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1.1.1. Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less
Tire and Loading Information Placard – Figure 1-1
1.
Locate the statement, “The weight of cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle
placard. See figure 1-1.
2.
This figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
3.
Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity.
The trailer’s placard refers to the Tire Information Placard attached adjacent to or near the trailer’s VIN
(Certification) label at the left front of the trailer.
1.1.2. Trailers Over 10,000 Pounds GVWR (Note: These trailers are not required to have a tire information
placard on the vehicle)
1.
Determine the empty weight of your trailer by weighing the trailer using a public scale or other means. This
step does not have to be repeated.
2.
Locate the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer on your trailer’s VIN (Certification) label.
3.
Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from the GVWR stated on the VIN label. That weight is the
maximum available cargo capacity of the trailer and may not be safely exceeded.
1.2. Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit – Tow Vehicle
1.
Locate the statement, “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs.,” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2.
Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who will be riding in your vehicle.
3.
Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4.
The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage capacity. For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.).
5.
Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage capacity calculated in Step # 4.
6.
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the
tow vehicle’s manual to determine how this weight transfer reduces the available cargo and luggage
capacity of your vehicle.
1.3. Glossary Of Tire Terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio and heater, to the extent that these items are
available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not).
Bead
The part of the tire that is made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to fit the
rim.
Bead separation
This is the breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.
Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles substantially less
than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
