CAUTION:
Most States limit the amount of weight carried by any single axle position. It is the responsibility of
the operator to know the legal weight limit of the State in which they travel. Side roads, surface streets
and bridges may further impose weight restrictions.
Weight Terms:
The following are definitions of terms used when weighing. It is important each weight term is understood.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
Maximum permissible weight of this motorhome. GVWR is
equal to or greater than the sum of UVW plus OCCC.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR):
The sum of the maximum allowable loaded weight of this
motorhome and any towed trailer or towed vehicle.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
Load-carrying capacity specified by manufacturer of a single axle
system, as measured at tire ground interfaces.
Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity (OCCC):
Is the weight comprised of occupants, cargo, full fresh potable water weight including water heater and tongue
weight of a towed load. Dealer installed equipment and/or accessories reduce OCCC.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW):
Is the weight of this vehicle as built at the factory with full fuel, engine oil, coolants, propane. Factory UVW
may be increased by the addition of dealer installed equipment and/or accessories. UVW does not include
occupants, cargo, full fresh potable water weight, including water heater, and the tongue weight of a towed
load.
Weight Limits:
Numerous Federal, State and local governments mandate weight limits. Understanding
the terminology and performing proper weighing procedures will help eliminate confusion.
It is important to weigh the motorhome in a loaded, ready to travel condition to ensure the
Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity (OCCC), GVWR or GAWR are not exceeded. The
total weight of the motorhome in a loaded, ready to travel condition must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the GAWR for a single axle.
The GVWR is the maximum total weight for which the motorhome is rated including
occupants, fluids and cargo and any dealer installed equipment or accessories. The GAWR
is the maximum weight for which a single axle is rated. The GCWR is the combined total
of the GVWR and any towed load. The tires, wheels, chassis frame and/or drive train
component(s) may limit the GVWR, GAWR or GCWR or any combination thereof.
Every recreational vehicle, even of the same make and model, will vary in actual loaded axle weight due to
different options, floor plans, occupants and cargo. The motorhome must be weighed in a loaded, ready to travel
condition to determine actual weight carried by each wheel position and axle. Each wheel position must be
weighed to determine no wheel position is overloaded and to confirm no single axle is overloaded. It is possible
be within the GVWR yet overloaded on one wheel position or axle. For this reason it is necessary to weigh each
wheel position to determine the actual gross vehicle weight in a loaded, ready to travel condition and how that
weight is distributed.
There are two important factors to consider when loading the motorhome: total weight and balance.
When loading for travel, place heavy objects as low as possible, preferably on the floor or below in storage
compartments. Load weight must be distributed as evenly as possible. Instructions and diagrams to properly
weigh the motorhome are presented on the following pages. The heaviest wheel position on an axle will
determine the tire inflation pressure for all tires on that axle. Reference the tire manufacturer load inflation table to
determine the correct cold inflation pressure.
CAUTION:
State and Local authorities may impose weight restrictions to surface streets, bridges and parkways.
These reductions can include maximum single axle weights or an overall maximum weight limitation
based on the number of axles per vehicle.
Sign image from the Manual of Traffic Signs <http://www.trafficsign.us/>
This sign image copyright Richard C. Moeur. All rights reserved.
R12-1
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Weight limit
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