WARNING

• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area inside a vehicle.

  In the event of a collision, occupants riding in cargo areas are far more likely to suffer serious injury or fatal harm.

• Do not allow any person to ride in areas of your Nissan Sentra that are not equipped with designated seating positions and seat belts.
• Always ensure that every occupant is properly seated and using a seat belt correctly while the vehicle is in motion.

Terms

Before loading your Nissan Sentra, it is essential to understand the following weight-related terms used throughout this section:

• Curb Weight (actual vehicle weight) – The weight of the vehicle as delivered from the factory, including standard equipment, operating fluids, emergency tools, and the spare tire assembly. This weight does not include passengers or cargo.
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) – The total weight of the vehicle, including curb weight plus the combined weight of all occupants and cargo.
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – The maximum allowable total weight of the unloaded vehicle, passengers, cargo, trailer tongue load, hitch, and optional equipment. This value is listed on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) – The maximum permissible load that can be carried by the front or rear axle.

  This information is also provided on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.

• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) – The maximum combined weight of the Nissan Sentra, all occupants, cargo, and any attached trailer.
• Vehicle Capacity Weight / Load Limit – The maximum total weight of occupants and cargo allowed inside the vehicle.

  If a trailer were to be towed, the trailer tongue weight would be included as part of the cargo load. This value is shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.

• Cargo capacity – The allowable weight of cargo determined by subtracting the combined weight of occupants from the vehicle load limit.

Vehicle load capacity

Before operating a fully loaded Nissan Sentra, verify that neither the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) nor the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is exceeded. Both values are printed on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.

For additional guidance, refer to the section titled “Measurement of weights.”

Never exceed the load limit specified as “The combined weight of occupants and cargo” on the Tire and Loading Information label.

Do not exceed the maximum number of occupants listed as “Seating Capacity” on the same label.

To calculate “the combined weight of occupants and cargo,” add together the weights of all occupants and then add the total weight of cargo. Practical examples are illustrated below.

Example

Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle placard.

2. Calculate the combined weight of the driver and all passengers who will be traveling in your Nissan Sentra.

3. Subtract the combined passenger weight from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

4. The resulting number represents the maximum allowable cargo and luggage load. For example, if the stated limit is 1400 lbs. and five passengers each weigh 150 lbs., the remaining cargo capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750 = 650 lbs.).

5. Determine the total weight of all cargo and luggage to be loaded. This weight must not exceed the remaining cargo capacity calculated in step 4.

6. If your vehicle were to tow a trailer, part of the trailer load would be transferred to the vehicle. Consult this manual to understand how towing affects cargo capacity.

Towing a trailer with a vehicle not designed for towing may result in a serious accident causing injury or death.

WARNING

Do not tow a trailer with your Nissan Sentra.

Towing a trailer can result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death.

Before driving, always confirm that the total load does not exceed the GVWR or GAWR specified for your vehicle.

Loading tips

• The total Gross Vehicle Weight must never exceed the GVWR or GAWR values shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
• Do not fully load both the front and rear axles to their maximum GAWR, as doing so will exceed the overall GVWR.

WARNING

• Secure all cargo properly using straps or ropes to prevent shifting. Never stack cargo higher than the seatbacks. Unsecured cargo can cause serious personal injury during sudden stops or collisions.
• Do not overload your Nissan Sentra beyond GVWR or GAWR limits. Overloading may cause component failure, tire damage, and negatively affect vehicle handling and braking performance.

This could result in a loss of vehicle control and may lead to serious personal injury or damage to your Nissan Sentra.

Measurement of weights

Secure all loose items inside the Nissan Sentra to prevent shifting loads that could adversely affect vehicle balance and stability. When the vehicle is fully loaded, drive to a certified vehicle scale and weigh the front and rear wheels separately in order to accurately determine individual axle loads.

Each individual axle load must not exceed the specified Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Additionally, the combined total of both axle loads must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These ratings are clearly listed on the vehicle certification label. If any weight rating is exceeded, reposition or remove cargo as necessary to bring all loads within the approved limits.

Towing a trailer

Do not tow a trailer with your Nissan Sentra.