GVWR confusion

[vseasport]

Somewhere in the bowels of this forum is the answer but in a search I can't find it.
Freightliner specs indicate the total GVWR for my class A loaded is 29,410 pounds. CAT scale says I'm 28,540 which looks good BUT I have a 2,820 pound dingy for a total of 31360. With the toad in tow am I over spec?

[ThunderRidge]

GVWR vs GCWR
The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is another important rating you need to look up for your vehicle if you plan to tow a trailer. While the GVWR is the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle loaded with people, luggage and cargo, it’s a figure that does not usually take a trailer into account, except for the tongue weight of the trailer.

The gross combined weight rating or GCWR, on the other hand, does take into account the weight of a hitched up trailer. It includes the weight of the vehicle, the weight of passengers and cargo in it, and then combines it with the weight of the trailer itself.

Trailer or toad. Same thing in this case. Remember. It’s not what you can pull it’s what you can stop. If you get in an accident your rig and toad will be weighed. Overweight won’t be good in court.

[vyndance]

You are fine. GVWR is the coach. GCWR is normally the coach and the hitch rating. But keep tongue weight of the trailer in mind.

[RKins]

Somewhere in your rig, maybe inside a cabinet, should be a spec sheet that explains what you are asking. Here is a pic of mine - she's a '97 Newmar London Aire:

[BCam]

I checked a 2004 brochure and your GCWR is 39,410#, and your hitch capacity is 10,000#, so you're good with lots of room to spare. If you're towing four down, your tongue weight will be very small since all the weight of the toad is on its four wheels. Therefore, you're not adding much towards your GVWR. Typically this will be under 50#.

[vseasport]

Thanks for the replies. This is all excellent info.
The question came up in my mind because the other day when pulling a long steep grade at about 6,000 feet elevation the engine temp started to rise. The motor still had the beans to pull at speed but the temp gauge said don't you dare. Following the truckers in the right lane at 35mph we cooled right down. I don't know if we should unhook the toad or just drive slow when encountering this condition or if there is a better fix. Last year I changed the two thermostats, plastic expansion tank and filled with CAT long life coolant. Everything looked good and still does as far as I can see.

[ThunderRidge]

GCWR doesn’t really have anything to do with tongue weight. That is part of the GVWR. GCWR is the total weight of your rig and the weight of what you are towing combined.

[gnvrvin]

As far as your temps. Do not lug your diesel down.
Start manually shifting down to keep your RPM's up, it keeps water going through the radiator I dont imagine 2,000 RPM would be too much check the MFG suggestion for your engine

Your fine towing If your slow up....go slow down
greg

[wolfe10]

Yup, with your engine, for climbing where your coolant temperature is rising, keep RPM toward the higher end of your engine's RPM range at slightly less than WOT. Yes, you will need to use the down arrow to choose a gear where you can be at higher RPM without the transmission upshifting.


Also, cleaning the FRONT of the CAC is part of annual maintenance on any rear radiator coach.


Tell us what engine you have/what year your coach is and there may be other specifics.

[Old-Biscuit]

CAT scale says I'm 28,540...then you ADD the toad TONGUE weight which should not be much because you are just towing it NOT carrying it

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by vseasport

Somewhere in the bowels of this forum is the answer but in a search I can't find it.
Freightliner specs indicate the total GVWR for my class A loaded is 29,410 pounds. CAT scale says I'm 28,540 which looks good BUT I have a 2,820 pound dingy for a total of 31360. With the toad in tow am I over spec?

Check the definitions of GVWR and GCWR noted above.

[RVtravelz]

Originally Posted by ThunderRidge

If you get in an accident your rig and toad will be weighed.

That’s just not true at all.

[ThunderRidge]

Originally Posted by RVtravelz

That’s just not true at all.

That’s very true. Either the highway patrol will weigh your setup if they suspect you’re overweight or the other parties lawyer will insist on it.

[ThunderRidge]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

CAT scale says I'm 28,540...then you ADD the toad TONGUE weight which should not be much because you are just towing it NOT carrying it

Tongue weight only applies to GVWR not GCWR. GCWR is total weight of vehicle and towed vehicle or trailer.