Section 3
Weight Distribution, Loading and Towing
Determining the weight of a vehicle includes more than understanding the load limits of the tires. A
weight certification label, located on the forward half of the road side of the unit, will indicate the
gross axle weight (GAWR). This is the most the fully loaded vehicle can weigh. If there are
multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be provided. Look in your Yellow Pages under gravel pits,
storage companies or recycling facilities to find certified scales. Call in advance to determine if they
offer public weighing service, their fees, if any, and hours of operation.
NOTE:
WHEN ESTABLISHING THE CARGO CAPACITY, WEIGH WITH ALL WATER
TANKS AS EMPTY AS POSSIBLE. (DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO BE IN THE
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE WHEN WEIGHING THE UNIT.)
NOTE: CARGO CAN BE ADDED TO THE VEHICLE UP TO THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT
SPECIFIED ON THE WEIGHT LABEL. THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE RV AND ITS
CARGO CANNOT EXCEED THE STATED GVWR
.
GVWR -
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) - the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded RV.
GAWR -
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) - the allowable weight, including cargo, that can be safely
supported by each axle.
UVW -
(Unloaded Vehicle Weight) - the weight of the trailer as manufactured at the factory. It
includes all weight at the trailer axle(s) and the tongue or pin. If applicable, it also includes
full generator fluids including fuel, engine oil and coolants.
CCC -
(Cargo Carrying Capacity) - equal to GVWR minus each of the following:
• UVW
• Full fresh (potable water-for drinking and cooking) water weight (including water heater)
and full LP gas weight.
Tongue
-The weight of the tongue as it bears down on the hitch of the towing vehicle.
Weight
- Tongue weight should be determined with the RV fully loaded as it would be for travel. DO
NOT assume that you can fill all tanks and all storage areas and still be within the GVWR.
The weight of fully filled propane containers is considered part of the weight of the RV before it
is loaded with cargo and is not considered part of the disposable cargo load. Water, however, is
a cargo weight and is treated as such. If there is a fresh water storage tank of 100 gallons, when
filled this tank would weigh about 800 pounds. If needed, water can be off-loaded to keep the
total amount of cargo added to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR. Understanding this
flexibility allows you to make choices that fit your travel and camping needs.
Page 28
Revised September 2012
