Dodge Avenger: Vehicle loading - Starting and operating - Dodge Avenger Owners ManualDodge Avenger: Vehicle loading

Vehicle Certification Label

Your vehicle has a certification label attached to the rearof the driver’s door.

The label contains the following information:

• Name of manufacturer.

• Month and year of manufacture.

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front.

• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear.

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

• Type of Vehicle.

• Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH).

The bar code allows a computer scanner to read theVehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.

This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The totalload must be limited so that you do not exceed theGVWR.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rearaxles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axlesevenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front orrear GAWR.

WARNING:

Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it isimportant that you do not exceed the maximum frontor rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition canresult if either rating is exceeded. You could losecontrol of the vehicle and have an accident.

Overloading

The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactoryservice as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and frontand rear GAWR.

The best way to figure out the total weight of yourvehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready foroperation.Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that itis not over the GVWR.

Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicleseparately. It is important that you distribute the loadevenly over the front and rear axles.

Overloading can cause potential safety hazards andshorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspensioncomponents do not necessarily increase the vehicle’sGVWR.

Loading

To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its emptyweight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier itemsdown low and be sure you distribute their weight asevenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely beforedriving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that youhave exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is withinthe specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.

Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effecton the way your vehicle steers and handles and the waythe brakes operate.

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