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Steps for Determining Load Limit - TOW VEHICLE
1.
Locate the statement, “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs.,” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2.
Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who will be riding in your vehicle.
3.
Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4.
The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage 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 capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.).
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 capacity calculated in Step # 4.
6.
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
the tow vehicle’s manual to determine how this weight transfer reduces the available cargo and luggage
capacity of your vehicle.
Tire Safety - Everything Rides on it
The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a brochure (DOT HS 809 361) that discusses
all aspects of Tire Safety, as required by CFR 575.6. This brochure is reproduced in part below. It can be obtained
and downloaded from NHTSA, free of charge, from the following web site:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/tires_index.html
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits (not
carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, and
inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid tire
failure, such as tread separation or blowout and flat tires. These actions, along with other care and maintenance
activities, can also:
•
Improve vehicle handling.
•
Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents.
•
Improve fuel economy.
•
Increase the life of your tires.
This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety, including information on the following topics:
•
Basic tire maintenance
•
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
•
Fundamental characteristics of tires
•
Tire safety tips.
Use this information to make tire safety a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Recognize that the
time you spend is minimal compared with the inconvenience and safety consequences of a flat tire or other tire
failure.
Safety First - Basic Tire Maintenance
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capability of your vehicle.
Underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. Therefore, as mentioned above, to
avoid flat tires and other types of tire failure, you should maintain proper tire pressure, observe tire and vehicle
load limits, avoid road hazards, and regularly inspect your tires.
Finding Your Vehicles Recommended Tire Pressure and Load Limit
Tire information placards and vehicle certification labels contain information on tires and load limits. These labels
indicate the vehicle manufacturer’s information including:
•
Recommended tire size
•
Recommended tire inflation pressure
•
Vehicle capacity weight (VCW–the maximum occupant and cargo weight a vehicle is designed to carry)
•
Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR– the maximum weight the axle systems are designed
to carry).
Both placards and certification labels are permanently attached to the trailer near the left front.
