load capacity SUZUKI XL7 2007 2.G Owners Manual

2-23 FEATURES AND CONTROLS
78J00-03E
1767348
To reposition the crossrail, pull up on the
end levers on each side of the crossrail to
the upright position. This will release the
locking mechanism from the siderail. Lift
and place the crossrail into the new posi-
tion. Press the levers down until the lock-
ing mechanisms fully engage to the side
rail. Make sure each lever is in the down
position. The crossrail will not slide when
properly engaged.Do not stand on the plastic lower body
panel when loading cargo on the luggage
carrier.
Loading cargo on the luggage carrier will
make the center of vehicle gravity higher.
Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp
turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneu-
vers. This could result in loss of control of
the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum vehicle
capacity when loading your vehicle. For
more information on vehicle capacity and
loading, refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in
“Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle”
in the “Driving Your Vehicle” section.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you
are driving, check now and then to make
sure the luggage carrier crossrails are
locked and cargo is still securely fastened.
When the luggage carrier is not in use,
store the crossrails inside the vehicle. If
not possible, lock one crossrail at the rear
most position on the siderails and lock the
other crossrail above the opening of the
rear door to reduce wind noise.
Rear Seat ArmrestYour vehicle may have a rear seat armrest
that contains two cupholders. To access
the cupholders, pull the armrest down from
the rear seatback.
Convenience NetYour vehicle may have a rear compartment
net to prevent items from rolling under the
rear seat. There may also be four conve-
nience net tie-downs. Two tie-downs are
located on the side trim just behind the
rear seat and the other two are located on
the floor at the rear of the cargo area.
WARNING
Loading cargo on the luggage carrier
that weighs more than 220 lbs (100
kg) or hangs over the rear or sides of
the vehicle may damage your vehicle.
Load cargo so that it rests on the
slats as far forward as possible and
against the side rails, making sure to
fasten it securely.

4-17 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example
1556694
A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label is attached to the vehicle’s
center pillar (B-pillar). With the driver’s
door open, you will find the label attached
below the door lock post (striker). The tire
and loading information label lists the num-
ber of occupant seating positions (A), and
the maximum vehicle capacity weight (B)
in kilograms and pounds. The vehicle
capacity weight includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-
installed options.
The Tire and Loading Information label
also lists the tire size of the original equip-
ment tires (C) and the recommended cold
tire inflation pressures (D). For more infor-
mation on tires and inflation, refer to “Tires”
in the “Service and Appearance Care” sec-tion and “Inflation - Tire Pressure” in “Tires”
in the “Service and Appearance Care” sec-
tion.
There is also important loading information
on the Certification/Tire label. It tells you
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
for the front and rear axles. See “Certifica-
tion/Tire Label” later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
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 vehi-
cle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400
– 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5) Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage 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,
the load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this man-
ual to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity for your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, refer to
“Towing a Trailer” in this section for impor-
tant information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules, and trailering tips.

4-18 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
Example 1
1273153
Example 2
1273154
Example 3
1273155
Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading
information label for specific information
about your vehicle’s maximum vehicle
capacity weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed your vehi-
cle’s maximum vehicle capacity weight. Item Descripion Total
AMaximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 1 =1000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs (68
kg) x 2 =300 lbs
(136 kg)
CAvailable Occupant
and Cargo Weight = 700 lbs
(317 kg)
Item Descripion Total
AMaximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 2 =1000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs (68
kg) x 2 =750 lbs
(340 kg)
CAvailable Occupant
Weight = 250 lbs
(113 kg)
Item Descripion Total
AMaximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 3 =1000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 200 lbs (91
kg) × 5 =1000 lbs
(453 kg)
CAvailable Cargo
Weight = 0 lbs
(0 kg)

4-19 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
Certification Label
52D059
A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label is
found on the rear edge of the driver’s door.
The label shows the size of your original
tires and the inflation pressures needed to
obtain the gross weight capacity of your
vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all occu-
pants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label also tells you
the maximum weights for the front and rear
axles, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). To find out the actual loads on
your front and rear axles, you need to go to
a weigh station and weigh your vehicle.
Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure
to spread out your load equally on both
sides of the centerline.Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle
or the GAWR for either the front or rear
axle.
If you put things inside your vehicle – like
suitcases, tools, packages, or anything
else – they will go as fast as the vehicle
goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or
if there is a crash, they will keep going.
WARNING
Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum front
or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change
the way your vehicle handles. These
could cause you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
WARNING
Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be cov-
ered by your warranty. Do not over-
load your vehicle.
WARNING
Things you put inside your vehicle
can strike and injure people in a sud-
den stop or turn, or in a crash.
 Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
 Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
 Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
 When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever you
can.
 Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.

