2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner's Manual - Page 283

Fuses: 7 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE exceed the total load capacity of the vehicle. Total Load Capacity - Maximum permissible weight a vehicle can carry including the weight of all the occupants, accessories, cargo, plus trailer tongue weight (if towing a trailer). The weight of any accessories already installed on your vehicle at the time of purchase, or that you or the dealer install after purchase, must be subtracted from the total load capacity to determine how much capacity remains available for occupants, cargo, and trailer tongue weight (if towing a trailer). Contact your dealer for further information. Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and actual loads at the front and rear axles can only be determined by weighing the vehicle using a vehicle scale. To measure the weight and load, try making your vehicle to a highway weighing station, shipping company or inspection station for trucks, etc. Compare these weights to the GVWR and GAWR (front and rear) listed on the Safety Certification Label. If the gross vehicle weight or the load on either axle exceeds these ratings, you must remove enough weight to bring the load down to the rated capacity. WARNING Never overload your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can cause damage to your tires and lead to poor steering and braking which can result in an accident. The gross vehicle weight (sum of the weights of the loaded vehicle, driver and passengers) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed on the Safety Certification Label. In addition, never distribute a load so that the weight on either the front or rear axle exceeds the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Safety Certification Label. WARNING • Always distribute cargo evenly. • To avoid personal injury or damage to your vehicle, always secure cargo to prevent it from shifting if the vehicle moves suddenly. • Place heavier objects on the floor and as far forward in the cargo area as possible. Never pile cargo higher than the top of the seatbacks. Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs" 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 kg or XXX lbs. 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 passen- 7-34 79K21-03E