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The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a
commercial scale to ensure that the GVWR
has not been exceeded. The weight on the
front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load
is properly distributed over the front and rear
axle. Weighing the vehicle may show that the
GAWR of either the front or rear axles has
been exceeded but the total load is within the
specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appro
-
priate until the specified weight limitations are
met. Store the heavier items down low and be
sure that the weight is distributed equally.
Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an
adverse effect on the way your vehicle steers
and handles and the way the brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you
can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before
towing a trailer, carefully review this informa
-
tion to tow your load as efficiently and safely
as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and recom
-
mendations in this manual concerning vehi
-
cles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and tongue weight. The total load must
be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting And Oper
-
ating” for further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables, and equip
-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or
on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for oper
-
ation" condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combina
-
tion.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the
front and rear axles. Distribute the load over
the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that
you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could cause you to lose
control. Also overloading can shorten the life
of your vehicle.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
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