Understanding Weight Capcity

GVW or more correctly GVWR is the maximum that the mfg certifies the vehicle to safely handle all situations and protect passangers. This includes acceleration, braking, and emergency manuvering. There is no legal madate that you have to stay under the GVWR. But common sense says to.
GVW is everything in or on the vehicle. Cargo, passangers, fuel, hitch, absolutely EVERYTHING. There is no subtractions.
Again GCWR is a numbermthe mfg has assigned and certified to the federal government. There is no law against you as a private citizen from exceeding this number.

Manwithnorv wrote:
I posted this question on a different forum and have not received understanding....so I'll try here.

I trying to understand the relationship between weight ratios so I can make sure I know what capacities are and to ensure I don't exceed them. I would like to know if the simple formula below is correct. I assume everyone would know what the abbreviated variable are.

Perhaps:

GVW = Curb Wt + Payload <-- YES!
GVW = Curb Wt + Cargo Wt + Hitch Wt. <-- NO!

Max. GTW = GCWR - GVW

Combined weight is what the mfr of the tow vehicle says is the maximum weight of the combination of trailer and truck together. Often this is mostly a fiction to make a 2500 out of a 3500 for registration. Yes, brakes might be slightly smaller and there might be 1 or 2 leaves difference in the spring packs, but not always. You =can= run over these numbers, and I'd bet that a good percentage of RVers do run over; some with the knowledge and experience that they're doing so and the rest not having a clue.

Lyle

GVW = Curb Wt + Payload

gross vehicle weight..... can be the total weight of the vehicle. However curb weight requires scaling the vehicle.
Payload ? Now this is where rv websites get confused. Where do the payload numbers come from that are to be used.

Max. GTW = GCWR - GVW

GTW= gross tongue weight.. or is it
GTW= gross trailer weight..

GCWR....there is no GCWR assigned on a sticker or placard on any vehicle on the road. Never has been.
To many small things can change a GCWR number such as a simple gear ratio change/different tranny/etc.


Choosing a truck to pull a certain size trailer was always simple until rv websites came along some years back. We simply chose the truck with enough GAWRs to safely carry the load and a truck big enough tow rating to easily/safely pull thew combo down the road.

Negligence is defined as failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another. Ignoring the manufacturers weight limits that might cause or contribute to an accident could lead to risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. In addition, the legal people and insurance people aren't going to be your friends. Sorry, but I'll skip this advise.

GTW is Gross Trailer Wt.

GCWR is published in the specs of every vehicle... and it means something. It's the Gross Combined Weight Rating.

The only thing I see with the equations is that hitch load of the trailer is added to GVW and is also part of GTW/ trailer GVWR. As long as you understand that then yes.

Manwithnorv wrote:
I posted this question on a different forum and have not received understanding....so I'll try here.

I trying to understand the relationship between weight ratios so I can make sure I know what capacities are and to ensure I don't exceed them. I would like to know if the simple formula below is correct. I assume everyone would know what the abbreviated variable are.

Perhaps:

GVW = Curb Wt + Payload
GVW = Curb Wt + Cargo Wt + Hitch Wt.

Max. GTW = GCWR - GVW

Yes if you mean the first applies to the tow vehicle and the second to the fifth wheel and it is hooked up.

Max tow weight would mean the GCWR - Tow vehicle GVW

I see what demiles is saying. Empty hitch weight will be included in the manufacturer’s empty curb weight.

You said, “I posted this question on a different forum and have not received understanding....so I'll try here.”

Then after one of the most experienced and knowledgeable members posted the most factual advice you will get on this forum, you posted...

Manwithnorv wrote:
Negligence is defined as failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another. Ignoring the manufacturers weight limits that might cause or contribute to an accident could lead to risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. In addition, the legal people and insurance people aren't going to be your friends. Sorry, but I'll skip this advise.

If you are so knowledgeable why did you even post? I call, “troll!”

You need to start over and forget everyhing you now know. You didn't get any of it right. Try this Clicky

I'm sorry. I was just asking if the simple equation was correct or not. Don't believe I'm going to listen to someone who tell me that the numbers don't mean anything and that they can be ignored. I don't believe I'm going to find the answer here. Thank you for your replies.