3-13
SECTION 3
DRIVING YOUR MOTOR HOME
3 DRIVING YOUR
MOT
O
R HOME
LOADING THE VEHICLE
NOTE: Your motor home’s load capacity is
designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available
space when loading your motor home.
•
Store or secure all loose items inside the motor
home before traveling. Possible over- looked
items such as canned goods or small
appliances on the countertop, cooking pans on
the range, or free-standing furniture items can
become dangerous projectiles during a
sudden stop or evasive maneuver.
•
Be aware of GVWR, GAWR and individual
load limit on each tire or set of duals.
When loading the vehicle, distribute the cargo
load 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.
For example, if the Front GAWR is 6,000 lbs.,
there should be no more than 3,000 lbs. on each
tire. (If the left side weighs 3,100 lbs. and the
right side weighs 2,700 lbs., at least 100 lbs. of
the load must be shifted from the left side to the
right side.) The GVWR is listed on the Vehicle
Certification Label. (See sample in Introduction
Section).
The GCWR (Gross Combination Weight
Rating) means the maximum allowable loaded
weight of this motor home and any towed trailer
or towed vehicle.
NOTE: We recommend that you dump all
holding tanks before traveling to avoid
carrying unnecessary weight.
ROOF LOADING
The roof is capable of carrying up to 10
pounds per square foot to a maximum of 100
pounds while the vehicle is in motion.
When the vehicle is stationary, a cargo load of
100 pounds plus the weight of a 225 pound
person to load the cargo or to conduct inspection
and maintenance is permissible.
Weight added to both the roof and the trailer
hitch contribute to the gross vehicle weight,
which must not exceed the vehicle’s GVWR.
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.
CAUTION
The weight of the loaded vehicle
(including options, attachments,
passengers, water, fuel, luggage, trailer
tongue load, and all other cargo) must not
exceed the GVWR or GAWR of either
axle.
