On Thursday, April 24, 2003, at 10:07  AM, Larry Chase wrote:
>
> Exactly how do we get from GVWR or GAWR to the Load spec of
> 1609-1652lbs.
>
>
> GVWR LB 5512
> GAWR LB Front 2866 / Rear 3042

Load per tire == 1600 (approx) x2 for the rear == 3200 pounds (max of
the tires.)

That sounds like a 10 % safety margin (i.e. the max the vehicle axle is
rated for 3000 pounds, plus 300 pounds or thereabouts for safety.

In short car manufacturers know that folks will overload there
vehicles. They add a little bit of safety margin so that >MOST< times
folks can get away with in. Exceed it grossly, though, and you'll
eventually break it.