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Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and tongue weight. The total load must
be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables, and equip
-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or
on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for oper
-
ation" condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the
front and rear axles. Distribute the load over
the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that
you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multi
-
plied by the maximum width of the front of a
trailer.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer
tongue weight, just as if it were luggage
located at a hitch ball or some other
connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market
today and they are commonly used to tow
small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are
typically used for heavier loads to distribute
trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front
axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer's direc
-
tions, it provides for a more level ride, offering
more consistent steering and brake control
thereby enhancing towing safety. The addition
of a friction/hydraulic sway control also
dampens sway caused by traffic and cross
-
winds and contributes positively to tow vehicle
and trailer stability. Trailer Sway Control and a
weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are
recommended for heavier Tongue Weights
(TW) and may be required depending on
vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to
comply with Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
requirements.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry stan
-
dard for the maximum trailer weight a given
trailer hitch class can tow and should be used
to assist you in selecting the correct trailer
hitch for your intended towing condition.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distrib
-
uting Hitch system may reduce handling,
stability, braking performance, and could
result in a collision.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers.
Consult with the hitch and trailer manu
-
facturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 137
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