Weight Terminology
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.
GTW - (Gross Tongue Weight) - the weight of the tongue
as it bears down on the hitch of the towing vehicle.
NOTE:
Tongue weight should be determined with the camper
fully loaded as it would be for travel. (Do not assume you
can fill all tanks and all storage areas and keep within the
GVWR.)
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.
Towing Vehicle Requirements
When considering a towing vehicle, keep in mind certain
requirements for safe and easy use:
1. Transmission - The transmission can be either
manual or automatic, but an automatic transmission
will control engine loads better.
2. Power - Be sure your tow vehicle has adequate
power to tow your camper on the type of roads you
will be using. Factors to consider are engine power,
cooling capabilities, and axle ratio. Discuss the tow-
ing capability of your vehicle with both your recre-
ational vehicle dealer and tow vehicle dealer.
3. Tires and Suspension - It is important to make sure
that your tow vehicle tires and suspension have a
sufficient rating to handle the additional capacity
needed to tow a camper. Check with your tow
vehicle dealer and your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
for the type of tires and tire pressures required. If
your tow vehicle is equipped with air shocks, do not
use the air shocks as a load leveling device to level
the vehicle/camper combination.
4. Hitch - Your tow vehicle should be equipped with a
hitch that has a rating at least equal to the GVWR.
Be sure that it is installed per the hitch manufactur-
er’s instructions and that it meets the tow vehicle’s
requirements for fit and performance. Also, be sure
to install proper hitch wiring to supply 12-volt power
to the tent camper for turn signal and brake light
operations.
5. Sway Control - Install a sway control system that is
compatible with both your hitch and tow vehicle.
Have it installed and properly adjusted per the
manufacturer’s instructions.
WEIGHING, LOADING AND TOWING
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