Determining the correct load limit

Step-by-step instructions

The following steps have been developed as required of all manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".

•► Step 1: Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard.

•► Step 2: Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

•► Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.

•► Step 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 lbs passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).

•► Step 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.

•► Step 6 (if applicable): If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

Example: step 1 to 3

The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of 1500 lbs. This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard.

 
 The higher the weight of all the occupants, the smaller the maximum load for

The higher the weight of all the occupants, the smaller the maximum load for luggage.

Further information can be found under "Towing a trailer"

    See also:

    Loading guidelines
    WARNING   Always fasten items being carried as securely as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and fastening materials appropriate for the weight and size of the load. In an accident, du ...

    Fuel requirements
    Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline. The octane number should be at least 91. Details can be found on the gas pump. The octane number is the average value of the Research Octane Number (RON ...

    Important safety notes
    Service products include the following: • fuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel) • lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil) • coolant • brake fluid • windshield washer fluid Vehicle components and ...