Just what is included in a factory dry weight number?
We all know that factory dry weights (GVW or tongue) are pie-in-the-sky numbers that go up when you get your unit. But just what exactly is and isn't included in the factory dry weight assigned by a factory? I've read various opinions.
It seems typical that factory options are not included and I can see why, to a point at least. But when options are added, how do they come up with weights for various options? For example, if you buy a power awning, do they take the difference in weight between a manual and power one? What about an upgrade to theater seating? Would they allow for the difference in weight?
Do they use a bare bones, stripped down unit as a base line for a dry weight?? If so, do they actually add the weight of any items onto this? I've read some say that some standard things that you would assume are included in a base dry weight aren't, like say a microwave. Is this correct and what else would they do this with? Sofa? Fridge?
I know that things installed by the dealer like propane tanks, batteries and spare tire aren't included, but why don't they say this on their websites and tell you what to expect for the additional weight?
It seems like the way dry weights are assigned by a factory are done differently by different manufacturers. Would this be correct? I've read some say that the UVW (dry weight) that is on a label affixed to each unit is very close to the actual weight as measured at a scale. Are some manufacturers more truthful on this than others? The actual weight of our TT is waaay off the factory UVW. I'd have to go find the numbers to verify, but it's something like nearly 1,000 lbs off.
I seem to recall reading that there is supposed to be new legal requirements to give a correct dry weight number for each unit as built. Is this right? It isn't happening. It seems like manufacturers are getting away with murder and they use the lowest dry weight they can for marketing purposes.
It seems typical that factory options are not included and I can see why, to a point at least. But when options are added, how do they come up with weights for various options? For example, if you buy a power awning, do they take the difference in weight between a manual and power one? What about an upgrade to theater seating? Would they allow for the difference in weight?
Do they use a bare bones, stripped down unit as a base line for a dry weight?? If so, do they actually add the weight of any items onto this? I've read some say that some standard things that you would assume are included in a base dry weight aren't, like say a microwave. Is this correct and what else would they do this with? Sofa? Fridge?
I know that things installed by the dealer like propane tanks, batteries and spare tire aren't included, but why don't they say this on their websites and tell you what to expect for the additional weight?
It seems like the way dry weights are assigned by a factory are done differently by different manufacturers. Would this be correct? I've read some say that the UVW (dry weight) that is on a label affixed to each unit is very close to the actual weight as measured at a scale. Are some manufacturers more truthful on this than others? The actual weight of our TT is waaay off the factory UVW. I'd have to go find the numbers to verify, but it's something like nearly 1,000 lbs off.
I seem to recall reading that there is supposed to be new legal requirements to give a correct dry weight number for each unit as built. Is this right? It isn't happening. It seems like manufacturers are getting away with murder and they use the lowest dry weight they can for marketing purposes.
