GVWR, Curb Weight, and Load Capacity

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MajorAward

MajorAward

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The 850LB / 385KG load capacity of the Clarity seemed unusually low to me, so while researching spare tire options I decided to compare the Clarity to my wife's Subaru Crosstrek. Turns out, not that much difference:

2018 Clarity Touring
GVWR= 4965LB / 2252KG
GAWR (Front)= 2579LB / 1170KG
GAWR (Rear)= 2460LB / 1116KG
Load Capacity 850LB / 385KG
Standard Tires: 235X45R18 94V
Spare tire: None

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited
GVWR= 4343LB / 1970KG
GAWR (Front)= 2227LB / 1010KG
GAWR (Rear)= 2205LB / 1000KG
Load Capacity 900LB / 408KG
Standard Tires: 225/55R18 98H
Spare tire: 145/80D17 107M

That rabbit hole led to another so I looked up the load capacity of a few other models:

2018 Ford F150: 1485-2311LB / 674-1048KG (Depends on options)
2018 Honda Accord: 850LB / 385KG
2018 Honda Ridgeline: 1465LB / 665KG
2018 Mazda 6 Grand Touring: 992LB / 450KG
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 925LB / 420KG (Online Manual)
2018 Toyota RAV4: 900LB / 410KG (Online Manual)
2018 Toyota Prius Prime: 670LB / 305KG (Online Manual)

Load capacity is not always easy to find. Toyota makes it easier with their customized online manuals, but some others use example weights in their manuals, and not actual weights. I understand this info is on every door jam/plate, but seems it should be a standard line item on the spec page. Load Capacity can be determined by subtracting Curb Weight from GVWR, but many times the numbers you need are not listed.

My take from this? Load capacities are lower than I thought. Now back to looking at spare tire options.
 
NeatTown said:
I knew the clarity was heavy, but not that heavy. It explains the use of 235/45 sized tires.
Click to expand...
The Touring's weight is usually quoted at 4,059 lbs. I'd guess that's the "dry weight," but with just a 7-gallon gas tank and 3.5 quarts of oil in the engine, the "wet weight" can't be a whole lot heavier. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is, of course, the maximum expected weight with passengers and/or luggage.
 
Base curb weight is listed as 4052 and Touring at 4059.
4965-4052= 913
4965-4059= 906
Both those numbers are higher than the stated load capacity of 850lb, so maybe Honda is leaving a safety buffer?
 
MajorAward said:
Base curb weight is listed as 4052 and Touring at 4059.
4965-4052= 913
4965-4059= 906
Both those numbers are higher than the stated load capacity of 850lb, so maybe Honda is leaving a safety buffer?
Click to expand...
Well, if you consider 7 gallons of gas weighs 42 lbs and 3.5 gallons of oil weighs 24.5 lbs, that 66.5 lbs more than accounts for the difference.
 
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