1996 Ford Windstar Owner's Manual - Page 253

Driving Your Windstar Payload Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the base curb weight. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the passengers, cargo and all equipment. It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. The GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded including passengers, cargo and all equipment. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition that usually means that the rear suspension components are under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR. Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the maximum weight allowed on the axle system. 251