Do you Know Your
Truck Camper Alphabet?
GVWR
Your truck camper’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total weight it can handle safely. This weight includes the truck itself, you, the driver, passenger(s), the TC, all liquids (fuel, oil, water), propane, food in the pantry and refrigerator, clothing, and the rest of your camping stuff.
If you exceed the GVWR, you could be damaging the truck by putting strain and stress on the truck’s frame and chassis, resulting in expensive repairs. But, more important, consider the safety factor to yourself and others – finding that your brakes take longer to stop, or possibly even complete brake failure safely.
GCWR
Truck campers planning on towing a trailer need to know their Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The maximum GCWR amount plus the weight of the load pulled behind.
GAWR
All truck campers should be aware of their GAWR. This last factor is the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The maximum allowable weight on an individual axle of your truck.
Both the front and rear axle have their GAWR. The GAWR numbers are followed by the letters FR or RR, which indicate front or rear axles.
Where do the GVWR, GCWR, and GAWR come from? Where do you find the numbers? The manufacturer determines the maximum loaded weight rating that your truck can safely travel. The rating numbers are located on a sticker stuck into the driver’s door frame, inside the glove box, and your owner’s manual. If you still cannot find them, Google your truck’s model or search for your make and model on the manufacturer’s website.
Any suggestions comments – good or bad – don’t hesitate to contact us at
webmaster@northeast-truckcampers.org. Thank you.