More of this Feature • Know Your Vehicle • Hitches • Safety First

Join the Discussion "If I tow this behind my RV with an "A" frame will it hurt the transmission"? Bob Perry (BOBP750)

Related Resources • Trailer Hitches

From Other Guides • • Towed or Toad? • Fifth Wheel Trailers • How to Back a Camper • Test Drive a GMC Sierra 4x4 SLT

Elsewhere on the Web • How manufactures determine towing rates • Towing rates for 1999 and 2000 trucks and SUVs

(GVWR) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
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 addition 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. Have your loaded vehicle weighed before you begin your trip.

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