Understanding RV trailer weight ratings is crucial, especially for those new to RVing. It’s a topic that shouldn’t be overlooked, but don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Despite the various acronyms, grasping trailer weight ratings is quite straightforward.
Whether you’re an experienced RVer or just starting out, a quick review of RV trailer weight ratings can be beneficial. So, grab a pen and paper and get ready for a short learning session – no test at the end, we promise! Let’s break down each rating to ensure you’re well-informed and ready for your next adventure.
If you’re planning a visit to your local Camping World to explore RVs, including exciting models like the Happier Camper, it’s wise to bring your desired weight ratings with you. Determine your tow vehicle’s capabilities in advance by using Camping World’s Tow Capacity Finder tool. Coming prepared with this knowledge will significantly streamline your search for the perfect RV.
Weight ratings are particularly important when towing travel trailers and fifth-wheels. However, they are also relevant for motorhomes. Knowing these figures will help you safely load your RV within its recommended limits, ensuring secure and enjoyable travels.
RV Trailer Weight Ratings Explained:
Understanding Trailer Weight Ratings
For trailers, there are several key weight ratings to be aware of:
UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) / Dry Weight
Also known as “Dry Weight,” the UVW represents the weight of the RV as it leaves the manufacturer, without any liquids (water, propane, etc.), passengers, or cargo. This is the base weight of your trailer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW is the actual weight of your RV at any given time. This includes everything: the UVW plus liquids, passengers, cargo, and any aftermarket accessories you’ve added.
Tip: To accurately determine your GVW, especially when fully loaded for a trip, visit a nearby highway truck weigh station. This will give you precise weight measurements for your setup.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is the maximum permissible weight of your RV when fully loaded. This is a safety limit set by the manufacturer and should never be exceeded. Your GVW must always be less than or equal to your rig’s GVWR. Think of GVWR as the safe upper limit for your RV’s weight.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)
The CCC tells you how much weight you can add to your RV in terms of liquids, passengers, and cargo. To calculate your CCC, use this simple formula:
GVWR – UVW = CCC
This calculation helps you understand the maximum weight you can add to your trailer after it leaves the factory.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum weight each axle is designed to carry. This rating is crucial when loading your RV. Pay attention to where you place heavy items. Loading heavy items directly over an axle can put excessive stress on that axle. Distribute your cargo weight evenly throughout your RV to avoid overloading any single axle and ensure balanced weight distribution.
Tongue Weight (for Travel Trailers)
For travel trailers, tongue weight is the downward force exerted by the trailer’s tongue on the tow vehicle’s hitch ball. Proper tongue weight is vital for stable towing.
Pin Weight (for Fifth Wheels)
For fifth-wheel trailers, pin weight is the downward force exerted by the trailer’s pin box on the fifth-wheel hitch located in the bed of the tow vehicle. Similar to tongue weight, correct pin weight is essential for safe fifth-wheel towing.
Understanding Tow Vehicle Weight Ratings
Knowing your tow vehicle’s weight ratings is just as important as understanding your trailer’s. Here are key ratings for tow vehicles:
Curb Weight
Curb weight is the weight of your tow vehicle as it sits empty, without any liquids (fuel, etc. – although typically includes standard fluids at operating levels), passengers, or cargo. It’s the base weight of your tow vehicle, ready for use but unloaded.
Max Tow Capacity
Max Tow Capacity is the maximum weight your tow vehicle is rated to safely tow. This number is specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Crucially, your trailer’s GVW should never exceed your tow vehicle’s Max Tow Capacity. Exceeding this limit can lead to dangerous towing conditions and vehicle damage.
Tip: Consider your travel style when assessing tow capacity. Will you be full-timing, carrying a lot of gear? Or will you be taking shorter trips with minimal cargo? Estimate how much you’ll load your trailer and ensure there’s a comfortable margin between your tow capacity and your anticipated GVW. It’s always better to have more towing capacity than you think you’ll need.
Tongue Weight (for Travel Trailers – Tow Vehicle Limit)
This refers to the maximum tongue weight your tow vehicle’s rear suspension is designed to handle. Ensure your travel trailer’s tongue weight does not exceed this limit. Overloading the tow vehicle’s rear suspension can negatively impact handling and safety.
Tip: Remember that items added to the front of your travel trailer, such as cargo in front storage compartments or tongue-mounted bike racks, increase tongue weight. Excessive tongue weight can contribute to trailer sway (fish-tailing).
Pin Weight (for Fifth Wheels – Tow Vehicle Limit)
Similar to tongue weight, this is the maximum pin weight your tow vehicle’s rear suspension can handle for fifth-wheel trailers. Ensure your fifth wheel’s pin weight stays within this rating to maintain safe and stable towing.
Combined Weight Ratings for Safe Towing
Finally, there’s a combined weight rating that considers both your tow vehicle and trailer together:
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
The GCWR is the maximum recommended combined weight of your tow vehicle and trailer when both are fully loaded with liquids, passengers, and cargo. This rating ensures that your entire setup operates safely and efficiently.
Tip: For enhanced safety, especially braking performance, it’s advisable to stay well below the maximum GCWR. This provides a safety buffer and ensures better control in various driving conditions.
Understanding all these RV trailer weight ratings is a vital part of the RV buying process. A knowledgeable RV salesperson at Camping World can provide expert guidance in selecting a travel trailer or fifth-wheel that you can safely and confidently tow with your vehicle. They can help you navigate these ratings and find the perfect RV to match your needs and tow vehicle capabilities.
As a general rule for safe RVing, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution. When calculating your weight allowances, aim to be under the recommended ratings. This proactive approach minimizes strain on both your tow vehicle and trailer, ensuring safer driving conditions for yourself and everyone on the road. Safe travels and happy camping!
