SECTION 3
DRIVING YOUR MOTOR HOME
3-8
Label. The front and rear axle weight also should
not exceed the corresponding Axle Weight
Rating specified on the Vehicle Certification
Label.
Corner Weighing (Side-to-Side)
Weighing each corner of the coach separately
(single L/R front wheels or L/R rear dual sets) is
an accurate method to determine how to
distribute your cargo to avoid overloading,
especially on tires.
To determine the weight distribution on each
tire or dual set, you will need to find a scale
capable weighing side-to-side, or all four
‘corners’ of the vehicle, separately. A truck scale
may be used if the ground is level with the scale
surface and the scale has clearance to drive one
side of the coach onto the scale as shown.
Drive the coach on the level area next to the
scale and straddle the scale so that only one side
of the coach will be on the scale pad. Pull only the
front wheel onto the pad as shown.
When the front wheel has been weighed, pull
the coach straight ahead until only the rear wheel/
dual set is on the scale pad as shown.
After the rear wheel set has been weighed,
turn the coach around and repeat this process for
the other side.
The load on each wheel or dual-wheel set
should not exceed one-half of the corresponding
GAWR. For example, if the GAWR for the rear
axle is 12,000 lbs., then the load on each rear dual
set (left rear duals or right rear duals) should not
exceed 6,000 lbs.
Tires must be filled to the recommended air
pressure for the highest loaded tire set on that
axle. For example, on the rear axle, if the left side
weighs more than the right, fill the left tires to the
pressure required for that weight, then fill the
right tires to the same pressure as the left ones.
If your actual weight is considerably less than
GAWR, you may be able to lower your tire
pressure. See a tire dealer for a load/pressure
chart.
NOTE: The Hitch Load from a Towed Vehicle or
carrier box must also be counted on the
Rear GAWR and subtracted from the
rear axle cargo capacity.
Be aware that hitch load can affect handling
characteristics. The more weight on the hitch, the
lighter the front end will feel at the steering
wheel.
CAR OR TRAILER TOWING
Hitch pulling capacity: 5,000 lbs. max. (Ford)
Hitch pulling capacity: 3,500 lbs. max. (Chevy)
Tongue weight: 350 lbs. max.
The factory installed hitch towing capacity and
vertical (tongue) weight may vary according to
chassis and model combinations. Do not exceed
either the GVWR, the rear axle GAWR, or the
chassis GCWR by the combined loaded weight
of the coach and the towed vehicle.
See
preceding items “Loading the Vehicle” and
“Weighing Your Loaded Vehicle” for
explanation of weight ratings
.
Because of individual vehicle use and loading
habits, we recommend weighing the vehicle
while fully loaded to avoid exceeding any of the
Weighing Left Front ‘Corner’
Weighing Left Rear ‘Corner’
