Axle rating vs GVWR
Hi all, I was crawling around in the gravel under the trailer this weekend adjusting my trailer's brakes and took the opportunity to have a look see at the stuff underneath. I noticed that my trai...
Forum Discussion
Weight management is something all of us hauling RV trailers need to learn.
Lets say a trailer builder puts 4000# axles on it when 3500# axles will suffice. To many owners, that would invite overloading.
The regulations are clearly defined as to GVWR, GAWR and hitch weights. They are not derived from manufacturer standards. They are minimum regulations the manufacturer must follow. To build trailers with excesses would further invite overloading. It’s the owners responsibility to manage their weights.
All of today’s RV trailers invite overloading. Here is a quote from NHTSA about it.
“The FMVSS have requirements for the manufacturer to use proper tires and rims for the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The manufacturer may determine the GVWR by adding cargo capacity (if any) to the curb weight of the vehicle as manufactured. The wise consumer, before purchase, will determine if the vehicle has sufficient cargo capacity to carry the weight of water, additional equipment (such as televisions, and microwave ovens), and luggage. The manufacturer’s certification label must show the GVWR. The GVWR must not be exceeded by overloading the vehicle. There is little the government can do to assist a consumer who has purchased a vehicle that has insufficient cargo capacity for its intended use.”
FastEagle
Lets say a trailer builder puts 4000# axles on it when 3500# axles will suffice. To many owners, that would invite overloading.
The regulations are clearly defined as to GVWR, GAWR and hitch weights. They are not derived from manufacturer standards. They are minimum regulations the manufacturer must follow. To build trailers with excesses would further invite overloading. It’s the owners responsibility to manage their weights.
All of today’s RV trailers invite overloading. Here is a quote from NHTSA about it.
“The FMVSS have requirements for the manufacturer to use proper tires and rims for the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The manufacturer may determine the GVWR by adding cargo capacity (if any) to the curb weight of the vehicle as manufactured. The wise consumer, before purchase, will determine if the vehicle has sufficient cargo capacity to carry the weight of water, additional equipment (such as televisions, and microwave ovens), and luggage. The manufacturer’s certification label must show the GVWR. The GVWR must not be exceeded by overloading the vehicle. There is little the government can do to assist a consumer who has purchased a vehicle that has insufficient cargo capacity for its intended use.”
FastEagle
