22
These ratings are shown on the RVIA Weight Label. They are the MAXIMUMS for a fully
loaded vehicle. You must compare the GVWR and the GAWR to the actual loaded weight
of your motorhome and make adjustments if necessary. (See page 21) The GAWRs do
not necessarily add up to the GVWR.
Neither the axle loads nor the vehicle loads must ever exceed
their respective maximum weight ratings.
A properly loaded vehicle is safer and easier to drive. Distribute your cargo evenly from
side-to-side and front-to-back. Heavier items should be stowed on or near the floor
and be as centrally located as possible. They should be secured so they cannot slide
during a panic stop causing damage. Lighter items can be stored in overhead cabinets.
Remember to leave space and weight allowance for souvenirs and other items you may
purchase during your travels. A properly loaded vehicle can help you conserve fuel and
prevent excessive wear on your vehicle’s automotive system.
During the design and development of your motorhome, the number and size of storage
compartments, the liquid tank capacities and the number of Designated Seating Positions
are maximized for value and convenience. If the motorhome operator fills all liquid tanks
to capacity, fills all storage compartments and cupboards to maximum volume and fills
all available, assigned seating positions with passengers, the motorhome could be
overloaded. Please use the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s figures shown
below to help you to determine your weights.
• Average vehicle occupant
=
154 pounds ( 70 kilograms)
• One gallon gasoline fuel
=
7 lbs ( 3.2 kilograms)
• One gallon of water
=
8.3 lbs ( 3.8 kilograms)
• One gallon of propane
=
4.5 lbs ( 2 kilograms)
The operator is responsible for analyzing the conditions in which the motorhome
will be utilized for each trip. The number of passengers and placement of cargo can
affect the amount of water capacity that you carry. A smaller passenger capacity for
camping provides reasonable cargo capacity for trips taking more than one day. A larger
passenger capacity for day use provides less cargo capacity for trips or activities not
involving overnight stays. It may be necessary to reduce the amount of water carried
and unload some cargo items normally carried for camping in order to provide carrying
capacity for the additional day use passengers.
Drive the front wheels onto the scale platform and take a reading.
This is the front Gross Axle Weight. (Reading 1).
Drive the entire vehicle (all axles) onto the scale and take a
reading. This is the Gross Vehicle Weight. (Reading 2).
Drive forward until only the rear axle is on the platform and take a
reading. This reading is the rear Gross Axle Weight. (Reading 3).
Compare reading 2 with the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
of your vehicle located on the Federal Certification Label. If the
reading exceeds the GVWR rating, you will have to reduce the
total vehicle load.
1.
2.
3.
4.
WEIGHING
YOUR LOADED
MOTORHOME
Chapter 2 - Planning and Preparation
CAPACITY
Reading 1
Reading 2
Reading 3
Summary of Contents for Astoria Pacific Edition
Page 1: ...OWNERS MANUAL ...
Page 28: ...28 Chapter 3 On the Road Safety ...
Page 32: ...32 Chapter 4 Safety Provisions ...
Page 36: ...36 Chapter 5 Health and Well being ...
Page 50: ...50 Chapter 7 Technical Systems ...
Page 62: ...62 Chapter 9 Exterior Systems ...
Page 74: ...74 Chapter 10 Care and Maintenance ...
Page 80: ...80 Chapter 11 Winter Use and Storage ...
Page 83: ...83 Maintenance Schedule Date Service Preformed Mileage Date Service Preformed Mileage ...
Page 84: ...84 Maintenance Schedule Date Service Preformed Mileage Date Service Preformed Mileage ...
Page 87: ...87 Notes ...
Page 88: ...88 Notes ...
Page 98: ...98 Troubleshooting ...
Page 99: ...99 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 100: ...100 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 101: ...101 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 102: ...102 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 103: ...103 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 104: ...104 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 105: ...105 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 106: ...106 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 107: ...107 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 108: ...108 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 109: ...109 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 110: ...110 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 111: ...111 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 112: ...112 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 113: ...113 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 114: ...114 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 115: ...115 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 116: ...116 Electrical Diagrams ...
Page 120: ......
Page 121: ...Damon Motor Coach P O Box 2888 Elkhart IN USA 46515 2888 574 264 2900 Revised 7 07 ...