Vehicle Weight

This section will help you load your vehicle and/or trailer correctly so that the weight of the loaded vehicle stays within its design rated capacity, with or without a trailer. Loading your vehicle correctly will ensure maximum performance and safety of the vehicle design. Before loading the vehicle, review the following terms to determine the rated weight of your vehicle, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle specifications and certification label:

Base Curb Weight

This is the weight of the vehicle including a full fuel tank and 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 took delivery from the 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 carried by each axle (front and rear), including the vehicle curb weight and all payload.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

This is the maximum permissible weight that one axle (front or rear) can carry. 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 the actual weight of cargo plus the number of passengers.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

This is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment, passengers and cargo). The GVWR is shown on the certification label.

Overloading

WARNING - Vehicle Weight

The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your vehicle are shown on the certification label attached to the driver's (or front passenger's) door pillar. Exceeding these values may result in an accident or vehicle damage. You can calculate the weight of your cargo by weighing items (and people) before placing them in the vehicle. Be careful not to overload the vehicle.