2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner's Manual - Page 174

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE Vehicle Loading Your vehicle was designed for specific load capacities. The load capacities of your vehicle are indicated by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR, front and rear), and the total load capacity, the seating capacity, and the cargo load capacity. The GVWR and GAWR (front and rear) are listed on the Safety Certification Label which is located below the driver's side door latch striker. The total load capacity and seating capacity are listed on the Tire and Loading Information Label which is located below the Safety Certification Label. The cargo load capacity can be determined as described below. Cargo Load Capacity - Maximum weight of cargo and luggage that the vehicle can safely carry. Cargo load capacity is the difference between the total load capacity of the vehicle and the total combined weight of all vehicle occupants. Refer to "Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit" for details on how to determine cargo load capacity. GVWR - Maximum permissible overall weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all the occupants, accessories and cargo plus the trailer tongue weight if towing a trailer). GAWR - (Front and Rear) Maximum permissible weight on an individual axle. Seating Capacity - Maximum number of occupants the vehicle is designed to carry. NOTE: Even though the number of occupants is within the seating capacity, you still must make sure that you do not exceed the total load capacity of the vehicle. Total Load Capacity - Maximum permissible weight a vehicle can carry including the weight of all the occupants, accessories, cargo, plus trailer tongue weight (if towing a trailer). The weight of any accessories already installed on your vehicle at the time of purchase, or that you or the dealer install after purchase, must be subtracted from the total load capacity to determine how much capacity remains available for occupants, cargo, and trailer tongue weight (if towing a trailer). Contact your dealer for further information. Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and actual loads at the front and rear axles can only be determined by weighing the vehicle using a vehicle scale. To measure the weight and load, try making your vehicle to a highway weighing station, shipping company or inspection station for trucks, etc. Compare these weights to the GVWR and GAWR (front and rear) listed on the Safety Certification Label. If the gross vehicle weight or the load on either axle exceeds these ratings, you must remove enough weight to bring the load down to the rated capacity. WARNING Never overload your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can cause damage to your tires and lead to poor steering and braking which can result in an accident. The gross vehicle weight (sum of the weights of the loaded vehicle, driver and passengers) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed on the Safety Certification Label. In addition, never distribute a load so that the weight on either the front or rear axle exceeds the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Safety Certification Label. WARNING • Always distribute cargo evenly. • To avoid personal injury or damage to your vehicle, always secure cargo to prevent it from shifting if the vehicle moves suddenly. • Place heavier objects on the floor and as far forward in the cargo area as possible. Never pile cargo higher than the top of the seatbacks. Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should 9-33