LOADING THE VEHICLE

CERTIFICATION LABEL

In accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label on the driver's side door or pillar.

This label shows the month and year of manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number on this label indicates the month, day, and hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears at the bottom of the label is your VIN.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle, including driver, passengers, vehicle options, and cargo. The label also shows the maximum load capacity of the front and rear axle system (GAWR). The total load must be limited so that the GVWR and the front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.

Payload

Vehicle payload is defined as the permissible weight of cargo that a vehicle can carry, including the weight of the driver, all passengers, options, and cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.

The GAWR of each axle is determined by the component in the system with the lowest load capacity (axle, springs, tires, or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension components are sometimes specified by buyers for increased durability and do not necessarily increase the GVWR of the vehicle.

Tire Size

The tire size on the vehicle certification label represents the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires must have a load carrying capacity equal to or greater than the original tire size.

Rim Size

This is the rim size that fits the tire size shown.

Inflation Pressure

This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for all loading conditions up to the full GAWR.

Curb Weight

Curb weight is defined as the total weight of the vehicle with all fluids, including fuel, at full capacity and without passengers or cargo loaded in the vehicle. Front and rear curb weight values are determined by weighing your vehicle on commercial scales before any passengers or cargo are added.

Loading

The actual gross vehicle weight and the weight of the front and rear of your vehicle on the ground can best be determined by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.

First, weigh the entire vehicle on a commercial scale to make sure the GVWR is not exceeded. Then weigh the front and rear of the vehicle separately to make sure the load is distributed between the front and rear axles. Weighing the vehicle may show that the front or rear GAWR is exceeded, but the total load is within the specified GVWR. If this is the case, the weight must be shifted from front to rear or from rear to front, as required, until the specified weight limits are met. Store heavier items low and make sure that the weight is distributed evenly. Secure all loose items firmly before driving.

Improper weight distribution can adversely affect your vehicle's steering and braking performance.