1997 Ford Windstar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 234

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. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the passengers, cargo and all equipment. It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW. 234