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Driving tips
VEHICLE WEIGHT
This section will guide you in the
proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle
weight within its design rating capa-
bility, with or without a trailer.
Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of the vehi-
cle design performance. Before load-
ing your vehicle, familiarize yourself
with the following terms for determin-
ing your vehicle's weight ratings, with
or without a trailer, from the vehicle's
specifications and the certification
label:
Vehicle curb weight
GAW (Gross axle weight)
This is the weight of your new vehicle This is the total weight placed on
when you picked it up from your deal- each axle (front and rear) - including
er plus any aftermarket equipment.
vehicle curb weight and all payload.
Cargo weight
GAWR (Gross axle weight rat-
ing)
This figure includes all weight added
to the Base Curb Weight, including
cargo and optional equipment.
This is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single
axle (front or rear). These numbers
are shown on the certification label.
The total load on each axle must
never exceed its GAWR.
Base curb weight
This is the weight of the vehicle
including a full tank of fuel and all
standard equipment. It does not
include passengers, cargo, or option-
al equipment.
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