The certification label will indicate the vehicle’s gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the most weight
the fully loaded vehicle can weigh. It will also provide the
gross axle weight (GAWR). This is the maximum permis-
sible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment
and accessories that can be safely supported by each
axle. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle
will be provided.
In the same location as the certification label described
above, there is a vehicle placard. This placard provides
tire and loading information. In addition, this placard will
show a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity.
Cargo Capacities
Cargo can be added to the vehicle up to the maximum
weight specified on the placard. The combined weight of
the cargo is provided as a single number. In any case,
remember the total weight of a fully loaded vehicle can-
not exceed the stated GVWR.
Water and propane also need to be considered. The
weight of fully filled propane containers is considered
part of the weight of the trailer before it is loaded with
cargo and is not considered part of the disposable cargo
load. Water, however, is a cargo weight and is treated as
such. If there is a fresh water storage tank of 100 gal-
lons, this tank when filled would weigh about
800 pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water
can be off-loaded to keep the total amount of cargo
added to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR so as
not to overload the vehicle. Understanding this flexibility
will allow you, the owner, to make choices that fit your
travel and camping needs.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly
to prevent overloading front to back and side to side.
Heavy items should be place low and as close to the axle
positions as reasonable. Too many items on one side
may overload a tire. The best way to know the actual
weight of the vehicle is to weigh it at a public scale. Talk
to your trailer dealer to discuss the weighing methods
needed to capture the various weights related to the
trailer. This would include weights for the following: axles,
wheels, hitch or pin and total weight.
How Overloading Affects Your Trailer and Tires
The results of overloading can have serious conse-
quences for passengers’ safety. Too much weight on
your vehicle’s suspension system can cause spring,
shock absorber, or brake failure, handling or steering
problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
An overloaded vehicle is hard to drive and hard to stop.
In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail com-
pletely, particularly on steep hills. The load a tire will
carry safely is a combination of the size of the tire, its
load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Excessive loads and/or under inflation cause tire over-
loading, and as a result, abnormal tire flexing occurs.
This situation can generate an excessive amount of heat
within the tire. Excessive heat may lead to tire failure.
It is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the
load, so proper inflation is critical. Since trailer’s can be
configured and loaded in many ways, air pressure must
be determined from actual loads (determined by weigh-
ing) and taken from the load and inflation tables provided
by the tire manufacturer. These air pressures may differ
from those found on the certification label. However, they
should never exceed the tire limitation for load or air
pressure. If you discover that your tires cannot support
the actual weights, the load will need to be lightened.
Identification And Safety
15
Summary of Contents for Coachmen Clipper
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