Choosing the Right Tow Vehicle: Understanding Weight
06-02-2016
Author: in RV Tips & Education
Lately we have been looking into getting a new tow vehicle. As we have researched and looked at different vehicles, we have learned a lot – and there is a lot to consider. Budget is, of course a concern, but when it is all said and done, the big question is can the vehicle actually tow the trailer?
So here is a quick guide to better understanding what it takes to find the right vehicle for towing your RV.
Tow Ratings
Different vehicles have their own maximum tow ratings, but that isn’t always accurate. In fact, it is often rather optimistic. Before you purchase a vehicle, check the rating with the manufacturer. This guide will help familiarize you with the terms that are used so you can make a more educated decision.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) – This is the total weight allowed for the whole set up including the trailer, truck, occupants, fluids, and contents of both the trailer and truck.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – This is the total weight allowed for the vehicle or the trailer. For the vehicle, it includes the vehicle itself, fluids, occupants, cargo, options, hitch, and weight of the trailer hitch. For a trailer, it includes the trailer itself, occupants, cargo, fluids, and options. It is sometimes called the Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR).
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) – This is the total weight allowed for any individual axle. It includes the weight of the axe itself as well as the wheels, tires, and brakes.
Maximum Tow Rating
This is the weight limit that the manufacturer assigns to a vehicle for towed loads. Conventional trailers, like travel trailers, this rating usually includes the hitch weight limit. Fifth wheel trailers are a little more complex, the truck’s rear axle GAWR and GVWR are applied to the pin weight.
You can find the GVWR and GAWR for all vehicles included on the data plate. This is usually located on the driver’s side door frame, but may also be found at the end of the dashboard, the glove box, the fuel door, or other location that provides easy access. You can’t always rely on window stickers and dealer or manufacturer brochures. Most travel trailers will have a weight sticker. You can usually find it in the interior of the trailer, often in a cabinet. This weight is the Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) for the trailer as well as weight added by LP gas and freshwater.
The trailer weight may not include certain optional equipment like generators or air conditioning units. The GVWR is a limit; it isn’t an estimate or guideline. It is there for a reason and leaves no room for guesstimates. Exceeding the limit could affect your warranty coverage, not to mention risk your safety.
A public truck scale is your friend in finding the weight of your trailer. Load it up with everything you will be carrying and head to the scales. Don’t hold up the truckers, but try to get as much information as you can, including the axle weight, hitch weight, and total weight. Measure these against the GAWR on the axles and the GVWR against the total weight. If they are all below your tow vehicle’s max, then you know what to look for when making your selection.
Related Reads:
Know Before You Tow – Dinghy Installation
So here is a quick guide to better understanding what it takes to find the right vehicle for towing your RV.
Tow Ratings
Different vehicles have their own maximum tow ratings, but that isn’t always accurate. In fact, it is often rather optimistic. Before you purchase a vehicle, check the rating with the manufacturer. This guide will help familiarize you with the terms that are used so you can make a more educated decision.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) – This is the total weight allowed for the whole set up including the trailer, truck, occupants, fluids, and contents of both the trailer and truck.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – This is the total weight allowed for the vehicle or the trailer. For the vehicle, it includes the vehicle itself, fluids, occupants, cargo, options, hitch, and weight of the trailer hitch. For a trailer, it includes the trailer itself, occupants, cargo, fluids, and options. It is sometimes called the Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR).
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) – This is the total weight allowed for any individual axle. It includes the weight of the axe itself as well as the wheels, tires, and brakes.
Maximum Tow Rating
This is the weight limit that the manufacturer assigns to a vehicle for towed loads. Conventional trailers, like travel trailers, this rating usually includes the hitch weight limit. Fifth wheel trailers are a little more complex, the truck’s rear axle GAWR and GVWR are applied to the pin weight.
You can find the GVWR and GAWR for all vehicles included on the data plate. This is usually located on the driver’s side door frame, but may also be found at the end of the dashboard, the glove box, the fuel door, or other location that provides easy access. You can’t always rely on window stickers and dealer or manufacturer brochures. Most travel trailers will have a weight sticker. You can usually find it in the interior of the trailer, often in a cabinet. This weight is the Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) for the trailer as well as weight added by LP gas and freshwater.
The trailer weight may not include certain optional equipment like generators or air conditioning units. The GVWR is a limit; it isn’t an estimate or guideline. It is there for a reason and leaves no room for guesstimates. Exceeding the limit could affect your warranty coverage, not to mention risk your safety.
A public truck scale is your friend in finding the weight of your trailer. Load it up with everything you will be carrying and head to the scales. Don’t hold up the truckers, but try to get as much information as you can, including the axle weight, hitch weight, and total weight. Measure these against the GAWR on the axles and the GVWR against the total weight. If they are all below your tow vehicle’s max, then you know what to look for when making your selection.
Related Reads:
Know Before You Tow – Dinghy Installation
Comment
JTorsrudJune 11, 2018 | 05:52 AM
It should also be noted that by placing larger tires or upgrading your axles on a RV does NOT change the original manufacturers Weight Restrictions. Whatever is on the vehicle placard or RV Placard is still the maximum allowed weight and that can never be changed. Example: If your RV has a GVWR (16500 lbs) and you add new axles and tires that would increase the GVWR to (18000), you are still limited to the original (16500).
Author: Stephanie A. Mayberry
