How To Calculate Tow Capacity
I did a quick search and I didn't find a thread like this so here goes. I'm looking at a smaller Class A gas motorhome. It's what I like to call a Class A minor (for the musicians out there). I eve...
Forum Discussion
DallasSteve wrote:
rjstractor
Thanks for the reply. You say I should look for a motorhome with at least 2,000 pounds of payload capacity. How can I determine that from the 6 numbers they gave me? Maybe I can't. If GVWR is the maximum weight of the motorhome with contents I need to know the empty weight to know its payload capacity. I thought GVWR was the empty weight, but apparently it's not, so I don't seem it in those numbers. Unless they tell me that number I would need to weigh the motorhome to know what the empty weight is. Will the dealer have a scale?
back in the day (we've been RV'ing since 1986) when i would read reviews of motorhomes there were just three wights/ratings to consider:
- empty weight: as delivered to the dealer. minimum fuel, no water or lp
- wet weight. full fuel, water and lp
- payload. the difference between the GVWR and the wet weight.
all three must be done by individual axle weights since it very possible to be under the GVWR and still be overweight on one axle, usually the rear.
but how to get these weights especially if the dealer or owner won't let you take the vehicle to a scale before purchasing.
one way is to calculate the weights. if buying new contact the mfg and request the build sheet. that will include all options and give you axle weights. if buying from a private party you can do the same thing on the assumption that the owner has removed all of his property. then...add 6-lbs per gallon for water, 8.4 lbs per gallon for gas (7-lbs per gallons for diesel) and 4-lbs per gallon for LP. most of that weight will be on the rear axle. this will get you in the ballpark and give you a rough idea of your payload.
