Topic: RV Weight Safety
Presenters: Lister (RV Safety Education Foundation)
Every vehicle, by federal law, must post certain weights pertaining to that vehicle. All Class A RVs have such a label (federal data plate), and it is supposed to be in the driver's area for powered RVs; and in the front left quadrant of towables.
Class Bs, Cs, and towing trucks or towed vehicles, it's on the inside of the front door. It will always state the gross vehicle weight rating, which means the most it can weigh fully loaded, with passengers.
Gross combined vehicle rating (GCWR) is the total of the towing and towed vehicle -- such as truck plus fifth wheel; or Class A plus a tow car.
Gross Axle Weight Rating -- not perfectly suited to RVs. Commercial trucks usually are fairly even across the four corners. But RVs get loaded in odd ways. RVSEF has found that 10% of all RVs exceed a tire rating without exceeding the gross axle weight rating.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight -- Essentially the weight of the RV before accessories.
Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating -- Pertains to motorized vehicles only. If it has four sleeping positions, it means you need four seat belts.
Cargo Carrying Capacity -- Tells you how much of your stuff you can put in that RV. Average full timer carries 3,000 pounds; average extended time RVer carries 2,000 pounds.
The bottom line to all this is that before you fall in love with a new RV, first look at the carrying capacities that are needed for your intended use. It's the responsibility of the buyer to do so.
Hitch ratings, for either travel trailer or fifth wheel, will be stated right on the hitch. Same issue for motorized RVs towing a car. Receivers will also be stamped with a weight rating. Your maximum towing weight will be be the limited to the lowest rated component in the towing system.
For tow cars be sure the tow bar is level -- not just the 3" to 6" tolerance some manufacturers allow. They can be leveled using a "drop bar" that fits your receiver. Needs to be rated same or greater than your hitch. You should cross your cables.
Every state has a law on supplemental braking systems. They vary from 1,000 to 4,000 pounds. You are regulated by your home state. There all types out there -- you need to find the one that's best for you. And be certain to use it, meaning it will probably have to be easy for you to use. Also use a breakaway system.
In close rating situations, be sure to know your RV's weight distribution -- especially fresh water and holding tanks. A front mounted fresh water tank and empty gray and black water tanks in the back, the weight will gradually, but significantly, shift from front to back as you use up the water.