kaydeejay wrote:
All vehicle manufacturers are required to certify to the Federal Government that their vehicles comply with all Safety and Emission standards on the date of manufacture (read the label on your door).
GVWR is the MAXIMUM weight at which the manufacturer will stand behind the vehicle in meeting those regs.
If you go over GVWR your truck is NOT going to fall apart but be aware of the following possible (but unlikely) scenarios:
- You may wear out driveline components faster than their designed life
- Your dealer could void your drivetrain & suspension warranty
- If you were involved in an accident you could be cited for overloading
- Following such an accident you insurance company could terminate coverage
Bearing all of the above in mind, I would not get too excited about 200-400# overweight.
Where I would start to get concerned would be at 1000# or more over.
Many years ago I was involved in a couple of court cases where drivers involved in accidents WERE prosecuted for being 1000# and 1500# over. They were charged with negligence.
Just be careful!
I find this very interesting.
What was your involvement? Prosecuting or defense attorney? If in an accident how was it determined how much they were overweight? Did they weigh the debris? You say charged, were they found guilty? What was the penalty?
Thanks in advance.
