Page 14
Page 14
SECTION
3
Weight, Loading and Towing
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
flexability allows you to make choices that fit your travel and
camping needs.
NOTE:
Before filling the fresh water tank, empty the black
and gray tanks. Most campgrounds supply dump stations
for this purpose. Doing this will provide more cargo capacity.
NOTE:
If you find that you have exceeded the GVWR of the
recreational vehicle, you will have to remove items until you
are within the specified limits. After you have determined
how much weight you can safely carry, make a list and keep
it for future reference. This will limit the amount of time it
takes you to get ready for the road.
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS
Bright
Idea
LOADING TIPS
• After you have determined what cargo
makes up the allowable GVWR, make a
loading diagram of your properly loaded
RV.
• Store emergency items, flashlights,
flares, tools, electrical cords and first-aid
kit, etc., in an easily accessable storage
compartment, taking care to keep those
items in a waterproof container.
• When loading your RV, remember to
distribute the weight evenly so you get the
proper amount of weight on the axle(s)
and hitch. Remember to also consider the
weight of any items you may purchase on
your trip.
• Do not place heavy items in the overhead
cabinets. They could shift and fall during
travel.
• Luggage and similar cargo stored inside
the RV must be secured to prevent
possible damage if it should become
necessary to make a sudden stop.
CARGO CAPACITIES
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 weight 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 CAN NOT 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 Weight -
The weight of the tongue as it bears down
on the hitch of the towing vehicle. 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,
SCALE
AXLE WEIGHT
SCALE
TONGUE
WEIGHT
Gross Axle Weight
PLUS
Tongue Weight
EQUALS
Gross Vehicle Weight
