>The concept of 'legit' overhead in GVWR is interesting. I >think we all agree that the GVWR of a vehicle can be >exceeded a bit.
This is an interesting issue. I believe the important things to consider are: Braking ability on long downgrades. Wheel and tire load ratings, Ride height, Strength of the remainder of the suspension and frame. I have run many vehicles well over GVWR. I regularly load VW busses 2000 lbs Over the GVWR with reinforced springs. It requires careful mountain descents, tends to wear on the suspension mounts, and after many years a couple of the suspension arms started to take a bend. I always stay within the tire ratings and keep them properly inflated. I wonder what the manufacturers use for the weak link determining GVWR. I suspect it's primarily the braking ability and then they design the springs to take what they want it to take. Or maybe it's by decree, and then they build the rest of the car to fit. -Otmar- http://www.CafeElectric.com/ Home of the Zilla. http://www.evcl.com/914 My electric 914 NEV. It stands for "Not an Electric Vehicle" Remember the 70s, just say no to NEVs on arterials.
