2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from
the GCWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight,
weigh your trailer on a scale with all equip-
ment and cargo, that are normally in the
trailer when it is towed. Make sure the
Gross trailer weight is not more than the
Gross Trailer Weight Rating shown on the
trailer and is not more than the calculated
available maximum towing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the
scale to make sure the Front Gross Axle
Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight are not
more than Front Gross Axle Weight and
Rear Gross Axle Weight on the F.M.V.S.S. cer-
tification label. The cargo in the trailer and
vehicle may need to be moved or removed
to meet the specified ratings.
Example:
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg).
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S. certification label - 8,990 lbs.
(4,078 kg).
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing load/specification" chart -
19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg).
• Maximum Trailer towing capacity from
“Towing load/specification" chart - 9,200
lbs. (4,173 kg).
8,990 lbs. (4,078 kg)
GVWR
– 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg)
GVW
= 1,186 lbs. (538 kg)
Available for
tongue/king pin
weight
19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)
GCWR
– 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg)
GVW
= 11,644 lbs. (5,282 kg) Capacity available
for towing
1,186 lbs. (538 kg) Available tongue
weight
/ 11,644 lbs. (5,282 kg) Available capacity
=
10 % tongue
weight
The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due to
the passenger and cargo load in the
vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or
within the trailer tongue weight specifica-
tion recommended by the trailer manufac-
turer. If the tongue weight becomes exces-
sive, rearrange the cargo to obtain the
proper tongue weight. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification
shown in the “Towing load/specification”
chart even if the calculated available
tongue weight is greater than 15%. If the
calculated tongue weight is less than 10%,
shift the trailer load forward until the trailer
tongue weight reaches 10% of the trailer
weight.
Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
Technical and consumer information
10-35