The vehicle and trailer weight numbers will always fall under one of two categories; actual weights and ratings. Actual weights are the measured weights of the vehicle. Keep in mind that factory quoted weights may be estimates. Ratings refer to the limits placed on the vehicle and these are never to be exceeded.

Making Sense of RV Weights

These two weights are often mixed up which causes confusion, so it is important to understand the difference. There are important terms to get familiar with when it comes to understanding the weight and rating of your RV.

• Gross Vehicle Weight: The GVW is the weight of a fully loaded vehicle with all fluids, cargo, and passengers on board. If your RV consists of more than one unit (a trailer you are towing), then the GVW is only part of the overall weight. This number is important so you can determine if you are within the manufacturer and legal limits. While you can get estimates for this number, the more accurate approach is to drive on a scale.
• GVWR: The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum number that the GVW should never exceed.
• Gross Trailer Weight: The GTW is similar to the GVE but refers to the trailer. Because GVW can be applied to both the vehicle and trailer, this term is used to speak of the trailer only. When you have a trailer connected, a portion of the weight is transferred to the towing vehicle. When not connected, the weight of the trailer rests on its tires. If you need to weigh your trailer without the tow vehicle, make sure the entire unit is on the scale, including tires or jacks.
• Gross Combination Weight: The GCW is the real weight of the full vehicle plus the trailer, with all cargo, fluids, and passengers loaded. The best way to get this weight is by using a scale, either with the whole package on the scale or by adding up the components. If you opt to weight the components separately, make sure they are loaded exactly as they will be when traveling.
• GCWR: The Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum number that the entire package (tow vehicle and trailer) should never exceed.
• Gross Axle Weight: The GAW is the actual weight that is placed on a single axle. So long as the vehicle is well-balanced, this will be evenly distributed across all tires on the axle. The GAW must be within both the axle weight rating and the tire weight ratings. By dividing the GAW by the number of tires on an axle, you can get the weight placed on each tire.
• GAWR: The Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum number that the GAW should never exceed.
• Tongue Weight: This refers to the weight pressing down on the hitch ball. This should always be 10-15% of the GTW. You will add this to your GVW.
• King Pin Weight: The actual weight that pressed down on the fifth wheel hitch and you want this to be 15-25% of the GTW. You will add this to your GVW.
• Curb Weight: This is the actual weight of the vehicle with all fluid tanks full but before cargo and passengers. Manufacturers define this differently so take care as you need this weight to calculate others. Some definitions will include the driver or optional equipment.
• Dry Weight: This is the weight of the vehicle or trailer with all standard equipment, no fuel or other fluids, and no passengers. Again the manufacturers can define this differently so be careful when performing your calculations.
• Unloaded Vehicle Weight: The weight of the vehicle as produced at the factory. It will include a full engine, fuel tanks, and fluids. Check the manufacturer guides because some will weigh each unit to determine this UVW, and others only provide estimates per model.
• Cargo Weight: The cargo weight is the actual weight of all items plus the Curb Weight. This will also include the personal cargo, optional equipment and Tongue or King Pin Weight. You use this number to figure out how much you can safely pack in the RV, such as clothing, books, cleaning supplies, hiking gear, bikes, and food.
• Payload: This is a weight rating which is the maximum weight that cargo plus passengers should never exceed. To calculate this, subtract the Curb Weight from the GVWR.
  Actual weights and weight ratings are essential for RV traveling to keep you and your family safe. Take note of the definitions that apply each time you travel. To make sure you get accurate calculations, use a scale and the weight calculator so you can enjoy safe and happy travels!