2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 247

Driving and Operating Certification Label gross weight capacity of the vehicle. This is called Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo. The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on the front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh the vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure to spread out the load equally on both sides of the center line. Never exceed the GVWR for the vehicle, or the GAWR for either the front or rear axle. 9-25 If the vehicle is carrying a heavy load, it should be spread out. See "Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit" earlier in this section. { WARNING Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also shorten the life of the vehicle. Label Example A vehicle-specific Certification label is attached to the lower center pillar on the driver side of the vehicle or on the rear edge of the driver door. The label shows the size of the vehicle's original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain the