Load Carrying Capacity Reduced Label (08-040)

Publication date: 2008-05-31
Reference number: 08-040

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 08-040, Date of Issue: May 31, 2008

HONDA:	ALL Vehicles
CATEGORY:	Suspension
APPLIES TO:	ALL Vehicles

Description

Beginning June 2, 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires that all automobile dealers install a label to show the reduction in load carrying capacity from the installation of accessories when the total weight of the accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs., whichever is less. The label only needs to be installed when accessories are installed before or at the time the vehicle is first sold.

The label does not need to be installed when accessories are installed at a later time.

NOTE: Any person who fails to comply with this NHTSA-mandated safety requirement is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $6,000 for each violation. Each vehicle that fails to meet the requirement is considered as a separate violation. The maximum civil penalty for failing to meet this requirement is $16,375,000.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Labels that say "Load Carrying Capacity Reduced" are commercially available. Here are two sources for these labels:

Dec-O-Art

www.dec-o-art.com

Phone: 574-294-6451, 800-225-6879

Order P/N FD-317

National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA)

www.ntea.com

Phone: 248-489-7090, 800-441-6832

Order P/N 2246

Example of the label (actual labels may vary):

Fig 1: Load Carrying Capacity Reduced Labels

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Calculate the accessory weight threshold

The GVWR is shown on the certification label in the driver's doorjamb.
To calculate the accessory weight threshold, do this:

GVWR x 0.015 = accessory weight threshold

Example using the GVWR of a 2008 Ridgeline (6,050 lbs.):

6,050 lbs. x 0.015 = 90.75 lbs.

The Ridgeline in this example would require a Load Carrying Capacity Reduced label if the total weight of the accessories installed is more than 90.75 lbs.

Calculate the accessory weight
Use a scale to calculate the total weight of all accessories that will be installed on a vehicle, and note this weight.
NOTE: Make sure to add the weight of all components, hardware, and fluids that are added.

Example using a 2008 Ridgeline (weights are estimated):

Accessory trailer hitch 40.56 lbs.

Accessory running boards 57.32 lbs.

Full-sized spare tire and aluminum wheel 68.17 lbs.

Added weight 166.05 lbs.
After installing the accessories, weigh all of the parts that are removed from the vehicle and not used, and note this weight.
Example using the 2008 Ridgeline above:

Compact spare tire (no longer used) 45.25 lbs.

Removed weight 45.25 lbs.
Calculate the total accessory weight by subtracting the removed weight from the added weight.
Example using Ridgeline accessory weight added minus the weight removed:

166.05 lbs. - 45.25 lbs. = 120.80 lbs.

In this example, the total accessory weight is more than the accessory weight threshold, so the Load Carrying Capacity Reduced label will need to be installed showing that the capacity has been reduced by 120.80 lbs.
- If the total accessory weight is more than the accessory weight threshold, a Load Carrying Capacity Reduced label is required. Go to step 5.
- If the total accessory weight is less than the accessory weight threshold, no action is required.
Install the label
Apply the Load Carrying Capacity Reduced label in the driver's doorjamb. The label must be applied within 25 mm (approximately 1 in.) of the existing tire and loading information label.
Fill in the total reduction in load carrying capacity (either in kg or in lbs.) with a permanent pen.
Notify the customer that the vehicle's load carrying capacity has been reduced, and show them the label indicating the amount the load carrying capacity has been reduced.