Towing - Cargo - Fuel Type - Egads

rk911 wrote:

New member first post. Never had a MH and we are thinking about w
no worries. you are wise to ask these questions.

interior layouts or floorplans are important, no question about it. but you also need to understand your motorhome's actual weight and weight ratings. doing that will ensure that you do not overload either axle and that you can safely tow a car or trailer.

the RV industry has created plethora of weight ratings but it all boils down to this:

GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating): this is the total amount of weight the MH chassis can support including itself.

GAWR (gross vehicle axle rating): this is the total weight each axle can support. each axle will have a different GAWR, usually, but not always, the GVWR will be the sum of the GAWRs.

GCWR (gross combination weight rating): the total weight the MH can propel including itself. the GVWR + the weight rating of the hitch is usually, but not always, equal to the GCWR. for example our MH has a GVR of 26,000-lbs and a 5,000-lb hitch but the GCWR is 30,000-lbs.

Empty Wight: the weight of the MH as it came from the factory. No fresh water, LP, food, etc.

Payload: the difference between the GVWR and empty weight (per axle). this will tell you how much weight you can add to each axle.

GVW (gross vehicle weight): the total weight of the MH as it is loaded for travel. this includes full fuel, water and LP tanks, food, clothing, supplies, gear, pets, people, stuff, etc.

GAW (gross axle weight): same as above except the total weight on each axle. the sum of the GAWs will be the GVW. it's important to get individual axle weights as it is possible to be underweight on one axle, overweight on the other and still weigh less than the GVWR. I know this from personal experience.

it may sound complicated but it really isn't. the dealers will quoye you all sorts of other weight ratings such as CCC, Sleeping weight, wet weight, etc. stick to the basics and you'll be fine.

in terms of towing, once you know the GVW of the MH you can determine just how much weight you can safely tow be it car, dolly or trailer.
in general, the maximum amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:

- the GCWR of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded for travel (includes fuel, fresh water, food, clothing, people, pets, supplies, etc.)

- the weight rating of your tow bar

- the weight rating of your hitch

good luck.

Thanks. So, if I read this correctly, there is no way to know up front if I"m getting something that can handle towing and desired amount of "stuff" loaded up? I need the GVW

How do you do into a purchasing process, used or new, and know you aren't backing yourself into a corner?