Equipter RB4000, Operator'S Manual

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• Vehicle load limits, including a description and explanation of the following items:

a. Locating and understanding the load limit information, total load capacity, and cargo 
capacity.

b. Calculating total and cargo capacities with varying seating configurations including 
quantitative examples showing / illustrating how the vehicles cargo and luggage capacity 
decreases as combined number and size of occupants’ increases. This item is also discussed 
in Section 3.

c. Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capabilities.

d. Adverse safety consequences of overloading on handling and stopping on tires.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit – Trailer

Determining the load limits of a trailer includes more than understanding the load limits of the tires alone. 
On all trailers there is a Federal certification/VIN label that is located on the forward half of the left (road) 
side of the unit. This certification/VIN label will indicate the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). 
This is the most weight the fully loaded trailer can weigh. It will also provide the Gross Axle Weight Rating 
(GAWR). This is the most a particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle 
will be provided.

If your trailer has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, there is a vehicle placard located in the same 
location as the certification label described above. This placard provides tire and loading information. In 
addition, this placard will show a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity. Cargo can be added to the 
trailer, up to the maximum weight specified on the placard. The combined weight of the cargo is provided 
as a single number. In any case, remember: the total weight of a fully loaded trailer can not exceed the 
stated GVWR. 

For trailers with living quarters installed, the weight of water and propane also need to be considered. The 
weight of fully filled propane containers is considered part of the weight of the trailer before it is loaded 
with cargo, and is not considered part of the disposable cargo load. Water however, is a disposable cargo 
weight and is treated as such. If there is a fresh water storage tank of 100 gallons, this tank when filled 
would weigh about 800 pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water can be off-loaded to keep the 
total amount of cargo added to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR so as not to overload the vehicle. 
Understanding this flexibility will allow you, the owner, to make choices that fit your travel needs.

When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly to prevent overloading front to back and side to 
side. Heavy items should be placed low and as close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too many items 
on one side may overload a tire. The best way to know the actual weight of the vehicle is to weigh it at a 
public scale. Talk to your dealer to discuss the weighing methods needed to capture the various weights 
related to the trailer. This would include the weight empty or unloaded, weights per axle, wheel, hitch or 
king-pin, and total weight.

Excessive loads and/or under inflation cause tire overloading and, as a result, abnormal tire flexing occurs. 
This situation can generate an excessive amount of heat within the tire. Excessive heat may lead to tire 
failure. It is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the load, so proper inflation is critical. The 
proper air pressure may be found on the certification/VIN label and/or on the Tire Placard. This value 
should never exceed the maximum cold inflation pressure stamped on the tire.