Forum Discussion

humblerb's avatar
humblerb
Explorer
Feb 27, 2023

GVWR versus GAWR

I have a Grand Design fifth wheel.
Getting ready to replace tires.
While looking at ratings, I noticed I have a GVWR of 13,995#.
My GAWR shows to be 6,000# each.
The UVW shows t be 10,828# - not relevant to this question.

Wouldn't I be limited in Gross Vehicle Weight by the two 6,000# axles (12,000# MAX)?

If so, wonder why they would not use 7,000# axles to match the GVWR?
  • Thanks for the replies.
    I'm kind of a numbers nut and I knew the axles weren't adding up to the GVWR.
    Never thought about the weight on the hitch. That is definitely the answer.
    I also knew they built to the bare minimum.
    Now on to the bank for a second mortgage for tires. LOL
  • ^^ what they said ! The best bet is it so scale it and see exactly what is on those axles while loaded.
  • 20% of your whatever your gross weight is will be on the pin. So if you are at 14,000, you will have something around 11,200 on the axles, or 5800 lbs each.

    They don't build 'em any more skookum than they have to for sure.
  • Part of the GVWR number of 13,995# is carried by the pin, so the axles do not see the pin weight. The loaded trailer will have approximately 20% of the GVWR on the pin or 2799#. This leaves 11,196 for the axles which is under the 12,000# for the two axles. The manufactures like to go cheap and give you the monimum.

    Ken