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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 RV
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
gallons, 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
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, control and stop, especially
when going down a hill or mountains.
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 and brakes. 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 RVs can be configured and loaded in many
ways, air pressures must be determined from actual loads
(determined by weighing) and taken from the load and inflation
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