8-20
Driving tips/Trailer towing
! Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
! Tongue load
Certification label
GVWR is shown on the certification label
located on the driver’s door of your
vehicle.
Tongue load
Gross Axle Weight
The total weight applied to each axle
(GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear
GAWs can be adjusted by relocating
passengers and luggage inside the vehicle. The front and rear GAWR are also
shown on the certification label.
To check both GVWR and GAWR and to
confirm that the total weight and weight
distribution are within safe driving limits,
you should have your vehicle and trailer
weighed at a commercial weighing station.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.
Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from
8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight
and does not exceed the maximum value
of 175 lbs (80 kg).
NOTE
For vehicles with trailer brakes, the
trailer tongue load exceeds sR