You can add heavier equipment on the front of the
vehicle if you compensate for it by carrying fewer
passengers, less cargo, or by positioning cargo towards
the rear. This has the effect of reducing the load on the
front. However, the front GAWR, rear GAWR, and the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must never be
exceeded.
{ CAUTION:
On some vehicles that have certain front mounted
equipment, such as a snow plow, it may be possible
to load the front axle to the front gross axle weight
rating (GAWR) but not have enough weight on
the rear axle to have proper braking performance.
If your brakes can not work properly, you could
have a crash. To help your brakes work properly
when a snow plow is installed, always follow
the snow plow manufacturer or installer’s
recommendation for rear ballast to ensure a proper
front and rear weight distribution ratio, even though
the actual front weight may be less than the front
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
GAWR, and the total vehicle weight is less than
the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Maintaining a proper front and rear weight
distribution ratio is necessary to provide proper
braking performance.
Total vehicle reserve capacity is the difference between
your GVWR and the weight of your vehicle with full
fuel and passengers. It is the amount of weight you
can add to your vehicle before reaching your GVWR.
Keep in mind that reserve capacity numbers are
intended as a guide when selecting the amount of
equipment or cargo your vehicle can carry. If you are
unsure of your vehicle’s front, rear, or total weight,
go to a weigh station and weigh your vehicle.
Your dealer/retailer can also help you with this.
The total vehicle reserve capacity for your vehicle can
be found in the lower right corner of the Certification/Tire
label as shown previously.
See your dealer/retailer for additional advice and
information about using a snow plow on your vehicle.
Also, see Loading the Vehicle on page 4-33.
4-42