COMPUTING YOUR LOAD AND LOAD DISTRIBUTION
Always give careful consideration when loading your RV so that items will be evenly distributed. Not only will
the RV handle and ride better, but you will have reduced tire wear and increased fuel economy. This will insure
that you have not overloaded one side or the other, affecting RV handling. DO NOT store heavy items near the
front or rear ends of the RV.
It is recommended to empty the waste holding tanks before leaving on a trip, and as often as possible when
traveling, to help keep weight reduced. Try to carry only as much fresh water as you will use when traveling.
It is also important to keep in mind when traveling, that all items stored inside and outside the RV are secure,
and all drawers and doors are secure. DO NOT add any type of rack or frame to any RV frame or chassis part.
The alteration to length and/or weight distribution may result in unstable handling, be a safety hazard, or could
damage the RV components. In any case, the RV warranty may be affected.
In order to properly compute your load and load distribution, you must know both actual scale weights, and the
GAWR and GVWR found on the Federal Certification Label on the motorhome. Weigh with all passengers,
equipment, luggage, and fluids on board as you plan to travel with.
To weigh your motorhome properly, use the following procedure:
1.
All passengers must be in their seats and the vehicle level. Place the front axle only on the scale.
Check the weight against the front gross axle weight rating.
2.
Pull forward so that both axles are on the scale. Check the weight against the gross vehicle rating.
3.
Pull forward again so that only the rear axle is on the scale. Check the weight against the rear axle
weight rating.
NOTE:
The vehicle must be setting on level ground when weighing the front or rear axle separately. The
weight distribution will be greatly affected if this is not done and the weights will be inaccurate.
6-6
Mandalay
Compare scale weights with capacities as shown in the following
example:
(This example is hypothetical only)
GVWR
14,500 lb.
GVW
12,570 lb. from scale
Carrying capacity
1,930 lb
Front GAWR
5,000 lb
Front GAW
4,000 lb from scale
Front axle carrying capacity
1,000 lb
Rear GAWR
10,000 lb
Rear GAW
8,890 lb from scale
Rear axle carrying capacity
1,110 lb
Summary of Contents for 38A 2004
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