If you’re a first-time buyer, or looking to upgrade to a larger RV, you may be wondering how much you can safely tow with your current vehicle. In this quick guide, we’ll explain the weight, towing capacity, and safety regulations you need to know. You’ll finally be able to take home that Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf fifth wheel for sale at RV Value Mart that you’ve been eyeing for months!
Types of Weight
Whenever you tow an RV, there are several types of weights to consider to ensure you are towing safely. Often the manufacturer’s listed weight may not be the same as the RV at your dealer because of additional options or features. Be sure to work with your dealer directly to get the most accurate weight.
Let’s look at a brief overview of the types of weights to consider in RVs:
- Dry Weight – Actual weight of RV when it was built, not including passengers, cargo, dealer-installed options, or fluids.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – Maximum weight allowable for the RV when loaded, including the dry weight and all cargo, equipment, and fluids. The tow vehicle and RV have separate GVWRs.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating – Maximum weight allowable of towing vehicle and the RV. Simply combine the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings of the towing vehicle and the RV to find this number.
- Gross Vehicle Weight – The actual weight of the towing vehicle when fully loaded with passengers, cargo, hitch, etc.
- Gross Trailer Weight – The actual weight of the RV when loaded with passengers, cargo, fluids, etc.
- Tongue or Hitch Weight – The amount of force the hitch or tongue of the RV applies to the hitch of the towing vehicle. This should be approximately 20% of the RVs Gross Trailer Weight.
Finding Your Tow Capacity
Finding towing capacity it simple. You can do the math by adding the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and tongue or hitch weight and then compare that to the GCWR (gross combined weight rating). Or, you can take our simple questionnaire and find your towing capacity in just a few moments. Then, all you have to do is ensure that the GTW (gross trailer weight) does not exceed your towing capacity and you are ready to hit the road!
Contact Us
Now that you know your towing capacity and you have a basic understanding of the different types of weights to consider when buying an RV, it’s time to find the perfect RV for you! That’s where we come in! Contact RV Value Mart today and we’ll help you to find an RV that will be functional, fun, and convenient for the whole family. Plus, our experts can help recommend excellent towing vehicles, if you need to upgrade to something bigger.
It only takes a few seconds to find your towing capacity. Contact us to get started on your journey towards the open road and the destination of your dreams.
