2008 Dodge Avenger Owner's Manual - Page 335

STARTING AND OPERATING 333 Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle separately. It is important that you distribute the load evenly over the front and rear axles. Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension components do not necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR. Loading To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items down low and be sure you distribute their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight. Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way the brakes operate. A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been exceeded. Vehicle with a GVWR of 4480 EXAMPLE ONLY Front Axle Rear Axle Empty Weight 1853 lbs 1631 lbs (841 kg) (740 kg ) Load (Including driver, 271 lbs 579 lbs passengers, and cargo) (123 kg) (263 kg) Total 2124 lbs 2210 lbs (963 kg) (1002 kg) GAWR 2195 lbs 2285 lbs (997 kg) (1036 kg) NOTE: Refer to the "Vehicle Certification Label" attached to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR. This table is only an example. 5