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Manwithnorv's avatar
Manwithnorv
Explorer
Mar 12, 2018

Understanding Weight Capcity

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
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 12, 2018
    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.

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