It is very important to know how much weight your vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification/Tire label.
Caution: Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
Vehicle Capacity Weight
The Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the center pillar, near the driver's door latch. Vehicles without a center pillar will have the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's door edge. This label lists the number of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight it can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight.
The Tire and Loading Information label also tells you the size and recommended inflation pressure for the original equipment tires on your vehicle. For more information on tires and inflation see Tires and Inflation - Tire Pressure .
If your vehicle does not have the Tire and Loading Information label, the Certification/Tire label shows the tire size and recommended inflation pressures needed to obtain the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles. See "Certification/Tire Label" later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
- Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehicle placard.
- Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
- Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
- The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.).
- Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
- If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
See Towing a Trailer for important information on towing a trailer, towing safety rules and trailering tips.
Example 1
Item | Description | Total |
|---|---|---|
A | Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = | 1,000 lbs. (453 kg) |
B | Subtract Occupant Weight @ 150 lbs. (68 kg) × 2 = | 300 lbs. (136 kg) |
C | Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = | 700 lbs. (317 kg) |
Example 2
Item | Description | Total |
|---|---|---|
A | Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = | 1,000 lbs. (453 kg) |
B | Subtract Occupant Weight @ 150 lbs. (68 kg) × 5 = | 750 lbs. (340 kg) |
C | Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = | 250 lbs. (113 kg) |
Example 3
Item | Description | Total |
|---|---|---|
A | Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = | 1,000 lbs. (453 kg) |
B | Subtract Occupant Weight @ 200 lbs. (91 kg) × 5 = | 1,000 lbs. (453 kg) |
C | Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = | 0 lbs. (0 kg) |
Refer to your vehicle's tire and loading information label for specific information about your vehicle's capacity weight and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers and cargo should never exceed your vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
The Certification/Tire label is located on the rear edge of the driver's door. The label shows the proper size and speed rating of your original tires, as well as the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, cargo, and trailer tongue weight, if your vehicle is pulling a trailer.
The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your retailer can help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
Similar looking vehicles may have different GVWRs and payloads. Please consult your vehicle's Certification/Tire label or your retailer for additional details.
Caution: Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of the vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components to get added durability might not change your vehicle's weight ratings. Ask your retailer to help you load your vehicle correctly if you are using these components.
Notice: Overloading your vehicle may cause damage. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle - like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else - they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they'll keep going.
Caution: Things you put inside the
vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
• Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a trunk,
put them as far forward as you can. Try to spread the weight evenly.
• Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside
the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in the vehicle.
• When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure
it whenever you can.
• Do not leave a seat folded down unless you need to.
