41
2008 IMPERIAL
DRIVING & SAFETY — 2
The
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
is
listed on the federal certi
fi
cation label attached
to the motorhome. This is the maximum
allowable loaded weight on a particular axle.
This label is generally located to the rear of the
driver’s seat, on the wall.
When the actual loaded weight of the
motorhome and the weight on each axle is
unknown, follow the recommended tire in
fl
ation
pressure(s) listed on the federal certi
fi
cation
label. When loading a motorhome never exceed
the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
or
the
GAWR
for each axle.
NOTE:
Contact the tire manufacturer for
further information concerning proper
tire pressure inflation and other tire
issues.
The
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
and
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR)
listed on the Federal Certi
fi
cation Label
attached to the motorhome details the chassis
manufacturer’s and/or the RV manufacturer’s
total vehicle maximum weight rating and per
axle weight rating.
The
GVWR
is the maximum total weight
for which the motorhome is rated - including
passengers,
fl
uids and cargo. The
GAWR
is
the maximum weight for which a single axle is
designed. The tires, wheels, axle, motorhome
frame and/or other components of the
motorhome may limit these per axle and total
maximum weight ratings.
The Federal Certi
fi
cation Label is a guide
in knowing the maximum loaded axle weight
rating
GAWR
, and subsequently the correct
tire in
fl
ation pressure for that weight. Every
recreational vehicle, even of the same make and
model, will vary in actual loaded axle weights
because of different options and personal loads.
While the actual loaded axle weight should
be below the
GAWR
, the motorhome must be
weighed in a loaded condition to determine
actual weight. Separately weigh the front axle,
rear axle and tag axle, if equipped. It is possible
for a motorhome to be within the
GVWR
yet
overloaded on one axle. It is even possible
for one wheel position to be overloaded, even
though the
GAWR
is not exceeded. For this
reason it is necessary to weigh each wheel
position of the motorhome to give a clear
indication of exactly how the weight of the
motorhome is distributed.
Instructions and diagrams are presented on
the following pages. When the total weight and
the weight on each axle is known, the tire load
data chart in this manual will show the correct
cold in
fl
ation pressure per tire for each axle.
There are two important factors to
consider when loading the motorhome:
total weight and balance. When loading
heavy objects keep them as low as possible,
preferably on the
fl
oor or below in storage
compartments. Load weight must be
distributed as evenly as possible.
The following is an explanation of
commonly used weight abbreviations:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
Maximum permissible weight
of this motorhome.
GVWR
is equal to or
greater than the sum of
UVW
plus
CCC
.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW):
Weight of this motorhome as built at
factory with full fuel, engine oil and
coolants.
UVW
does not include cargo,
fresh water, LP-Gas, occupants or dealer
installed accessories.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC):
Equal to
GVWR
minus each of the
following:
UVW
, full fresh potable
water weight (including water heater),
full LP-Gas weight, and
SCWR
. Tongue
weight of towed vehicle and dealer
installed equipment will reduce
CCC
.
Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR):
The maximum allowable
loaded weight of this motorhome and
any towed trailer or towed vehicle.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
Load-carrying capacity speci
fi
ed by
manufacturer of a single axle system, as
measured at tire ground interfaces.
Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating
(SCWR):
The manufacturer’s
designated number of sleeping positions
multiplied by 154 lbs.