Monaco SIGNATURE 2001 series, Owner'S Manual

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The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) stickers on the motorhome (normally located on the support
pillar next to the driver’s seat) will show the chassis manufacturer’s and/or
the RV manufacturer’s total vehicle maximum weight ratings and per axle
weight rating.
The GVWR is the maximum total weight for which the motorhome is
rated-including passengers, fluids, and cargo. The GAWR is the maximum
for which a single axle is designed. These per axle and total maximum
weight ratings could be limited by the tires, wheels, axle and axle bearings,
the motorhome frame or other components of the motorhome.
The GAWR sticker is only a guide in knowing the maximum loaded axle
weights, and subsequently the correct tire inflation pressure. Every RV, 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, you
must weigh your motorhome in a loaded condition to know its actual weight.
Weigh the front axle, the total unit and the rear axle. It is possible for a
motorhome to be within the GVWR yet overloaded on an axle. It is even
possible for one wheel position to be overloaded, even though the GAWR
has not been exceeded. For this reason (if there is room to the sides of the
scales) weigh each wheel position of the motorhome. This will give a clear
indication of exactly how the weight of the motorhome is distributed. These
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 you the correct cold inflation 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 floor. Load weight must be distributed as evenly
as possible. The following is an explanation of commonly used weight abbre-
viations.
Driving & Safety
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S I G N A T U R E S E R I E S
2 • 4 5
Weight Terms