13-12
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
the trailer tongue (i.e. Tongue load = 176 lbs (80 kg)).
1. Calculate the total weight.
2. Calculate the available load capacity.
3. The result of step 2 shows that a further 162
lbs (73 kg) of cargo can be carried.
Example 2B
For example, if a person weighing 143 lbs (65
kg) and a child weighing 40 lbs (18 kg) now enter
the same vehicle (bringing the number of occu-
pants to three), and a child restraint system
weighing 11 lbs (5 kg) is installed in the vehicle
for the child to use, the calculations are as fol-
lows:
1. Calculate the total weight.
Total weight
= 165 lbs (75 kg) + 375 lbs (170 kg)
+ 22 lbs (10 kg) + 176 lbs (80 kg) =
738 lbs (335 kg)(Occupant) (Cargo)
(Trailer hitch) (Tongue load)
Available Load Capacity
= 900 lbs (408 kg) – 738 lbs (335 kg) =
162 lbs (73 kg) (Vehicle
capacity weight) (Total weight)
USD506BA
13-13
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
– CONTINUED –
2. Calculate the available load capacity.
3. The total weight now exceeds the capacity
weight by 32 lbs (15 kg), so the cargo weight
must be reduced by 32 lbs (15 kg) or more. „
Determining compatibility of tire and
vehicle load capacities
The sum of four tires’ maximum load ratings
must exceed the maximum loaded vehicle
weight (“GVWR”). In addition, sum of the maxi-
mum load ratings of two front tires and of two
rear tires must exceed each axle’s maximum
loaded capacity (“GAWR”). Original equipment
tires are designed to fulfill those conditions.
The maximum loaded vehicle weight is referred
to Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). And
each axle’s maximum loaded capacity is referred
to Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The
GVWR and each axle’s GAWR are shown on the
vehicle certification label affixed to the driver’s
door.
The GVWR and front and rear GAWRs are de-
termined by not only the maximum load rating of
tires but also loaded capacities of the vehicle’s
suspension, axles and other body parts.
Therefore, this means that the vehicle cannot
necessarily be loaded up to the tire’s maximum
load rating on the tire sidewall.
Total weight = 165 lbs (75 kg) + 143 lbs (65 kg) + 40 lbs (18 kg)
+ 11 lbs (5 kg) + 375 lbs (170 kg) + 22 lbs (10 kg) + 176 lbs (80 kg) = 932 lbs (423 kg) (Occupant)
(Cargo)
(Trailer hitch)
(Child restraint)
(Tongue load)
Available Load Capacity
= 900 lbs (408 kg) – 932 lbs (423 kg) = –32 lbs (–15 kg) (Vehicle
capacity weight) (Total weight)