ON THE ROAD
State Laws in the United States and Provincial laws in Canada vary concerning operator licensing
requirements and vehicle dimensional restrictions. Check the laws in the area where you anticipate
traveling.
GUIDELINES FOR EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND PREPARATION
Your towing equipment, its adjustments and how you load the trailer will have a great effect on trailer towing
stability and handling. The following rules will help you select and adjust your equipment in a manner that will
help produce acceptable towing characteristics. Also check specific requirements in the states and provinces
where you will travel.
TRAILER LOADING
Before discussing equipment selection, we need to explain some common weight terms. We'll use
abbreviations in our discussion. These terms are:
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) is the available weight capacity for cargo however dealer options may reduce
this by the LCCR.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible loaded weight a specific axle is designed
to carry.
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) is the value specified by the tow vehicle manufacturer as the
maximum allowable loaded weight of the tow vehicle with its towed trailer or towed vehicle.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of this fully loaded trailer.
GVWR includes all weight at the trailer axle(s) and tongue or pin. The GVWR is equal to or greater than the
sum of the Unloaded Vehicle Weight plus the Cargo Carrying Capacity.
LCCR (Load Carrying Capacity Reduction) is the amount the CCC is reduced due to vehicle weight added
by the dealer between vehicle certification and first retail sale.
UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) is the weight of a vehicle with maximum capacity of all fluids necessary
for operation of the vehicle, but without cargo, or accessories that are ordinarily removed from the vehicle when
they are not in use. It includes all weight at the trailer axle(s) and tongue or pin. If applicable, it also includes
propane and full generator fluids, including fuel, engine oil and coolants. UVW does not include cargo such as
water in the various holding tanks.
- Use a tow vehicle with the appropriate axle capacity (GAWR) for your trailer, and which has the appropriate
equipment (such as heavy duty radiator, transmission, final drive, suspension, wheels and tires). The tow
vehicle must be rated by its manufacturer both to tow the gross weight (GCWR) and to carry the tongue weight
of the fully loaded trailer. Weigh your loaded trailer and tow vehicle according to the instructions found in this
chapter on Trailer Loading. Improper loading can lead to possible tire, axle and frame damage, and can lead to
loss of towing stability and control resulting in a vehicle crash.
- Consult with your RV Dealer, or tow vehicle dealer, and towing equipment supplier to determine the correct
type of hitch assembly, hitch ball, brake controller, and other equipment you should use for towing and leveling
your trailer. Towing equipment to consider includes a weight distributing system, and a sway control system.
The weight of your loaded trailer in comparison to the towing capacity of your tow vehicle should be evaluated
during this consultation.
- Installation of tow equipment must be performed by a competent installer. Make sure the installation follows
the tow vehicle and tow equipment manufacturer's instructions.
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