Let's Ride: Truck weights

When you're trying to figure out how much trailer your truck can safely tow, there are so many acronyms and terms, it can be utterly confusing. To help you out, here are some "real language" definitions of the weights and other terms you need to understand. In our next newsletter, we'll explain how you actually figure out how much your truck can carry and tow.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

This is the figure that is listed on your truck or trailer. Many people think this is how much their truck or trailer actually weighs, but that's not true. GVWR is the maximum weight your vehicle can weigh with all its cargo, fuel, passengers, options, etc., set by the factory. Anything that goes in or on the vehicle, from gooseneck hitches to fuzzy dice to your dogs, cats and kids must be counted against your GVWR. Legally, your truck or trailer cannot weigh more than the listed GVWR.

For trucks, the GVWR is usually located on the driver's side door post on a sticker. For trailers, it is usually on a placard somewhere on your trailer.

Curb Weight/Dry Weight

This is the weight, provided by the manufacturer, of a stripped-down, basic model of their truck or trailer with no options, cargo or anything else. Basically, it is only an accurate number if you buy the base model of the truck with no options. If you add options to your truck or trailer, then the curb weight listed by the manufacturer will not be accurate.

Actual Weight

This is one of the most important numbers for determining your cargo carrying and towing capabilities. Actual weight is just what it says: it's how much your truck or trailer actually weighs. About the only truly accurate way to determine your actual weight is to go to a truck stop or grain elevator and have your truck or trailer weighed. Before your do, fill the fuel tanks, add whatever cargo you normally carry when trailering, plus yourself and normal passengers.

Payload

Payload is another important number in figuring your towing capabilities. Payload is how much weight you can put on your truck. You determine payload by subtracting actual weight from GVWR. That will tell you how many pounds you can place on your truck, including trailer pin weight, cargo, hay, tack, etc. Example: If the GVWR of your truck is 6,500 lbs. and the actual weight of your truck is 5,400 lbs., your payload is 1,100 lbs.

GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight)

This is the manufacturer's set weight for the maximum combined weight of your trailer, truck and cargo together. Add up the actual weight of your truck with the actual weight of your trailer, plus any cargo, and make sure it is under your GCVW. You can usually find the GCVW in your owner's manual.

Axle Rating (OR GAWR)

This is the weight an axle is designed to carry safely. For example, a trailer with two 3,500 lb. axles can safely support a trailer weighing 7,000 lbs. If the trailer weighs more than that, the axles may bend or even break.

Tongue Weight

This is the weight the tongue of a bumper pull trailer puts on the back of the truck, primarily on the rear axle. Generally speaking, tongue weight is 10 to 15% of the weight of the loaded trailer. In other words, a 5,000 lb. bumper pull trailer would have a 500 lb. tongue weight. Tongue weight must not exceed your payload.

Pin Weight

This is the weight a gooseneck coupler puts on the bed of your truck. Usually, it is 20 to 25% of the weight of the loaded trailer. So, an 8000 lb. gooseneck would put roughly 1600 lbs. of weight on the bed of your truck. Pin weight must not exceed your payload.

Towing Capacity

This is a figure of the maximum amount your truck can tow determined by the manufacturer. Keep in mind, though, that this figure is determined using the base truck, and so most trucks (with options and cargo on board) cannot safely pull the maximum towing capacity listed.

These are the basic terms you need to understand in order to correctly determine how much your truck can carry and how much it can tow. In next month's newsletter, we'll show you a few simple steps to determine exactly how much your truck can carry and tow. See you then!