2010 Dodge Avenger Owner Manual - Page 314

STARTING AND OPERATING 313 Overloading The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires, wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front and rear GAWR. The best way to figure out the total weight of your vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it is not over the GVWR. Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle separately. It is important that you distribute the load TRAILER TOWING evenly over the front and rear axles. In this section, you will find safety tips and information Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully components do not necessarily increase the vehicle's review this information to tow your load as efficiently GVWR. and safely as possible. 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. 5