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Trailer Hitch
221
Loading Information
Definitions
The towing capacity
(gross weight of the trailer)
is the sum of the trailer's empty weight and the
weight of the load.
The vertical coupling load
is the weight that the
trailer drawbar exerts on the trailer coupling of the
vehicle.
The rear-axle load
is the vehicle weight on the
rear axle plus the weight of the transported load
and the vertical coupling load of the trailer.
The gross weight of the vehicle and trailer
is
the sum of the weight of the towing vehicle and the
weight of the trailer.
The Curb weight
- actual weight of your vehicle -
vehicle weight including standard and optional
equipment, fluids, emergency tools, and spare tire
assembly. This weight does not include
passengers and cargo.
The Gross Vehicle Weight
is sum of the curb
weight and the weight of passengers and cargo
combined.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
is the
maximum total weight of vehicle, passengers,
luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and optional
equipment.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating
is the maximum
load limit for the front or the rear axle. This
information is located on the safety comliance
sticker located in the driver’s side door jamb.
For determining the compatibility of the tire and
vehicle load capabilities:
f
Please see the chapter “WHEELS, TIRES” on
page 309.
The load capacity coefficient (e.g. “106”) is a
minimum requirement. For more information:
f
Please see the chapter “INSCRIPTION ON
RADIAL TIRE” on page 290.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating
is the
maximum total weight rating of vehicle,
passengers, cargo and trailer.
The Vehicle Capacity Weight
- Load Limit - is
the maximum total weight limit specified of the
load (passengers and cargo) for the vehicle. This
is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo
that can be loaded into the vehicle. This informa-
tion can be found on the tire pressure plate.
If a trailer is being towed, the trailer tongue weight
must be included as part of the cargo load.
The maximum loaded vehicle weight
is the
sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle
capacity weight and production options weight.
The load rating
is the maximum load that a tire
is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.
The maximum load rating
is the load rating for
a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure.
The cargo capacity
is the permissible weight of
cargo, the subtracted weight of passengers from
the load limit.
f
Never exceed the permissible limits.
Injuries are much more likely in an accident if
persons ride in the cargo area.
f
Persons must ride only on the seats provided
for this purpose.
f
Make sure that everybody fastens their safety
belts.
Overloading will lead to dangerous vehicle
reactions and long braking distances.
f
Never exceed the specified axle loads.
Risk of damage to the vehicle if the vehicle is
overloaded.
Overloading can shorten the service life of the
tires and car. Damage due to overloading is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
f
Never exceed the specified axle loads.
Riding in a Cargo Area
Overloading Vehicle
DANGER
h
DANGER
h
NOTICE