2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab Owner Manual - Page 444

442 STARTING AND OPERATING Payload The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load Certification Label weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admindriver, all passengers, options and cargo. istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) affixed to the driver's side door or pillar. The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front This label contains the month and year of manufacture, and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded. Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle, Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes specified by purchasers for inbottom of the label is your VIN. creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehiGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) cle's GVWR. The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo. Tire Size The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and The tire size on the label represents the actual tire size on rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size. GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded. VEHICLE LOADING