You have questions and we have answers!
Your Forest River RV dealer and our Customer Service team members are ready and willing to assist you. However, many of your most commonly asked questions can be found and answered below.
WEIGHTS AND DEFINITIONS FAQ |
Q: What tow vehicle do I need to tow my RV?
A: To determine the towing capacity of your tow vehicle, you will need to refer to your tow vehicle’s owner’s manual. Other resources include your local dealer and this helpful link found at TRAILER LIFE MAGAZINE.
Q: What are the definitions of all the weight terms commonly used to describe my RV?
A: GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of the unit when fully loaded. It includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional equipment and accessories. For safety and product performance do NOT exceed the GVWR.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by a combination of all axles.
UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) is the weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water, additional optional equipment or dealer installed accessories.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) is the amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommodate fresh potable water (8.3 lbs. per gallon). Before filling the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks to provide for more cargo capacity.
Each Forest River RV is weighed at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded vehicle weight of the actual unit and the cargo carrying capacity is applied to every RV prior to leaving our facilities.
The load capacity of your unit is designated by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading your unit.
Q: When I add up the weight capacity of the four tires on my trailer, it is less than the trailer weighs (or the GVWR). Does this mean the tires are not heavy enough for my trailer?
A: Not at all! This is a common miscalculation in the industry. In order to calculate the actual weight on the tires, it is necessary to subtract the hitch weight. The hitch weight is actually being carried by your tow vehicle not the tires on the trailer. For example: If the tires are rated at 2000 lbs. each x 4 (8000 lbs.) and the unit weighs (or has a GVWR of) 9000 lbs. with a hitch weight of 1200 lbs., the actual weight on the trailer tires is 7800 lbs. which is within the weight rating of the tires.
