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September 15, 2023
Vehicle Weight Specs - GVWR, GAWR, GCWR - What Do They Mean?
Vehicle weight specifications: How does GVWR, GAWR, GCWR and payload work, and what do those terms mean?
Published on:
November 10, 2023
Let’s start this blog with a one-question quiz: What is “payload”?
The answer? All of the above. When considering vehicle weight ratings, it's essential to know your available payload, which includes everything you pile into your truck or UTV–cargo in the bed, passengers, gear in the cab, and fuel–everything. Not only is it illegal to overload your vehicle on the road, it also presents a safety hazard.
To calculate your vehicle's payload capacity, subtract the curb weight from the GVWR. The curb weight is supplied by the manufacturer and is usually an unladen vehicle that has oil and other necessary fluids included. The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry, as determined by the manufacturer.
Here's an example:
This means that your vehicle can safely carry up to 4,000 lbs. of passengers, cargo, fuel, and firefighting equipment. However, if you max out the bed capacity at 2,500 lbs., your remaining payload is 1,500 lbs.
Here are a few key formulas to remember:
To calculate your truck's maximum payload:
When loading your vehicle, be sure to factor in the weight of everything, including the full contents of containers. For example, a QTAC™ 125 HP skid has a full wet weight of 1,340 lbs., not just its standing dry weight of 297 lbs.
Never overload your vehicle. If you need to carry more weight than your vehicle's payload capacity, consider using a trailer or adding another vehicle to your fleet.
Here are some tips for safely loading your vehicle:
By understanding and respecting your vehicle's payload capacity, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.