R O U T I N E M A I N T E N A N C E
14-21
is the most a particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be
provided.
For motor homes, 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 the vehicle’s seating
capacity for people and a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity.
Cargo Capacities
For motor homes, cargo can be added to the vehicle, up t the maximum weight specified on the placard.
For motorized vehicles, the combined weight of passengers and cargo is provided as a single number. If
fewer people are traveling, more cargo can be added. If more people are involved, the weight of cargo
must be reduced. In any case, remember: the total weight of a fully loaded vehicle, including passengers,
can not exceed the stated GVWR.
For motor homes, the water and propane also need to be considered. The weight of fully filled propane
containers is considered part of the weight of the RV before it is loaded with people or cargo and is not
considered part of the disposable cargo load. Water, however, is a cargo weight and is treated as such. If
there If there is a fresh water storage tank of 100 gallons, this tank when filled would weigh about 800
pounds. If more cargo or people are 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 placed 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 RV dealer to discuss the weighing methods needed to capture the various
weights related to the RV. This would include weights for the following: axles, wheels, hitch and total
weight.
How Overloading Affects Your RV and Tires
The results of overloading can have serious consequences for passenger 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
completely, particularly on steep hills. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the size of tire, its
load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Excessive loads and/or under-inflation cause tire overloading 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.
Summary of Contents for 2011 Phaeton
Page 8: ...G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N 1 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 ...
Page 15: ......
Page 16: ...D R I V I N G S A F E T Y I N S T R U C T I O N S 2 1 Driving Safety Instructions Chapter 2 ...
Page 28: ......
Page 29: ...H E A T I N G A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G 3 1 Heating Air Conditioning Chapter 3 ...
Page 36: ......
Page 58: ......
Page 59: ...C A B I N E T S F U R N I T U R E 5 1 Cabinets Furniture Chapter 5 ...
Page 65: ......
Page 66: ...S T R U C T U R A L F E A T U R E S 6 1 Structural Features Chapter 6 ...
Page 68: ......
Page 69: ...E L E C T R I C A L F E A T U R E S 7 1 Electrical Features Chapter 7 ...
Page 81: ......
Page 82: ...S L I D E O U T F E A T U R E S 8 1 Slide Out Features Chapter 8 ...
Page 86: ......
Page 87: ...E X T E R I O R F E A T U R E S 9 1 Exterior Features Chapter 9 ...
Page 94: ......
Page 95: ...I N T E R I O R F E A T U R E S 10 1 Interior Features Chapter 10 ...
Page 98: ......
Page 99: ...P L U M B I N G B A T H F E A T U R E S 11 1 Plumbing Bath Fixtures Chapter 11 ...
Page 110: ......
Page 111: ...C O N S T R U C T I O N F E A T U R E S 12 1 Construction Features Chapter 12 ...
Page 113: ...C O N S T R U C T I O N F E A T U R E S 12 3 ...
Page 114: ......
Page 115: ...W I N D O W S A W N I N G S V E N T S D O O R S 13 1 Windows Awnings Vents Doors Chapter 13 ...
Page 120: ......
Page 121: ...R O U T I N E M A I N T E N A N C E 14 1 Routine Maintenance Chapter 14 ...
Page 163: ......
Page 164: ...M A I N T E N A N C E D A T A C H A R T S 15 1 Maintenance Data Charts Chapter 15 ...
Page 173: ...M A I N T E N A N C E D A T A C H A R T S 15 10 ...