4-1
SECTION 4
TRAVELING WITH YOUR MOTORHOME
(See also SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, Section 1
of this manual.)
LOADING THE
VEHICLE
Your cargo capacity will vary according to the
options equipped on your vehicle, and your addi-
tional equipment and components not supplied
with the vehicle.
Do not
exceed any of the rec-
ommended weight ratings.
NOTE: We recommend that you dump all hold-
ing tanks before traveling to avoid carry-
ing unnecessary weight.
When loading the vehicle, distribute 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. (See “Weighing Your
Loaded Vehicle” following this section.)
For example, if the Front GAWR is 4,000 lbs.
there should be no more than 2,000 lbs. on each
tire. (If the left side weighs 2,100 lbs. and the
right side weighs 1,700 lbs., at least 100 lbs. of
the load should be shifted from the left side to the
right side.) The GVWR is listed on the Vehicle
Certification Label. (See page 0-3.).
FRONT AXLE TIRE
ALIGNMENT
We recommend that you have the front
suspension and steering alignment be checked
and adjusted after you have fully loaded the
vehicle according to your needs. Thereafter,
alignment should be periodically inspected to
maintain vehicle steering performance and to
prevent uneven tire wear.
WEIGHING YOUR
LOADED VEHICLE
To check the weight of your fully loaded
coach, locate a commercial weighing scale that
is capable of weighing large trucks.
Drive the entire coach onto the scale. This
weight should not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) specified on the Vehicle
Certification Label near the driver seat. (See
sample on page 0-4).
CAUTION
The weight of the loaded vehicle
(including options, attachments, pas-
sengers, water, fuel, luggage and all
other cargo) must not exceed the
GVWR or GAWR of either axle.
Front GAWR
(Front Axle only)
GVWR
(Both Axles)
Rear GAWR
(Rear Axle only)