Weight and Safety Tip | GVWR

By Jim Koca #86367, Escapees RVers’ Boot Camp Instructor

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is a term that every RVer should know for any vehicle or trailer they own. Vehicles and tires are designed to carry certain loads that consist of fuel, fluids, human cargo and, of course, our stuff. All vehicles and trailers on the road have a gross vehicle weight rating. 

The GVWR is determined by the manufacturer and is the maximum weight that a vehicle or trailer can carry. The vehicle or trailer should never be loaded beyond what the manufacturer has listed on the Federal Data Plate. When the GVWR is exceeded, mechanical problems, tire failures, poor vehicle handling performance or increased stopping distance can occur and may result in an accident. In addition, there may also be legal and financial liability if you are operating the vehicle above the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating. As an accident investigator, I have seen the disastrous results of vehicles and trailers exceeding their weight rating.

The best way to find out if you are driving a vehicle, or pulling a trailer, that is exceeding its GVWR is to have the units weighed. The Escapees SmartWeigh program will provide you with a comprehensive report so that you can evaluate your weight and load management issues.

You will find that a little bit of prevention can go a long way toward having peace of mind while driving down the road.