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 capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of the vehicle design performance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's specifications and the certification label:
Base kerb 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 optional equipment.
Vehicle kerb weight
This is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
Cargo weight
This figure includes all weight added to the Base Kerb Weight, including cargo and optional equipment.
GAW (Gross axle weight)
This is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear) - including vehicle kerb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross axle weight rating)
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.
GVW (Gross vehicle weight)
This is the Base Kerb Weight plus actual Cargo Weight plus passengers.
GVWR (Gross vehicle weight rating)
This is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment, passengers and cargo). The GVWR is shown on the certification label.
Overloading
Vehicle weight
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle are on the certification label attached to the driver's (or front passenger’s) door. Exceeding these ratings can cause an accident or vehicle damage. You can calculate the weight of your load by weighing the items (and people) before putting them in the vehicle. Be careful not to overload your vehicle.
Loading Your Vehicle - For Australia
The Certification/Tyre label is found on the front edge of the RH (or LH) "B" pillar. The label shows the size of your original tyres and inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle.
This is called the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. The Certification/Tyre label also tells you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading.
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWRs. If you do, change to the vehicle may occur, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.