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The GAWR as listed on page 16 includes a total of 5 components,
which includes tires. Along side of this rating is the GVWR which
includes the most weight your RV should ever carry or contain.
Additional information will be found on page 16
The certification label will indicate the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR). This is the most weight the fully loaded vehicle can
weigh. It will also provide the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) , the
most the axle is allowed to carry. If there are multiple axles, the
GAWR of each axle will be provided.
Cargo Capacities
Cargo can be added to the vehicle, up to the maximum weight
specified on the placard. In any case, remember: the total weight of
a fully loaded vehicle can not exceed the stated GVWR.
Water and propane also need to be considered. The weight of fully
filled propane containers is considered part of the weight of the RV
before it is loaded with cargo and is not considered part of the
disposable cargo load. Water however, is a cargo weight and is
treated as such. Remember, water weighs 8 pounds per gallon.
Reducing the quantity of water will allow you, the owner, to make
choices that fit your travel and camping needs.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly to prevent
overloading front to back and side to side. Heavy items should be
placed low and as close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too
many items on one side may overload a tire. The best way to know
the actual weight of the vehicle is to weigh it at a public scale. Talk
to your RV dealer to discuss the weighing methods needed to
capture the various weights related to the RV. This would include
weights for the following: axles, wheels, hitch or pin and total weight.
How Overloading Affects Your RV and Tires
The results of overloading can have serious consequences for
passenger safety. Too much weight on your vehicle’s suspension
system can cause spring, shock absorber, or brake failure, handling
or steering problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
An overloaded vehicle is hard to drive and hard to stop. In cases of
serious overloading, brakes can fail completely, particularly on steep
hills. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the size of
tire, its load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
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