News Article

Trailer Weights & Myths

Date Posted:
3/8/2012

Year after year I see customers looking at the Trailer Identification sticker on the driver’s side trying to determine what the trailer weighs.

The ID sticker displays the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). This is what the axles on the trailer are rated to carry. NOT WHAT THE TRAILER WEIGHS.

The GVWR of a full size travel trailer or fifth wheel can range from 2000 to 4000 lbs over what the trailer actually weighs. You will never put this much weight in the trailer.

For the past few years trailers manufacturers have weighed trailers as they come off the assembly line.

A yellow sticker weigh bill with the actual weight (DRY WEIGHT) of each trailer is put on the inside of the entry door or door frame.

To determine a realistic loaded travel weight, adding 800 to 1000 lbs to the Dry Weight will provide you with a reasonable idea of how heavy the trailer will be with full propane tanks, a battery, your personal items, clothing, groceries, lawn chairs and a few gallons of fresh water.

As long as your tow vehicles tow rating is below that amount, your tow vehicle should be able to tow that trailer without difficulty.