What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?
Is the maximum recommended weight for a vehicle, including: the weight of the vehicle itself, fuel and other fluids, passengers, and all cargo.
What happens when a vehicle is loaded above its GVWR?
Vehicles that operate above the GVWR are a potential safety hazard because the frame, suspension, brakes and tires are not designed for weights above the rating the manufacturer has set. Overloading a vehicle can also result in increased maintenance costs for the owner. The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations of British Columbia prohibit vehicle operators from loading their vehicle in excess of its GVWR.
How do I make sure I am not overloading my vehicle?
The easiest way to figure out how much weight your vehicle is designed to carry is to subtract the net weight of the vehicle (found in your owner's manual) from the GVWR (found on the driver's door post). The remaining number is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry (it includes passengers, fuel and cargo.) Aftermarket access or equipment will increase the net weight of the vehicle. The weight of these accessories or equipment must be added to the net weight listed in your owner's manual.
The Weights of common landscaping products are listed below per cubic yard:
- Road Crush - 3200 lbs
- Mulch - 1200 lbs
- Sand - 2650 lbs
- Limestone - 2700 lbs
- Shale - 2000 lbs
- Sod - 2000 lbs (per pallet)
- Top soil - 2200 lbs
- Paving Stones - 3200 lbs
- Bark Chips/Nuggets - 1000 lbs
- Rock - 2700 lbs
Please keep in mind that any sand products or products containing sand will increase in weight if they are wet.
If we feel you are at risk of overloading your vehicle we will advise. We maintain the right to refuse to overload. You are responsible for knowing the GVW for your particular vehicle. While we can advise based on similar vehicles, we cannot know the particulars of each vehicle and therefore you are responsible for any damage caused by overloading your vehicle.