296 STARTING AND OPERATINGLoadingThe actual total weight and the weight of thefront and rear of your vehicle at the ground canbest be determined by weighing it when it isloaded and ready for operation.The entire vehicle should first be weighed on acommercial scale to insure that the GrossVehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) has not beenexceeded. The weight on the front and rear ofthe vehicle should then be determinedseparately to be sure that the load is properlydistributed over the front and rear axle.Weighing the vehicle may show that the GrossAxle Weight Rating (GAWR) of either the front orrear axles has been exceeded but the total loadis within the specified GVWR. If so, weight mustbe shifted from front to rear or rear to front asappropriate until the specified weightlimitations are met. Store the heavier itemsdown low and be sure that the weight isdistributed equally. Stow all loose itemssecurely before driving.Improper weight distributions can have anadverse effect on the way your vehicle steersand handles and the way the brakes operate.TRAILER TOWINGIn this section you will find safety tips andinformation on limits to the type of towing youcan reasonably do with your vehicle. Beforetowing a trailer, carefully review this informationto tow your load as efficiently and safely aspossible.To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warrantycoverage, follow the requirements andrecommendations in this manual concerningvehicles used for trailer towing.Common Towing DefinitionsThe following trailer towing related definitionswill assist you in understanding the followinginformation:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is thetotal allowable weight of your vehicle. Thisincludes driver, passengers, cargo and tongueweight. The total load must be limited so thatyou do not exceed the GVWR. Refer to “VehicleLoading/Vehicle Certification Label” in “StartingAnd Operating” for further information.Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight ofthe trailer plus the weight of all cargo,consumables and equipment (permanent ortemporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its“loaded and ready for operation” condition.The recommended way to measure GTW is toput your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.The entire weight of the trailer must besupported by the scale.CAUTION!Do not load your vehicle any heavier than theGVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWR.If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, orit can change the way your vehicle handles.This could cause you to lose control. Alsooverloading can shorten the life of your vehi-cle.WARNING!If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)or more, it is recommended to use a weight-dis-tributing hitch to ensure stable handling of yourvehicle. If you use a standard weight-carryinghitch, you could lose control of your vehicle andcause a collision.
