Posted 2011-09-16 4:57 PM (#137599 - in reply to #137596) Subject: RE: gvwr ratings for trailers
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Most trailers are rated for what they can carry on their axles.
Trucks have both a GVW and GCVW. The GVW is what the truck's total weight can be. ( weight of the truck, passengers, any loads and the weight of any trailers that rest on the trucks axles. this reflects the weight the truck can carry on it's own tires, axles, chassis.
GCVW is the total weight of the truck and anything it is towing. So this would include the trucks weight and any weight that rest on the trailers axles. This would reflect more the ability of the truck to pull or stop a load.
We often see combinations where the truck is still under the GCVW but over on the GVW. For example just assume your 1 ton truck has a 23,000lb GCVW Your truck weighs 8,000lbs empty, 1,000 for people, that leaves 14,000lbs for the trailer. But many 1 ton trucks are rated for 16,000 lb trailers, which would exceed the trucks GCVW.
The Same is true when you look at the GVW. Your truck may be rated at 11,500lbs But subtract the empty weight of the truck 8,000lbs, Passengers, 1,0000, stuff in the bed etc, You might only be able to load 2,500 lbs on the GN or 5ver hitch. With approximately 20% 25% of any GN weight resting on the hitch a 16,000lb trailer might put 4,000 lbs on the hitch which would be more than the GVW that the truck can support.
We go one step further with GAW which how much weight an Axle can support. Depending on how the load is balanced, We may be just fine with the GVW of 11,500 but have 7,500lbs on the rear axle that is only rated for 7,000 lbs.
So when you buy a truck and trailer you will need to consider multiple load capacity ratings. Being under on 2 ratings may still have you overloaded on a 3rd area.
Posted 2011-09-16 7:17 PM (#137601 - in reply to #137596) Subject: RE: gvwr ratings for trailers
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GCWR = Gross Combined Weight Rating GVWR refers to the weight of the vehicle plus the weight of any cargo and passengers, optional equipment etc. The weight of the vehicle running down the road should never exceed the GVWR. GCWR refers to the combined weight of the vehicle and any towed vehicle. If you have a combined weight rating of 18500# and your vehicle is loaded to 8500#, the most weight that you could tow would be 10,000#. Again, the GCWR is NEVER to be exceeded. Although GVWR and GCWR are separate ratings, they are intertwined in that the heavier you load the vehicle, the lighter the towed weight must be and vice versa. The best and most accurate way of determining your weight is to load your rig the way you normally would and then drag the whole thing down to a CAT scale and have it weighed.
Posted 2011-09-17 4:27 AM (#137605 - in reply to #137596) Subject: RE: gvwr ratings for trailers
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
And, just because someone adds Timbrens, Firestone Ride Rite air bags or any other suspension overload enhancement, doesn't mean that the numbers change.... You still have to go by the numbers assigned to that vehicle as per the manufacturer. (the numbers stamped on the serial number data plate.)
Posted 2011-09-17 2:34 PM (#137612 - in reply to #137596) Subject: RE: gvwr ratings for trailers
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
There are so many places to get a rig weighed. Most of the Port of Entries in Utah all have scales that weigh each axle as you roll over them, It flashes the weight up on the over head sign. Yes you might have to get in line with the semi's pulling thru, but it moves pretty quick. The biggest problem is writting down each axle weight as you roll over the scale.
My local dump and gravel pit both have scales and have told me, no problem if I wanted to roll across their scales.
gvwr ratings for trailers
