1996 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 240

NOTE: The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and rear GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The GAWR of the front and rear axles exceed the GVWR when added together. There are no numbers on the sample Safety Compliance Certification Label shown. Refer to the actual numbers on your vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label. Understanding Loading Information There are five terms that are used to describe a vehicle's ability to carry a load: s Base Curb Weight s Payload s GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) s GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) s GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) Base Curb Weight The base curb weight is the weight of the vehicle including fuel, coolants, lubricants, emergency tools and spare wheel and tire. It also includes any equipment that is standard. It does not include passengers, cargo or optional equipment installed by factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer. 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. 244