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STARTING AND OPERATING 113
The best way to figure out the total weight of
your vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded
and ready for operation. Weigh it on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear axle
of the vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
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To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side.
Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible.
Stow all loose items securely before driving. If
weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), but the total load is within the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), you must
redistribute the weight. Improper weight distri-
bution can have an adverse effect on the way
your vehicle steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.
NOTE:
Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed
to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's
GVWR and GAWRs.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and infor-
mation 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 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (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 Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
is the total allowable weight of your vehicle and
trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of
the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consum-
ables 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
supported by the scale.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the
maximum capacity of the front and rear axles.
Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either
front or rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/
Vehicle Certification Label” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
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20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 113
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