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SECTION 12 – MISCELLANEOUS
LOADING THE VEHICLE
NOTE: Your motorhome’s load capacity is
designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available
space when loading your motorhome.
•
Store or secure all loose items inside the
motorhome before traveling. Possible
overlooked items such as canned goods or
small appliances on the countertop, cooking
pans on the range, or free-standing furniture
items can become dangerous projectiles
during a sudden stop or evasive maneuver.
•
Be aware of GVWR, GAWR, and individual
load limit on each tire or set of duals.
When loading the vehicle, distribute the cargo
load equally so that you do not exceed either the
Front or Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) means the weight value specified by
the chassis manufacturer as the load carrying
capacity of a single axle system as measured at
the tire-to-ground interfaces. This is the total
weight a given axle is capable of carrying. Each
axle has its own rating.
Have your vehicle weighed to determine the
proper load distribution for your vehicle. Also
distribute cargo side-to-side so the weight on
each tire or dual set does not exceed one half of
the GAWR for either axle.
For example, if the Front GAWR is 6,000 lbs.,
there should be no more than 3,000 lbs. on each
tire. (If the left side weighs 3,100 lbs. and the
right side weighs 2,700 lbs., at least 100 lbs. of
the load must be shifted from the left side to the
right side.) The GVWR is listed on the Vehicle
Certification Label. (See sample in
Section 1 -
Introduction
).
The GCWR (Gross Combination Weight
Rating) means the maximum allowable loaded
weight of this motorhome and any towed trailer
or towed vehicle.
NOTE: We recommend that you dump all
holding tanks before traveling to avoid
carrying unnecessary weight.
WEIGHING YOUR LOADED
VEHICLE
To check the weight of your fully loaded
motorhome, locate a commercial weighing scale
that is capable of weighing large trucks.
NOTE: Sales literature may give approximate or
standard weights. Your actual
motorhome weight may differ based on
added factory and/or dealer options.
Loading
Load your vehicle completely as if you were
going on a long trip with everything you would
carry, including food, clothing, bedding, lawn
chairs, etc., a full fuel tank, and a partial tank of
fresh water, but empty holding tanks. Remember,
tongue weight must be included in the GVWR.
Finding a Scale
In urban areas, the most common places to
find a public access scale are commercial truck
stops. In rural areas, most grain storage elevators
have scales available. Most scales charge a
nominal fee for weighing a vehicle.
Weighing
There is typically a scale operator to direct
you but the basic routine is to take three separate
weights - front axle, whole vehicle, and rear axle.
WARNING
The weight of the loaded vehicle
(including options, attachments,
passengers, water, fuel, luggage, and all
other cargo) must not exceed the GVWR
or GAWR of either axle.
