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 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
Example 1
Vehicle Capacity Weight
Example 2
The Tire and Loading Information label shows the seating capacity and the total weight your vehicle can properly carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight. If your vehicle has the Tire and Loading Information label, Example 1, the label is attached to the center pillar, near the driver's door latch. If your vehicle has the Tire-Loading Information label, Example 2, the label is on the driver's door lock pillar.
The Tire and Loading Information label also gives you the size and recommended inflation pressure for the factory-installed, original equipment tires on your vehicle. For more information on tires and inflation see Tires and Inflation - Tire Pressure .
There is also important loading information on the Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle; see "Certification 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.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, 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 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 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 Label
The certification label is also found on the driver's door lock pillar. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. 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. Don't carry more than 400 lbs. (181 kg) in your rear area when four people are in your two-wheel-drive vehicle. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, don't carry more than 200 lbs. (91 kg) in your rear area when four people are in your vehicle.
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.
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 your
vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
• Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle. 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 your
vehicle. • When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure
it whenever you can. • Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
There's also important loading information for off-road driving in this manual. See Loading the Vehicle .
