Hitch weight
We are graduating from a popup to a HTT. We have narrowed it down to just a couple that we like. Their length and weight are essentially the same, but the hitch weight is significantly different.......
Forum Discussion
There are several "weight ratings" for the vehicle.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum permissible weight of the loaded vehicle. Trailer tongue weight has to be considered here.
Gross Rear Axle Weight Rating (GRAWR) is the maximum permissible weight on the truck's rear axle. Trailer tongue weight has to be considered here. Weight can be removed from the rear axle with a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH). The WDH moves some the weight to the front axle and some back to the trailer axles.
Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) is maximum permissible weight of the loaded vehicle AND trailer.
Maximum Towing Capacity is GCVWR minus the empty weight of the truck (and driver). Because the truck is empty this is a best case rating. My Expedition's GCVWR is 15,000 pounds. Subtract the 6,000 pound empty weight of the truck and the Maximum Towing Capacity comes to 9,000 pounds. Pretty simple math. If the weight of the loaded truck is 6,000 pounds the Actual Max Tow drops to 8,000 pounds since GCVWR doesn't change.
A good WDH is vital.
Good tires are vital.
-- Chuck
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum permissible weight of the loaded vehicle. Trailer tongue weight has to be considered here.
Gross Rear Axle Weight Rating (GRAWR) is the maximum permissible weight on the truck's rear axle. Trailer tongue weight has to be considered here. Weight can be removed from the rear axle with a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH). The WDH moves some the weight to the front axle and some back to the trailer axles.
Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) is maximum permissible weight of the loaded vehicle AND trailer.
Maximum Towing Capacity is GCVWR minus the empty weight of the truck (and driver). Because the truck is empty this is a best case rating. My Expedition's GCVWR is 15,000 pounds. Subtract the 6,000 pound empty weight of the truck and the Maximum Towing Capacity comes to 9,000 pounds. Pretty simple math. If the weight of the loaded truck is 6,000 pounds the Actual Max Tow drops to 8,000 pounds since GCVWR doesn't change.
A good WDH is vital.
Good tires are vital.
-- Chuck
