What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

You might not think that towing would have much to do with mathematics but you would be mistaken. There is definitely an aspect of math when it comes to safely and correctly pulling a load. One of the terms and values in this math is called Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR.

What Is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating?

Also known as GVWR, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating represents the maximum amount of weight that your vehicle can safely handle. This includes payload capacity as well as towing capacity. You can usually locate this value on the placard attached to your driver's side door.

What Calculations Is GVWR Used In?

It is important to note that GVWR is the maximum weight your vehicle can handle including the vehicle's own weight and that of any cargo and passengers. Because of this you can determine with an equation the maximum weight of cargo your vehicle can handle.

Firstly we should introduce you to the term Curb Weight, this is a weight value that reflects the weight of your vehicle with no cargo passengers and an empty fuel tank. This is a value you can find in the owner's manual and it is important to the equation.

So if you want to know how much extra weight you can add to the vehicle you simply have to subtract the curb weight from the GVWR. This will tell you how much weight from cargo, passengers and a full gas tank can be added safely.

Why Do We Need to Know GVWR?

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is important to know so that you can make sure you are safely loaded. For example if you have a pickup truck and have a heavy payload in the back it is important that your truck can handle that level of weight.

If you overload your vehicle in terms of weight it can cause a lot of problems. Aside from increasing gas usage you may find the vehicle less responsive in turns and slower to react when you press the brakes. Too much load over a specific axle can lead to damage up to and including failure of the component itself.

Having too much extra weight in your vehicle poses a real risk to your personal safety as well as that of other drivers around you. Always remember the maximum payload your vehicle carries has to factor in your weight, passengers' weight, a full tank of gas and the weight of any additional cargo.

What if Your Vehicle Is Older?

This is something to bear in mind when it comes to the GVWR value. When we use the registered GVWR for a particular vehicle we assume that the vehicle is brand new and unworn. If your truck is a few years old and maybe has a decent amount of miles on the clock it may not be capable of the top rating anymore.

Suspension may have weakened, axles may be corroded and other support components may not be as they were when new. Just because the capacity when brand new was one value does not mean an older used model can still manage the full load. Give your vehicle a break and assume if it’s older that it might need to tackle a smaller load.

Conclusion

It is important to know the meaning of Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This value tells you the maximum the vehicle can way including passengers and cargo and still operate safely. The GVWR is fixed by the vehicle manufacturer who have put it through intensive testing.

Know your vehicle's limitations and do not push them beyond what it is capable of handling.

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