Every trailer, tow vehicle and motorhome has maximum weight

ratings set by the manufacturer that are designed to keep us safe

and provide optimum performance. Failure to heed these ratings

by overloading or improper weight distribution can compromise

the ride, handling, braking, reliability and safety of your RV.

Most RV manufacturers are members of the Recreational Vehicle

Industry Association (RVIA). In late 1996 the RVIA introduced

labeling requirements for RVs that are used almost universally.

On motorhomes, the RVIA data plate is usually located inside

one of the cabinets in the kitchen, bath or bedroom or near the

driver. On travel trailers, the RVIA plate is mounted externally

near the front of the coach or in a cabinet door inside. On trucks,

the manufacturer’s weight-rating label, which is marked with the

GAWR and GVWR, is located in the driver’s door opening. The

first two of the following ratings apply to all tow vehicles, travel

trailers and motorhomes:

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum weight an

axle is rated to carry.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum permissible

total weight of the vehicle when fully loaded.

This next rating applies to motorhomes and tow vehicles: Gross

Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable

rated combined weight of the vehicle and its trailer. (Note: Many

states require, and chassis manufacturers recommend, an auxiliary

braking system for towed vehicles over a certain weight, usually

1,000 to 1,500 pounds).

The following terms and their definitions, including the updates

of September 2000, were approved by the RVIA and apply only to

RVs:

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) is the weight of the

motorhome as built at the factory. For motorhomes, that

includes full fuel, engine oil and coolants. The UVW does not

include cargo, fresh water, LP gas, occupants or dealer-installed

accessories.

Net Carrying Capacity (NCC): The maximum weight of all occupants,

personal belongings, food, fresh water, LP gas, tools, dealer-

installed accessories (and for motorhomes, the tongue weight

of the towed vehicle that can be carried by this coach). It is helpful

to know the NCC when purchasing a new coach. It tells you

how much weight can be added to the coach while staying within

the GVWR of the coach. The term cargo-carrying capacity is

replacing NCC in new RVs. NCC is equal to or less than GVWR

minus UVW. (To calculate the weight of water, multiply number

of gallons times 8.33 pounds per gallon.)

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is a recently adopted RVIA term

that is comparable to the previously used NCC. CCC is equal to

the GVWR minus UVW, the weight of fresh water in the tank

and hot water heater, the weight of propane in the tank, and the

SCWR.

Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating (SCWR) — is another term

recently adopted by RVIA. It’s calculated by multiplying the

number of sleeping positions as defined by the RV manufacturer

by 154 pounds per position.

In order to keep your family safe, weigh your motorhome,

camper, or trailer and tow vehicle on a truck scale to determine

how much it actually weighs, and how much remaining capacity

is available for cargo and passengers. Weigh it fully loaded,

including fuel, propane, personal items, plus the amount of water

and number of passengers normally carried. The actual weight

should never exceed the GVWR (or GCWR if

towing).

Measure and record the weight on the front axle, rear axle, left

side, right side and total weight and if possible, individual wheel

weights.With the trailer hitched to the tow vehicle, park with just

the trailer tires on the scale and weigh it. Then unhitch the trailer

and measure its total weight. The increase in weight is the hitch

weight.

Over time, we tend to collect and carry more and more items in

our RVs. Consider the necessity of everything you bring along,

particularly extra water, which is very heavy. A vehicle can be

overloaded on just one side or only one axle. After you determine

individual axle and side-to-side weights, you can shift items

around for better weight distribution. Secure cargo so it won’t

shift around and store heavy items as low as possible. A properly

loaded rig is more pleasant to drive and much safer for you and

your family.