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Steps for determining correct load
limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the XXX
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs. (1400 750 (5 x 150) = 650
lbs) or (640 340 (5 x 70) = 300 kg.)
5.Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle.
(See “MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS” later
in this section.)
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.
SECURING THE LOAD
There are tie down hooks located in the cargo
area as shown. The tie down hooks can be used
to secure cargo with ropes or other types of
straps.
Do not apply a total load of more than 22 lb.
(98 N) to a single hook when securing cargo.
WARNING
● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or shift-
ing. Do not place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision, unse-
cured cargo could cause personal injury.
SIC3849
Technical and consumer information9-17
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Page 486 of 509

MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
(GVW)/MAXIMUM GROSS AXLE
WEIGHT (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shown
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The GVW equals the combined weight of the
unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.
Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options re-
quired to achieve the rating. Additional passen-gers, cargo and/or optional equipment, such as
the trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle
and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing
capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, Front
GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be measured
using platform type scales commonly found at
truck stops, highway weigh stations, building
supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity for
tongue load, use the following procedure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are nor-
mally in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum tongue load.
To determine the available towing capacity, use
the following procedure.
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the“Towing Load/Specification” chart found
later in this section. 2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from
the GCWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it is
towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight is not
more than the Gross Trailer Weight Rating
shown on the trailer and is not more than the
calculated available maximum towing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the scale
to make sure the Front Gross Axle Weight and
Rear Gross Axle Weight are not more than Front
Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the specified
ratings.
Example:
●Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a
scale - including passengers, cargo and
hitch - 5,073 lb. (2,301 kg).
● Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
5,301 lb. (2,404 kg).
● Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from
“Towing Load/Specification” chart - 7,355 lb.
(3,336 kg).
TI1012M
Technical and consumer information9-21
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●Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification” chart - 2,000 lb.
(907 kg).
5,301 lb. (2,404 kg) GVWR
5,073 lb. (2,301 kg)GVW
= 228 lb. (103 kg) Available for
tongue weight
7,355 lb. (3,336 kg) GCWR
5,073 lb. (2,301
kg) GVW
= 2,282 lb. (1,035 kg) Capacity available
for towing
228 lb. (103 kg) / Available tongue
weight
2,282 lb. (1,035 kg) Available capacity = 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the pas-
senger and cargo load in the vehicle. Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 to 15% of the trailer weight. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange the
cargo to obtain the proper tongue load. Do not
exceed the 10 to 15% tongue weight specifica-
tion even if the calculated available tongue
weight is greater than 15%. If the calculated
tongue weight is less than 10%, reduce the total
trailer weight to match the available tongue
weight.
Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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