Weight ratings on light duty trucks

GAWR of Front+Rear isn't that far off from GVWR for my truck. The axle rating is a different number, and I think usually higher. So, a heavy load could exceed the GAWR for the rear and be under the axle rating.

My Nissan Titan XD Diesel has 4,900 lbs per axle (=9,800 lbs) but the GVWR is only 8,800 lbs on the sticker.

PARTS are MORE then the SUM.........

You can NOT load up so weight is placed equally across both axles.

GVWR is MORE then JUST axle ratings...it includes FRAME, SUSPENSION and TIRES


My 3500
FAWR----5200#
RAWR----6200#
BUT....GVWR is 10100# (not 11,400 sum of axles)

Sticker GAWR is how much of the GVWR can be seen by each axle, but combined total cant exceed GVW. Mine total of axle ratings about 2000# more than truck GVWR, but each axle is rated less than overall- if rear was maxed (to sticker number) would be under GVWR?

I think the answer is also in part because the manufacturers are sourcing axles from suppliers and that means taking what is on the shelf and adapting it the application. To maximize production volumes they design axles to cover a range of vehicles. The vehicle manufacturer on the other hand may be specifically targeting a particular class of truck "light duty", "medium duty", "heavy duty", etc... They go to the parts bin and grab the axle that best accommodates their design criteria. Just because the axles they grabbed might take more weight doesn't mean they will. The vehicle manufacturer may choose not to take advantage of it because it might require larger brakes, beefier frames, and larger engine to pull all that extra weight around to fully utilize the ratings on the axles.

I should preface the above with I know nothing about the industry and for all I know, the real answer could be something to do with fairies riding unicorns...

noteven wrote:
How would you achieve GAWR on the rear while staying under GVWR of vehicle?

Place the payload on the rear bumper such as a travel trailer.

How about post your actual numbers and scale weight of each axle.
Then you will get some real answers.

Weight ratings are what they are. Depending on what you are doing ANY of the ratings may put you over even if you are within the other ratings. Ratings do not necessarily "add up" to the total.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
PARTS are MORE then the SUM.........

You can NOT load up so weight is placed equally across both axles.

GVWR is MORE then JUST axle ratings...it includes FRAME, SUSPENSION and TIRES


My 3500
FAWR----5200#
RAWR----6200#
BUT....GVWR is 10100# (not 11,400 sum of axles)

How would you get the rear axle to 6200lbs and your front axle down to 3900lbs to maintain 10100lbs?

Before you holler not SAFE! - I agree!

so what is the point of this rating system used by OEM's?

What makes you think the front is more than 3900 on that truck? Did you weight it? It might be less than 3900 now.

Also, keep in mind that the OEM ratings are not necessarily the same as safe ratings. That's been documented here lots of times. Do a search if you want to know more. You may have to search the archives.

noteven wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
PARTS are MORE then the SUM.........

You can NOT load up so weight is placed equally across both axles.

GVWR is MORE then JUST axle ratings...it includes FRAME, SUSPENSION and TIRES


My 3500
FAWR----5200#
RAWR----6200#
BUT....GVWR is 10100# (not 11,400 sum of axles)

How would you get the rear axle to 6200lbs and your front axle down to 3900lbs to maintain 10100lbs?

Before you holler not SAFE! - I agree!

so what is the point of this rating system used by OEM's?

Can't!

I am over GVWR ....right at RAWR/under tire ratings and UNDER GCVWR

The only ratings I pay attention to/not exceed are RAWR/Tire load ratings and GCWR


Point of ratings system by OEMS......warranty/attorneys and the Total package overview.
Parts do not equal the SUM because of frame,suspension, gearing, engine, tires ----each figures into the WHOLE

Back in 1999 my F450 flatbed was registered at 9000 lb
The sticker gave it GVWR at 15,000lb
Axles total rating 21,000 lb.
Tires total at 22,500 lb.
That lasted for 8 years till I got pulled over with backhoe on it. Had to go to DMV and buy 30,000lb stickers for $600.
Scratch your head and think about it.