
greater than the sum of UVW plus CCC.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW):
Weight of this motorhome as built at
factory with full fuel, engine oil and
coolants. UVW does not include cargo,
fresh water, LP-Gas, occupants or dealer
installed accessories.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC):
Equal to GVWR minus each of the
following: UVW, full fresh potable
water weight (including water heater),
full LP-Gas weight, and SCWR. Tongue
weight of towed vehicle and dealer
installed equipment will reduce CCC.
Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR): The maximum allowable
loaded weight of this motorhome and
any towed trailer or towed vehicle.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
Load-carrying capacity speci ed by
manufacturer of a single axle system, as
measured at tire ground interfaces.
Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating
(SCWR): The manufacturer’s
designated number of sleeping positions
multiplied by 154 pounds.
Tire Pressure:
A motorhome may weigh slightly heavier on
one side. Tire in ation pressure of the heavier
side tires determine the in ation pressure for
all tire(s) on that axle due to the weight transfer
that occurs when cornering.
Improperly in ated tires, or an incorrectly
loaded suspension, can result in poor fuel
economy, poor handling and over-stressed
chassis components. How the motorhome is
loaded will in uence tire in ation pressure and
the load carried by each axle. This is why each
wheel position must be weighed. Motorhome
axle con guration and oor plan styles will
require different weighing procedures.
NOTE:
When weighing a motorhome, each tire
on any axle must be inflated to the same
pressure. The wheel position carrying
the most weight will determine the tire
inflation pressure for each tire of that
particular axle.
Scales:
Certi ed public scales are located in moving
and storage lots, farm supplies with grain
elevators, gravel pits, recycling companies
and large commercial truck stops. To locate a
nearby public scale access, check the local area
telephone book yellow pages under Scales-
Public or Weighers. A nominal fee may be
charged, but this is money wisely spent.
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