More on Unloaded Vehicle Weight
Lots of responses concerning UVW start with "UVW means nothing..." Or something to that effect. I have to disagree. I am researching for a newer camper. I know the floorplan we want. I also know what ...
Forum Discussion
Old-Biscuit wrote:
IF the truck/tow vehicle can't handle the full GVWR of trailer/camper then one is too small or the other is too big
I also don't totally agree. Just because a TT has a given GVWR doesn't mean it WILL carry that much weight the way certain person uses it. As an example, my TT has a GWVR of around 12,000# but weighs only about 7000# w/o anything in it (except batteries, propane tanks, etc, etc)
So just because my TT "could" carry that much weight I HAVE to buy a truck to handle it? Nope. The way I use mine it weighs about 8500# and I couldn't imagine what I'd have to bring with me to get anywhere close to what the TT could handle.
A TT GVWR is based on axle rating, frame size and a whole bunch of other stuff. Sometimes, they are just overbuilt.
And, to the OP's point, the UVW is MUCH more useful than the GVWR for the reasons mentioned. Yes, manufacturers understate UVW but the yellow stickers have done great at keeping them honest. I think most reasonably intelligent people are capable of weighing what they put in their own TT. If they can't even do that what makes someone think they would magically stop when reaching the max GVWR?
