RV Weighing & Weight Ratings Guide

Overloading your RV or improperly distributing weight across axles causes severe tire flex, overheated bearings, and dangerous sway while towing. Weighing your rig fully loaded for travel at a commercial CAT scale is the only way to verify safety limits.

Understanding Weight Abbreviation Terms

Abbreviation	Definition & Safety Meaning
GVWR	Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Maximum allowable total weight of the fully loaded RV including cargo, fluids, and passengers.
GAWR	Gross Axle Weight Rating: Maximum weight structural axles and suspension components can safely support.
GCWR	Gross Combination Weight Rating: Maximum allowable combined weight of tow vehicle and trailer together.

Measure hitch tongue load accurately using a dedicated trailer tongue weight scale, and ensure tires are immobilized on scale platforms using heavy-duty wheel chocks during setup.

See also:

• Tongue Weight Scale Details – Measuring tongue weight using lever beam setups.
• Trailer Tires – Care & Maintenance – Matching cold inflation pressure to scale loads.