I read the dry weight listed is not actual dry weight of trailer on lot???

[Bamaman]

If you notice the sticker on the RV, it is very specific to the unit's weight. That's because the factory weighs every individual trailer as it leaves the assembly line.

And everyone's right about the real world weight being substantially heavier after their "stuff' is loaded, tanks filled, etc.

A 500 lb. increase in the tongue weight and 1,500 lbs. in total weight increase is nothing out of the ordinary. That's why you need to be careful to have enough tow truck weight capability to do the job.

[FastEagle]

Dry weight is an engineering/calculated figure the trailer manufacturer uses once they start adding “stuff”. When they get finished you have a curb weight. That’s the one you’ll find on the weight sticker. They will use that weight along with GVWR, GAWR and their calculated hitch weight to come-up with a cargo capacity for the weight sticker.

The DOT regulation plainly says the manufacturer does not have to weigh the trailer once the dry weight has been determined. The only figure they must abide by is determined by their calculated hitch weight and total GAWR. When added together those figures MUST be equal to or greater than GVWR.

FastEagle

[dynacopas]

Newmar used to weigh every unit when it was shipped from the factory.My kountry aire has the sticker when weighed. I have heard not sure but some once weighed with the options requested by the customer. Many had to go back through and get the axles upgraded as they were close to the max gvw before they even left the facotry. so be weary of it in any 5th wheel or travel trailer. Especially if you have made quite a few upgrades that added substantial weight.

[FastEagle]

“The FMVSS have requirements for the manufacturer to use proper tires and rims for the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The manufacturer may determine the GVWR by adding cargo capacity (if any) to the curb weight of the vehicle as manufactured. The wise consumer, before purchase, will determine if the vehicle has sufficient cargo capacity to carry the weight of water, additional equipment (such as televisions, and microwave ovens), and luggage. The manufacturer’s certification label must show the GVWR. The GVWR must not be exceeded by overloading the vehicle. There is little the government can do to assist a consumer who has purchased a vehicle that has insufficient cargo capacity for its intended use.” Quoted from a NHTSA Q&A document.

Just type 571.120 into your browsers search engine to review what the regulation says about your trailer’s cargo weight and how accessory weight added by the dealer is documented.

FastEagle

[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Trailers are federally mandated to have a weight sticker on them as they leave the factory. The sticker is with options that were added at the factory. If anything was added by the dealer then it needs to be accounted for. If the sticker on the trailer says it weighs 11,000lbs the unless then dealer added something then it's pretty close to that. If someone has to worry about the weight of 2 batteries or 2 full propane tanks then they're looking at too much trailer, plain and simple.

Ignore brochure weights and follow the trailers stickered weight and no one should have any problems.

X2

[d-robinson-1]

I figure my own. Take the GVWR from the sticker and subtract cargo weight. Then you have to guesstimate what you will actually carry. The unit I'm looking at says cargo not to exceed 3560 lbs. which I would never carry that much. But a good starting point.

[Mekanic]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Trailers are federally mandated to have a weight sticker on them as they leave the factory. The sticker is with options that were added at the factory. If anything was added by the dealer then it needs to be accounted for. If the sticker on the trailer says it weighs 11,000lbs the unless then dealer added something then it's pretty close to that. If someone has to worry about the weight of 2 batteries or 2 full propane tanks then they're looking at too much trailer, plain and simple.

Ignore brochure weights and follow the trailers stickered weight and no one should have any problems.

Originally Posted by BCooke

Mine stated 13373 on the door. The dealer added 1 12 volt battery and filled the propane tanks. If the door sticker is correct and giving the benefit of the bottom of the weight (CAT scales measure to 20lbs) that means those two items weighed 608 lbs on my unit.

I do not trust the stickers but the max weight still remains the same, you just have to put less in it.

I thought those yellow stickers were a great idea. on some units they can be hard to find.

[FastEagle]

This may help some. I extracted it from the federal regulation (571.120).

"If applicable, the weight of full propane tanks must be included in the RV’s UVW and the weight of on-board potable water must be treated as cargo."

FastEagle

p.s. When a dealer adds options less than 100# they are not required to change the cargo label.

[wingnut60]

The wise consumer, before purchase, will determine if the vehicle has sufficient cargo capacity to carry the weight of water, additional equipment (such as televisions, and microwave ovens), and luggage. The manufacturer’s certification label must show the GVWR

Apparently, we don't have too many wise consumers...

Good info, FastEagle

Joe

[wandering1]

Its the best you are going to get....use it.