1998 Chevrolet Venture Owner's Manual - Page 284

The Certificatioflire label alsotells you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles, called the Gross Axle WeightRating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this.Be sure to spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the GAWR for either the front or rear axle. I NOTICE: Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading. If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages or anything else -- they will go as fast as the vehicle goes.If you have to stopor turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they'll keep going. A CAJTION: m - Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. 4-31