I fully agree with what you posted. GVWR is the combined weight of all 4(or 6 dually) wheels at the ground.
I think the same problem exists when using 'payload' as that value it is so inflated due to the example truck being a std cab, 2 wheel drive, manual tranny, no A/C, etc. But the true payload is still the difference between GVWR and your actual vehicle loaded weight. I dont believe the type of load has anything to do with the calculations.
Fifth wheels shift very little weight to the front of a TV. If I were to calculate mine based on pin weight of 1836, my wheel base is 147". If my hitch is 3" ahead of the axle that adds 3/147 * 1836 or 37#.
To the OP:
The best way to weigh is collect as many numbers as possible. If you can/have the time weigh:
Disconnected:
- front axle
- rear axle
- trailer on the scale including the landing gear
Connected:
- front axle
- rear axle (will include pin weight)
- trailer axle(s) (will not include pin weight)
Thats it. Those real values and the vehicle and traler GVWR/GCVWR are the only numbers you need to determine whether you are over/under any individual value.
Adding a camper does not increase the GVWR, but likely shifts much more weight to the front due to positioning in the truck bed and the cab overhang.
Maybe Im wrong, but I dont think so.
I think so much confusion could be cleared up if the mfg would simply add a statement "The cargo weight/value is based on a vehicle with a GW of ### lbs". Then everyone would know.
Here is another way to look at it.
If you look at a GMC 1 ton, SRW truck, the front axle is rated at 4500 lbs. The rear axle is rated at 6800 lbs.
So that total is 11,300 lbs.
The GVWR on this truck is 9600 lbs, 1700 lbs LESS than what the axle/springs can handle.
Why does GM spec GVWR so much lower than what the axles/springs can handle?
Without the GVWR spec, some yahoo might put a 2 ton load right behind the cab and overweigh the front axles. But that same 2 ton load could be put right over the back axle, and the truck would do fine.
GMC cant regulate how people place their heavy loads in their truck beds....so I think what they do is center a heavy load in the beds center, and then figure out how much that is, such that it doesn't exceed the front axle capacity. That is how I think they figure GVWR.
In the end though, the posters which recommend measuring tire/axle weights, one by one, is the exact right thing to do....I think that is a great idea. I am going to do that!
I think the bottom line is trucks can exceed GVWR, as long as the front and rear axles are loaded correctly. I dont know this for a fact though, and I am not saying anybody should do it, but when I add the GM numbers up, it seems like the GVWR is lower than necessary, if the weight is carried directly over the rear axle.
Wow! That is really sad to hear. I guess that these rigs are designed and not engineered then!! I was under the impression some engineering went into the building of our trailers, but I'm really surprised they are that far off.
I'll try to check my side weights when I get around to weight my setup someday..
Regards, Hamshog<<
Floor plans vary greatly, placement of the items can cause a great imbalance in how the rig weighs. My rig has everything heavy on the off door side. Propane tanks, batteries, bedroom slide, shower, kitchen, refrigerator, pantry, microwave,entertainment center and large slide. Once we have everything in the drawers and shelving, we weigh just a tad over 1,000lbs more on that side than the other side. Driving over a regular set of scales will not show any imbalance, you will never see that side to side number. You will only know what the entire trailer weighs or possibly what each axle is carrying. It is very possible to overload 1 or 2 tire positions and not know it. That is why weighing each wheel position is needed and suggested by the tire manufacturers.
Stacey Frank
'04 Mobile Suites 36 TK3 #1341
'99 Int'l 4700 Lo Pro MDT
'04 PT Turbo
'Direcway satellite
Trucks are weighed by each axle. The trucks GVWR is only used to find combined weights in the case of truck pulling a trailer. A GN or 5ers hitch weight will just about all be over the trucks rear axles so its pertinent to weigh the front and rear axle seperatly.
The 6084 is a 2500 GM RAWR number.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" Will Rogers
'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach Linex
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er with two slides 16" BFG Commercial LTs
JIMNLIN wrote: Trucks are weighed by each axle. The trucks GVWR is only used to find combined weights in the case of truck pulling a trailer. A GN or 5ers hitch weight will just about all be over the trucks rear axles so its pertinent to weigh the front and rear axle seperatly.
The 6084 is a 2500 GM RAWR number.
Since they do not make a 6042lb rated rear axle that number is predicated on the tire load carry capacity. Two rear tires able to carry 3,042lbs each.
The reason the GVWR is lower than the sum of the axle capacities is because it is limited by the vehicle frame. Yes the axles can carry more weight but the frame cannot.
2008 F-350 DRW 6.4PSD Pullrite Super 5th
2008 Bristol Bay 3420
Specularius wrote: The reason the GVWR is lower than the sum of the axle capacities is because it is limited by the vehicle frame. Yes the axles can carry more weight but the frame cannot.
I guess the manufacture looks at it diffrently as the manufactures certification tag has GVWR and GAWR.
Axle and tires are limited by the manufacture for the spring package they use on a specific size truck.
The frame on a 2500 Dodge, as a example, is the same frame as the 3500 SRW and DRW trucks according to Dodge Body Builders Guide. I would think Ford and GM 2500/3500 truck frames are the same also. Older trucks may have had different frames.
About the frames, Ford 2001-2003 (I think) didnt distinguish between their F250 and F350 SRW except the paper in the glove box, decal on the truck side and how much it initially cost...but I dont claim to have an F350 SRW as some do. Mine is an F250.
* This post was
edited 11/14/09 10:54am by wittmeba *
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I dont think any of the values should be exceeded.
