Forum Discussion

4bearhug's avatar
4bearhug
Explorer
May 21, 2014

Need opinions on most critical TV weight limitation

Got the TV and 5er weighed at CAT scale this weekend which got me to wondering which weight limitation is the most critical. I can think of about 5 different limits which are all intertwined to some degree, Front axle/rear axle, payload, GVWR, GCWR, max trailer weight (can't think what it's called,etc.

The results of my scale weight put me over some limits and under others(or right at max). I definitely have my own idea which are critical that others, but thought I would see what everyone else thought. I know some will say they're all equally critical and that's OK, too.
  • if he has his fifth wheel connected to his reciever, we may have more issues...


    Good catch! And if I would have read it better I would have said 'hitch' instead of 'receiver'. Thanks for catching that.
  • My order of importance/priority

    1) Rear Tire MAX LOAD Rating
    2) RAWR
    3) GVWR

    I'm comfortable running at tire MAX Load, at RAWR and over GVWR

    Not concerned with GCWR as I would have to exceed the other ratings to reach GCWR OR FAWR cause with a 5vr the front axle weight doesn't change much and is way under rating

    Nor am I concerned with mfg. MAX Tow Rating as that is a magical number achieved by marketing group.........not in real world towing as most vehicle ratings would have to be exceeded to reach MAX TOW Rating
  • jmtandem wrote:
    You also have a max receiver limit. I certainly would not exceed that!
    if he has his fifth wheel connected to his reciever, we may have more issues...
  • They all have a purpose. I accept the maker has done the engineering and established a safe limit on all rated capacities based on sound reasoning and "should never exceed" means just that.
  • K Charles wrote:
    I think you forgot the big one, tires, what do your tires say they can hold?


    Actually I kinda view that one as tied to the axle wt since they are the weakest link in that group on my TV (RAM 2500 CTD). I know there several components as factors in axle ratings, but the tires are the lowest rated so they determine the limit. At least that's how I view it.
  • They all have their place and are equally important. Why many try to simplify or ignore parameters the physics involved cannot be expressed in one equation,thus we have multiple parameters.
  • You also have a max hitch limit. I certainly would not exceed that!
  • I think you forgot the big one, tires, what do your tires say they can hold?
  • I will say all equally important. GVWR is tied to payload and GCWR is tied to tow rating. GVWR/payload for safety, Axle ratings and GCWR for mechanical longevity.

    My sister always pulled with her F350 overloaded (horse trailers), and such, went through at least 3 transmissions.