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Weight Terminology
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) - Is the maximum
permissible weight of the RV when fully loaded. It
includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional
equipment and accessories. For safety and product per-
formance do NOT exceed the GVWR.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - The maximum per-
missible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equip-
ment and accessories that can be safely supported by
each axle.
UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) * - Is the typical weight
of the RV as manufactured at the factory. It includes all
weight at the RV’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas.
The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water,
additional optional equipment or dealer installed
accessories.
*Estimated Average based on standard build optional
equipment.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) ** - Is the amount of
weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional
optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to
GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommo-
date fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before fill-
ing the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks
to provide for more cargo capacity.
** Estimated average based on standard build equipment
Each Forest River RV is weighed at the manufacturing
facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded
vehicle weight of the actual RV and the cargo carrying
capacity is applied to every Forest River RV prior to leav-
ing our facilities.
The load capacity of your RV is designated by weight,
not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all avail-
able space when loading your RV.
Actual towing capacity is dependent upon your particular
loading and towing circumstances, which includes the
GVWR, GAWR and GCWR as well as adequate trailer
brakes. Please refer to the Operator’s Manual of your
vehicle for further towing information.
Weighing Your Camping Trailer
To weigh your camper properly, use the following
procedure:
1. Level the trailer and make sure that it remains level
throughout the weighing process.
2. To compute gross vehicle weight, pull the trailer
onto the scales and weigh with both the axle and
front jack resting on the scale. The difference
between the weight of the camper fully loaded and
empty is the rated personal cargo weight. If for
example the GVWR of your camper is listed at
7040 lbs. and empty it weighs 4755 lbs., your per-
sonal cargo weight cannot exceed 2285 lbs. The
GVWR must not exceed the GVWR found on the
certification decal.
3. For tongue weight, rest only the hitch on the scale
and weigh with the camper fully loaded for travel
(Tongue weight = GVWR minus (GAWR*# axles)).
4. To compute gross axle weight, pull forward so that
only the camper axle is resting on the scale. If the
weight exceeds the GAWR on the weight distribu-
tion information sticker, remove or redistribute the
weight to meet the proper specification. The differ-
ence between gross vehicle weight and gross axle
weight is the tongue weight.
If additional items are added to the camper after it has
been weighed and the loading analysis completed, weigh
each additional item using a bathroom scale before plac-
ing it in the camper. The total of these items are then
added to the GVW originally determined.
Remember that by adding additional weight, you may be
affecting the tongue weight of the trailer. The tongue
weight is increased by moving cargo forward and
decreased by moving cargo toward the rear. However,
too much weight in the rear can cause sway, or handling
instability.
Once you become familiar with loading your camper and
know how to distribute the weight, make a list and a dia-
gram you can use for future reference. Plan your loading
and storage so that emergency items are easily
accessed. Place heavier or breakable items on the
camper floor for greater load stability. Make sure these
items are well packed and secured to prevent move-
ment. Take extra care not to overload the front and rear
ends of the camper.
Use packing material around breakable items such as
plates and glasses if you will be traveling over rough
roads or terrain. It is a good idea to use non-skid mate-
rials under heavier items to help prevent breakage or
load shifting.
Resist the temptation to carry more supplies than you
need. It is important to remember that the weight of items
you purchase while traveling must be added to the
camper weight, and you may need to rearrange items to
maintain correct load distribution.
Weighing, Loading And Towing
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