1. Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit—Trailer
Determining the load limits of a trailer includes more
than understanding the load limits of the tires alone.
On all trailers there is a Federal certification / VIN label
that is located on the forward half of the left (road) side
of the unit. This certification / VIN label will indicate the
trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the
most weight the fully loaded trailer can weigh. It will also
provide the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This is
the most a particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple
axles, the GAWR of each axle will be provided.
If your trailer has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less,
thereis a vehicle placard located in the same location
as the certification label described above. This placard
provides tire and loading information. In addition, this
placard will show a statement regarding maximum cargo
capacity. Cargo can be added to the trailer, up to the
maximum weight specified on the placard. The combined
weight of the cargo is provided as a single number. In any
case, remember: the total weight of a fully loaded trailer
can not exceed the stated GVWR.
For trailers with living quarters installed, the weight of
water and propane also need to be considered. The
weight of fully filled propane containers is considered
part of the weight of the trailer before it is loaded with
cargo, and is not considered part of the disposable cargo
load. Water however, is a disposable cargo weight and is
treated as such. If there is a fresh water storage tank of
100 gallons, this tank when filled would weigh about 800
pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water can
be off-loaded to keep the total amount of cargo added
to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR so as not to
overload the vehicle. Understanding this flexibility will
allow you, the owner, to make choices that fit your travel
needs.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly
to prevent overloading front to back and side to side.
Heavy items should be placed low and as close to the
axle positions as reasonable. Too many items on one
side may overload a tire. The best way to know the actual
weight of the vehicle is to weigh it at a public scale. Talk
to your dealer to discuss the weighing methods needed
to capture the various weights related to the trailer. This
would include the weight empty or unloaded, weights per
axle, wheel, hitch or king-pin, and total weight.
Excessive loads and / or underinflation cause tire
overloading and, as a result, abnormal tire flexing occurs.
This situation can generate an excessive amount of heat
within the tire. Excessive heat may lead to tire failure. It
is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the load,
so proper inflation is critical. The proper air pressure may
be found on the certification / VIN label and/or on the Tire
Placard. This value should never exceed the maximum
cold inflation pressure stamped on the tire.
1.1 Trailers 10,000 Pounds (4536 kg) GVWR or less
(1) Locate the statement "The weight of cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's
placard.
(2) This figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity.
(3) 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.
1.2 Trailers over 10,000 Pounds (4536 kg) GVWR
(Note: These trailers are not required to have a tire
information placard on the vehicle.)
(1) Determine the empty weight of your trailer by
weighing the trailer using a public scale or other means.
This step does not have to be repeated.
(2) Locate the GWVR of the trailer on your trailer's VIN
(Certification) label.
(3) Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from the
GVWR stated on the VIN label. That weight is the
maximum available cargo capacity of the trailer and may
not be safety exceeded.
2. Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit—Tow Vehicle
(1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) 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
× 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) 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.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the
tow vehicle's manual to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
3.Glossary of Tire Terminology
Accessory weight means the combined weight (in
excess of those standard items which may be replaced)
of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the
extent that these items are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not).
Bead means the part of the tire that is made of steel
wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is
shaped to fit the rim.
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