I noticed in the Trailer Life October 2016 edition in the article titled "Take a load off":The author states about the GCWR "there is nothing that can be done to increase a vehicle's GCWR and it must not be exceeded." I don't think that is correct, The GCWR is not on any stickers on the truck, if I change my axle gear ratio from 3.73 to 4.30 according to Ford documentation my GCWR with go from 19,000 lbs to 22,000 lbs for my signature truck.Also, "must not be exceeded" ...I would think the "must" is a little strong if is not a legal limit.What say you?

GCWR should not be exceeded, BUT in your example you changed the truck so you have a new GCWR. I hope with your example you also installed the proper tires etc to achieve the new GCWR.

sch911 wrote:Trailer Life is correct.can you give a little more information since the GCWR is not on any stickers on the truck, if I change my axle gear ratio from 3.73 to 4.30 and Ford published documentation shows the GCWR for each axle ratio why wouldn't I be able to go by the 4.30 GCWR?

Can you imagine if Trailer Life told people how to exceed their GCWR safely? They'd take practically every bit of blame for any crash, whether or not it had anything to do with the exceeded GCW. GCWR is exceeded every day by a lot of people. I do it with my set-up. But for a publication to say its OK would be crazy. All it would take was one wreck.Side note. Mods may as well go ahead and shut this one down. We know where its going.

Let me get a beer and the popcorn popper warmed up. GCWR is a manufacturers number and could effect warranty. GVWR is licensed higher in some states like Washington State. GAWR and tire max rating "might" be enforced by a LEO who thinks you are overloaded. Big might!Oh! BTW hotshot haulers laugh a lot at RVers and the concerns and weight police. Chris

Trailer Life Article about GCWR...etc. | Good Sam Community

35 Replies

Me_Again
Explorer III
Sep 14, 2016
Let me get a beer and the popcorn popper warmed up. GCWR is a manufacturers number and could effect warranty. GVWR is licensed higher in some states like Washington State. GAWR and tire max rating "might" be enforced by a LEO who thinks you are overloaded. Big might!

Oh! BTW hotshot haulers laugh a lot at RVers and the concerns and weight police. Chris
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Sep 14, 2016
Can you imagine if Trailer Life told people how to exceed their GCWR safely? They'd take practically every bit of blame for any crash, whether or not it had anything to do with the exceeded GCW.

GCWR is exceeded every day by a lot of people. I do it with my set-up. But for a publication to say its OK would be crazy. All it would take was one wreck.

Side note. Mods may as well go ahead and shut this one down. We know where its going.
Learjet
Explorer
Sep 14, 2016
sch911 wrote:
Trailer Life is correct.

can you give a little more information since the GCWR is not on any stickers on the truck, if I change my axle gear ratio from 3.73 to 4.30 and Ford published documentation shows the GCWR for each axle ratio why wouldn't I be able to go by the 4.30 GCWR?
K_Charles
Explorer
Sep 14, 2016
GCWR should not be exceeded, BUT in your example you changed the truck so you have a new GCWR. I hope with your example you also installed the proper tires etc to achieve the new GCWR.
sch911
Explorer
Sep 13, 2016
Trailer Life is correct.

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Trailer Life Article about GCWR...etc.

35 Replies

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