4-21 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
the ground. It can be towed with car carrier
equipment.Level ControlYour vehicle may have this feature. This
self-adjusting type of level control is fully
automatic and will provide a better leveled
riding position as well as better handling
under a variety of passenger and loading
conditions. The system is activated when
sufficient weight is added to the vehicle,
and will automatically adjust vehicle height
thereafter. A hydraulic pump inside each
rear shock absorber raises the rear of the
vehicle to the proper height, based on
inputs from the road surface, while the
vehicle is being driven. It takes approxi-
mately two miles (3.2 km) of driving for the
leveling to complete, depending on the
road surface conditions.
If the loaded vehicle is not moved for
approximately twelve hours, the leveling
system may bleed down to a lower height.
This can be especially apparent if a trailer
is left attached to a parked vehicle for long
periods of time. The vehicle must be driven
to re-level the vehicle. If a self-equalizing
hitch is being used, the vehicle should be
driven approximately two miles (3.2 km)
with the trailer prior to adjusting (leveling)
the hitch.
Towing a TrailerTo identify the trailering capacity of your
vehicle, you should read the information in
“Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in
this section. Trailering is different than just
driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering
means changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability, and fuel economy. Suc-cessful, safe trailering takes correct equip-
ment, and it has to be used properly.
That is the reason for this section. In it are
many time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are impor-
tant for your safety and that of your pas-
sengers. So please read this section
carefully before you pull a trailer.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
 There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailering. Make sure your rig will be
legal, not only where you live but also
where you will be driving. A good source
for this information can be state or pro-
vincial police.
 Consider using a sway control. Refer to
“Hitches” later in this section.
 Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is
driven. Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
 During the first 500 miles (800 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50
mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at
full throttle. This helps your engine and
other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
WARNING
If you do not use the correct equip-
ment and drive properly, you can lose
control when you pull a trailer. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy,
the brakes may not work well – or
even at all. You and your passengers
could be seriously injured. Pull a
trailer only if you have followed all
the steps in this section. Ask your
dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle.
CAUTION
Pulling a trailer improperly can dam-
age your vehicle and result in costly
repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Always follow the
instructions in this section and check
with your dealer for more information
about towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle.

4-22 DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
78J00-03E
Three important considerations have to do
with weight:
 Weight of the trailer
 Weight of the trailer tongue
 Weight on your vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Your vehicle can tow up to 2,900 lbs (1300
kg) with up to five occupants or up to 3,500
lbs (1575 kg) with up to two occupants. But
even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig.
For example, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature and how much your
vehicle is used pull a trailer are all impor-
tant. It can also depend on any special
equipment that you have on your vehicle,
and the amount of tongue weight vehicle
can carry. Refer to “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” later in this section for more infor-
mation.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the tow vehi-
cle and it has all the required trailering
equipment. The weight of additional
optional equipment, passengers and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from
the maximum trailer weight.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or you can write us
at our Customer Assistance Offices.Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an
important weight to measure because it
affects the total or gross weight of your
vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle. If you have
a lot of options, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight
your vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can
tow. And if you will tow a trailer, you must
add the tongue load to the GVW because
your vehicle will be carrying that weight,
too. Refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in this
section for more information about your
vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
806596
If you are using a weight-carrying or a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue
weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 per-cent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle (400 lbs/181
kg).
After you have loaded your trailer, weigh
the trailer and then the tongue, separately,
to see if the weights are proper. If they are
not, you may be able to get them right sim-
ply by moving some items around in the
trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to
the upper limit for cold tires. You will find
these numbers on the Certification/Tire
Label at the rear edge of the driver’s door,
or refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in this
section. Then be sure you do not go over
the GVW limit for your vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by and rough roads are a few reasons why
you will need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
 If you will be pulling a trailer that, when
loaded, will weigh more than 2000 lbs
(900 kg), be sure to use a properly
mounted, weight-carrying hitch and sway
control of the proper size. This equip-
ment is very important for proper vehicle
loading and good handling when you’re
driving.

5-28 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
78J00-03E
C. Aspect Ratio:
A two-digit number that indicates the
tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect
ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the
illustration, it would mean that the
tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high as
it is wide.
D. Construction Code:
A letter code is used to indicate the
type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter R means radial ply construction;
the letter D means diagonal or bias
ply construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply construction.
E. Rim Diameter:
Diameter of the wheel in inches.
F. Service Description:
These characters represent the load
range and speed rating of the tire.
The load index represents the load
carry capacity a tire is certified to
carry. The load index can range from
1 to 279. The speed rating is the max-
imum speed a tire is certified to carry
a load. Speed ratings range from A to
Z.
Tire Terminology and DefinitionsAir Pressure:
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:
This means the combined weight of
optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic trans-
mission/transaxle, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:
The relationship of a tire’s height to its
width.
Belt:
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead:
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Bias Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid
at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to
the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure:
The amount of air pressure in a tire, mea-
sured in pounds per square inch (psi) orkilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. Refer to “Inflation – Tire
Pressure” in this section.
Curb Weight:
This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT Markings:
A code molded into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in compliance with
the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) motor vehicle safety standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufac-
turer, production plant, brand, and date of
production.
GVWR:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Refer to
“Loading Your Vehicle” in “Your Driving,
the Road, and Your Vehicle” in the “Driving
Your Vehicle” section.
GAWR FRT:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle. Refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in
“Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle”
in the “Driving Your Vehicle” section.
GAWR RR:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle.
Refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in “Your

