Damon avanti, Owner'S Manual

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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 vehicles’ 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 determine your weights.
Average vehicle occupant = 150 lbs. (68 kg)
One gallon of diesel fuel = 7 lbs. (3.2 kg)
One gallon of water = 8.3 lbs. (3.8 kg)
One gallon of propane = 4.5 lbs. (2 kg)
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 and 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.
Check readings 1 and 3 to verify that each is less than the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) on the certification label. If either exceeds the GAWR for the axle(s), redistribute
enough of the load to ensure that loads on the front and rear axle(s) are within the
required limit.
Do not exceed the gross axle weight ratings of any axle.
Do not exceed the maximum hitch weight rating.
Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating of either the
motorhome or the towed vehicle. Do not exceed the gross combined weight rating of the
motorhome. Exceeding any of these ratings may cause unstable driving and handling
characteristics, damage to your motorhome chassis or towed vehicle and may void your
warranty protection.
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Chapter 2 - Planning and Preparation
CAPACITY
WEIGHING YOUR
LOADED MOTORHOME
Reading 1
Reading 2
Reading 3