This is the maximum amount of weight that a given vehicle can weigh - including its passengers, fuel and cargo - without being overloaded.
(GCWR) Gross Combined Weight Rating
The maximum a vehicle plus its trailer - including cargo, fuel, and passengers - can weigh without being overloaded.
(GAWR) Gross Axle Weight Rating
The maximum weight an axle is rated to carry. It includes the weight of the axle.
Tow Rating
The manufacturer's figure for the maximum trailer weight a vehicle is rated to tow.
Axle Weight
The weight of an individual tow vehicle's axle, or the weight of a trailer's axle (or axles), but does not include the trailer's tongue weight.
Base Curb Weight
This is the weight of the empty vehicle (with a full fuel tank and the standard equipment)
Cargo Weight
The cargo weight is the base curb weight, plus any additional weight that is added to that (such as the trailer tonnage weight).
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
This is the maximum weight of your (fully loaded) trailer that your truck can tow.
Tonnage Weight
The amount of weight that pushes down on the trailer hitch.
Tow Weight
This is a rating by the manufacturer for how much combined weight the truck can pull with a loaded trailer. (tonnage weight and GCVR)
If you have any doubts about the weight of your load, there are public scales used by truck drivers located at most truck stops. Be sure to have your loaded vehicle weighed before you begin your trip.
The next page will help you understand the different hitch classes.