Towing Knowledge

 Dry Weight (Shipping Weight)This is the weight of an RV/trailer before the addition of fluids/liquids, and cargo. Manufacturers determine this figure before shipping new RVs to dealerships. Dry weight is also sometimes referred to as Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW).

Curb WeightThis is the weight of an RV/trailer or vehicle, including fluids. It is typically the weight of the frame plus standard parts and excludes the weight of optional dealer add-ons.

Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR)This is the maximum allowable combined weight of a fully loaded towing vehicle and a fully loaded RV/trailer being towed. It includes the RV/trailer dry weight and the total weight of fluids, cargo, and passengers on board the towing vehicle and the RV/trailer.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)This is the total weight of an RV/trailer or vehicle, including the dry weight plus liquids, cargo, and passengers. For a vehicle towing an RV/trailer, GVW also includes tongue weight.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)This is the maximum allowable weight of a fully loaded vehicle, including options, liquids, cargo, passengers, and tongue weight. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must never exceed the GVWR.

PayloadThis includes a vehicle’s passengers, dry cargo, and any fluids not included in curb weight.

Tongue Weight (Tongue Load)This is the weight placed on the hitch when an RV/trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle. It should not exceed 10% to 15% of the RV/trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).

Trailer Weight Rating (TWR)Sometimes referred to as Tow Weight Rating, this is the heaviest weight of a fully loaded RV/trailer that a vehicle can tow, including the tongue weight, as determined by the manufacturer under test conditions. The tow rating may not include the weight of passengers (other than the driver), cargo, and other gear.

 Are you thinking about buying a new or used towable RV? The last thing you need is to buy the perfect recreational vehicle only to find out it isn’t so perfect because it’s too heavy for your vehicle to tow safely, especially if the result is damage to your RV or vehicle.

It’s imperative that you know the weight of everything you’ll be towing—not just the weight of the RV itself! 

Use the search tool below to find your vehicle’s Trailer Weight Rating (TWR), which is the heaviest RV/trailer weight a vehicle can accommodate as determined by the manufacturer. The TWR includes the tongue weight, or the weight placed on the towing vehicle’s hitch. 

Use the RV Towload Calculator tool below to find your vehicle’s Trailer Weight Rating (TWR), which is the heaviest RV/trailer weight a vehicle can accommodate as determined by the manufacturer. The TWR includes the tongue weight, or the weight placed on the towing vehicle’s hitch. 

There are a few RV & vehicle terms you may encounter when searching for your vehicle’s towing power. One key number is your vehicle’s Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR), which is often located on a sticker on the driver’s side door frame. This is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow, including:

• Dry weight (or shipping weight) of the RV or trailer being towed
• Total weight of fluids within the RV or trailer, such as water, fuel, and propane
• Curb weight of the towing vehicle
• Cargo weight of both the towing vehicle and the RV/trailer
• Passenger weight

Staying legal and safe means understanding towing laws, limits, and insurance implications.

Yes. Towing above the manufacturer's limits breaches road laws and can lead to fines, insurance rejection, and unsafe driving conditions. 

What are the penalties for towing overweight?

Penalties vary by state but can include hefty fines, loss of demerit points, or your vehicle being grounded until compliant. 

Will my insurance cover me if I exceed my towing capacity?

Most insurers won't cover claims if you were towing beyond your legal or manufacturer limits at the time of an accident. 

How can I make sure I'm towing legally?

Use the Know My Tow calculator before every trip, double-check your GVM, GCM, and TBM, and weigh your setup at a public weighbridge if unsure. 

Yes.  These five states, CA, ID, NV, NH, and OR, require brakes for all trailers more than 1,500 lbs.

Kansas and Ohio set the requirement at 2,000 lbs.

These 36 states require a brake system on any trailer weighing 3,000 lbs. or more:

AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA,WV, WI, WY 

The remaining seven states have regulations with different requirements: DE, NC, and RI require brakes on trailers of 4,000 lbs. or greater, AK law says 5,000 lbs., while TX is 4,500 lbs. and MA is 10,000 lbs. In MO, only fifth wheel trailers require independent brake systems. 

In addition to the requirement for independent trailer brake systems, most states also require that the trailer be equipped with a “break away” system that will activate the trailer brakes in the event that the RV becomes separated from the tow vehicle. 

Those are the statutory requirements. The practical reality is twofold: First, virtually all towable RVs today leave the factory equipped with independent brakes. Vintage trailers may not have them, and it is helpful to know the state rules. Trailers close to the threshold of 3,000 lbs. (i.e., Casitas, Scamps, teardrop campers, etc.), representing the majority of state requirements, are still most likely to be equipped with brakes. The reason is that having trailer brakes is by far the safest and most sensible way to travel. Secondly, if you are RVing across the country, you will likely cross the boundary of one or more states with the lowest weight threshold.

Now that you’re familiar with the specific trailer brake laws in each U.S. state, you can confidently embark on your RV journey while ensuring the safety of you, your passengers and fellow travelers on the road. Remember to double-check the current regulations before setting off, as laws may change over time.

How do I weigh my vehicle and RV camper trailer?

Visit a weighbridge or mobile weighing service. Weigh your tow vehicle, RV, and full combination separately to confirm compliance. 

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