Community Forums

wa8yxm · 05-03-2018, 05:21 PM

To me it means the cargo capacity is 3,000 pounds. And that is all.

tuffr2 · 05-04-2018, 07:54 AM

Was doing a bit more research. A problem of having a bigger GVWR on the trailer is a few states use this number to make sure you are not overloaded (Cali for example). So it does not matter if you only have 7,000lbs in a trailer with an 8,800lb. GVWR. Cali uses the GVWR or 8,800 lbs.

To me that is kinda bogus.

60sumtin · 05-04-2018, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Was doing a bit more research. A problem of having a bigger GVWR on the trailer is a few states use this number to make sure you are not overloaded (Cali for example). So it does not matter if you only have 7,000lbs in a trailer with an 8,800lb. GVWR. Cali uses the GVWR or 8,800 lbs.

To me that is kinda bogus.

That would be true no matter where you live. The trailer's GVWR is the legal limit the trailer AND its cargo can weigh.

In your example if you have 7000 lbs in the trailer and its GVWR is 8800 lbs it means the trailer only weights 1800 pounds.

Superslif · 05-04-2018, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

If dry weight on a trailer is 5,800lbs but GVWR is 8,800 lbs that tells me at least the frame and axles are stout. Would this trailer typically be built any better than a trailer with a dry weight is 5,800 lbs. and a GVWR of 6,800lbs?

In a "over-all" look at things YES. Have to look at the axle capacities. The cheaper RV trailer brands will use the smallest axle sizes they can get away with. If a #3000 axle is $50 less than putting on two #3500 axles times a 1000 trailers, you just saved a $100k.

Next look at how thick the spring hangers brackets are. Are they reinforced?.

Does the tongue get welded on bottom of the frame, or run thru their frame as a fully integrated "A" frame.

What are the tire size. I have a friend who just bought a cheap 34' trailer with 14" tires and 750 CCC. My 28' unit has 16's and 4400 CCC. So you tell me which one is built stronger.

egwilly · 05-04-2018, 10:49 AM

I've owned several trailers....2 towables and 1 fifth wheel in my lifetime.
I'm very please with the way our Glacier Peak fifth tows....tells me the frame and mounting positions of the heavy stuff inside has be addressed. I don't have any sway issues even with side winds. Keeping the weight and balance correct helps too.
Proper tow vehicle helps a lot. If I go any heavier, I would get a dually.

tuffr2 · 05-04-2018, 01:03 PM

I worded that wrong. I meant the GVWR of the trailer was 8,800lbs but only loaded to 7,000 lbs.

60sumtin · 05-04-2018, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

I worded that wrong. I meant the GVWR of the trailer was 8,800lbs but only loaded to 7,000 lbs.

So if you are checked for weights, no matter where you are, you are under the GVWR of the trailer by 1800 pounds. In other words you still add another 1800 pounds of stuff and remain legal. The authorities only get concerned if the trailer is overloaded.

tuffr2 · 05-04-2018, 02:09 PM

I heard the State Police do not weigh the rig. They go by the GVWR of the trailer. That comes into play when checking the GCWR of the TV.

JohnBoyToo · 05-04-2018, 02:17 PM

The GVWR is the only 'registered' rate on the placard for your rv...

The dry weight is a fictitious number that I would not trust - on ANY rv !!!

but that's just me, and I've only proven it on 5 or 6 of my rv's

60sumtin · 05-04-2018, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

I heard the State Police do not weigh the rig. They go by the GVWR of the trailer. That comes into play when checking the GCWR of the TV.

Weight ratings is one thing, actual weight is something else. If they don't weight the rig or the trailer or the truck what do they do? Guess?

60sumtin · 05-04-2018, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

The GVWR is the only 'registered' rate on the placard for your rv...

The dry weight is a fictitious number that I would not trust - on ANY rv !!!

but that's just me, and I've only proven it on 5 or 6 of my rv's

When weighed the GVWR, or registered rate as you call it, is what they use to determine if your rig over weight or not. The GVWR is not negotiable. If the dry weight is incorrect or fictitious they don't care.