2004 Lexus ES 330 Owners Manual - Page 339

DRIVING TIPS CARGO AND LUGGAGE Stowage precautions When stowing cargo or luggage in the vehicle, observe the following: D Put cargo or luggage in the trunk when at all possible. Be sure all items are secured in place. D Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance. D For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight. Capacity and distribution Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants. (Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) - (Total weight of occupants) Steps for determining correct load limit 1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehicle's placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs). 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. CAUTION D Do not place anything on the package tray behind the rear seatback. Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an accident. D Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument panel. They may interfere with the driver's field of view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle acceleration or turning, and impair the driver's control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure the vehicle occupants. 310