5-29 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
78J00-03E
Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle” in the
“Driving Your Vehicle” section.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of an asymmetrical tire, that must
always face outward when mounted on a
vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):
The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:
An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:
The maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire may be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:
The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and production
options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:
The number of occupants a vehicle is
designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs (68
kg). Refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in
“Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle”
in the “Driving Your Vehicle” section.Occupant Distribution:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:
The side of an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire
that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering, or bears manufacturer, brand, and/
or model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on passenger cars and some
light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure:
Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire
inflation pressure as shown on the tire
placard. Refer to “Inflation – Tire Pressure”
in this section and “Loading Your Vehicle”
in “Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehi-
cle” in the “Driving Your Vehicle” section.
Radial Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Rim:
A metal support for a tire and upon which
the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall:
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.Speed Rating:
An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire
indicating the maximum speed at which a
tire can operate.
Traction:
The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:
The portion of a tire that comes into con-
tact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators:
Narrow bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread of a tire
when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread
remains. Refer to “When It Is Time for New
Tires” in this section.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards):
A tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction,
temperature, and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The rat-
ings are molded into the sidewall of the
tire. Refer to “Uniform Tire Quality Grad-
ing” in this section.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:
The number of designated seating posi-
tions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the
rated cargo load. Refer to “Loading Your
Vehicle” in “Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle” in the “Driving Your Vehicle”
section.

5-30 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
78J00-03E
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:
Load on an individual tire due to curb
weight, accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:
A label permanently attached to a vehicle
showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and
the original equipment tire size and recom-
mended inflation pressure. Refer to “Tire
and Loading Information Label” under
“Loading Your Vehicle” in “Your Driving,
the Road, and Your Vehicle” in the “Driving
Your Vehicle” section.Inflation – Tire PressureTires need the correct amount of air pres-
sure to operate effectively.
A Tire and Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-
pillar). This label shows your vehicle’s orig-
inal equipment tires and the correct infla-
tion pressures for your tires when they are
cold. The recommended cold tire inflation
pressure, shown on the label, is the mini-
mum amount of air pressure needed to
support your vehicle’s maximum load car-
rying capacity.
For additional information regarding how
much weight your vehicle can carry, and
an example of the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label, refer to “Loading Your Vehi-cle” in “Your Driving, the Road, and Your
Vehicle” in the “Driving Your Vehicle” sec-
tion. How you load your vehicle affects
vehicle handling and ride comfort. Never
load your vehicle with more weight than it
was designed to carry.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Do
not forget to check the compact spare tire,
it should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). For addi-
tional information regarding the compact
spare tire, refer to “Compact Spare Tire” in
this section.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to
check tire pressure. You cannot tell if your
tires are properly inflated simply by looking
at them. Radial tires may look properly
inflated even when they are under-inflated.
Check the tire’s inflation pressure when
the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve
stem. Press the tire gage firmly onto the
valve to get a pressure measurement. If
the cold tire inflation pressure matches the
recommended pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no further
adjustment is necessary. If the inflation
pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
CAUTION
Do not let anyone tell you that under-
inflation or over-inflation is all right. It
is not. If your tires do not have
enough air (under-inflation), you can
get the following:
 Too much flexing
 Too much heat
 Tire overloading
 Premature or irregular wear
 Poor handling
 Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-
inflation), you can get the following:
 Unusual wear
 Poor handling
 Rough ride
 Needless damage from road haz-
ards

5-37 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
78J00-03E
Wheel ReplacementReplace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes
be repaired). See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you
need.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels,
wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them
only with new original equipment parts.
This way, you will be sure to have the right
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
your vehicle.Refer to “Changing a Flat Tire” in this sec-
tion for more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
Tire Chains
If a Tire Goes FlatIt is unusual for a tire to blowout while you
are driving, especially if you maintain your
vehicle’s tires properly. If air goes out of a
tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have a blow-
out, here are a few tips about what to
expect and what to do:
WARNING
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your
vehicle can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
your vehicle, make your tires lose air
and make you lose control. You
could have a collision in which you
or others could be injured. Always
use the correct wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts for replacement.
CAUTION
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or odometer
calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance, and
tire or tire chain clearance to the
body and chassis.
WARNING
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle
is dangerous. You cannot know how
it has been used or how far it has
been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new original
equipment wheel.
WARNING
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used
on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause dam-
age to the brakes, suspension or
other vehicle parts. The area dam-
aged by the tire chains could cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a
crash.
Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer recommends
it for use on your vehicle and tire size
combination and road conditions.
Follow that manufacturer’s instruc-
tions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or
remove the device if it is contacting
your vehicle, and do not spin your
vehicle’s wheels. If you do find trac-
tion devices that will fit, install them
on the front tires.