The vehicle certification
label displays the following assessments:
• | The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) |
• | The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) |
• | The vehicle's payload rating |
• | The original equipment tire sizes and the recommended tire pressures |
Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight of the vehicle and everything
it carries. Include the following items when figuring the GVW:
• | The base vehicle weight (factory weight) |
• | The weight of all vehicle accessories, like the winches or the
plows |
• | The weight of the driver and the passengers |
• | The weight of the cargo |
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
The front gross axle weight (GAW) is the weight exerted on the front
axle. The rear gross axle weight (GAW) is the weight exerted on the rear axle.
The front and rear gross axle weights must not exceed the front and rear
gross axle weight ratings.
The payload rating defines the vehicle's maximum allowable cargo load.
The cargo load includes the driver and the passengers. The payload rating
is based on the vehicle's factory installed equipment. Deduct from the payload
rating the weight of accessories added to the vehicle after the final date
of manufacture .
The vehicle may have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The
Gross Combination Weight Rating refers to the total maximum weight of the
loaded tow vehicle (including driver and passengers) and a loaded trailer.
The vehicle's tires must be the proper size and properly inflated for
the load the vehicle is carrying. For more information on tires, refer to
Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications
.