GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 1202267  Size: B3

The Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge of the driver's door.

The label shows the size of your original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.

The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline.

Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR for either the front or rear axle.

The Certification/Tire label also contains information about your Front Axle Reserve Capacity. See Four-Wheel Drive .

And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.

CautionIn the case of a sudden stop or collision, things carried in the bed of your truck could shift forward and come into the passenger area, injuring you and others. If you put things in the bed of your truck, you should make sure they are properly secured.

CautionDo not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of the vehicle.

Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading.

This will help you decide how much cargo and installed equipment your truck can carry.

Using heavier suspension components to get added durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.

If you put things inside your vehicle - like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else - they go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they'll keep going.

Caution: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.

   • Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
   • Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.
   • Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle.
   • When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
   • Do not leave a seat folded down unless you need to.

There's also important loading information for off-road driving in this manual. See "Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving" under Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle .

Add-On Equipment

When you carry removable items, you may need to put a limit on how many people you can carry inside your vehicle. Be sure to weigh your vehicle before you buy and install the new equipment.

NoticeOverloading your vehicle may cause damage. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.

Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or rear axle. See Loading the Vehicle .

The Cargo Weight Rating (CWR) is the maximum weight of the load your vehicle can carry. It doesn't include the weight of the people inside. But you can figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg) for each seat.

The total cargo load must not be more than your vehicle's CWR.