Question about GVWR.

Atlee wrote:
Why doesn't the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating equal the Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front and rear axle?

Take my F150 (heavy) pickup for example. The FGAWR = 4,050#. The RGAWR = 4,800#. Yet the GVWR = 8,200#. Why shouldn't the GVWR = 8,850#?

For commercial purposes it actually is used as the trucks GVWR.
As rjstractor mentions this is the way you will use the same truck if you were towing commercially. And its safe to do so.
The truck makers may choose any GVWR number he wants as long as it doesn't exceed the sum of the vehicles certified GAWRs.

Lots of theories as to why the truck makers choose a particular GVWR.
Some say for a nice long warranty.
Or for IRS tax issues.
Or for licensing issues.
Lots of other opinions.

Over loading the rear axle is mentioned by some as a possible reason GAWRs don't = GVWR.
We have the same over load problem with some (not all) of the new higher GVWR numbers with those low RAWR numbers.

Just stay under your trucks 4800 RAWR. Your front axle isn't a big player in a hitch weight so its not a concern.

Edit; GCWR to GVWR....Jim