How do I determine my GVW?

GVW stands for Gross Vehicle Weight. It can also be referred to as GVWR which stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Legally, your GVW is defined as the total weight of your truck and trailer while carrying a full load of cargo. 

One of the most important things to note about GVW is that it is not determined by any particular load of cargo you plan to haul, but the maximum amount that your truck and trailer combo are capable of hauling. This number is typically determined by adding the weight of your truck to the manufacturer's gross weight rating of the trailer. 

The reason it is important to note this fact, if you are trying to operate as a Non-CDL carrier but your truck and trailer combination are capable of hauling more than the Non-CDL limit of 26,000 lbs, you will be required to apportion as CDL and have a CDL to operate that truck and trailer combo, regardless of the weight of any particular load you intend to haul.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About GVWR and Safe Towing

Some additional FAQs about GVWR and safe towing are outlined below.

What Is the Difference Between GVWR and Curb Weight?

GVWR is the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of a trailer. On the other hand, curb weight refers to the weight of the vehicle when it is empty—the vehicle in its factory condition, with all standard equipment and fluids but without any passengers or cargo. Curb weight does not include anything you've loaded or towed. To calculate the safe weight you can carry, subtract the curb weight from your vehicle’s GVWR.

How Do I Calculate GVWR?

To calculate GVWR, you don’t have to do any math—it’s already determined by the vehicle manufacturer and listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door frame. What you can calculate is your payload capacity by subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR. This helps you understand how much weight your vehicle can haul without exceeding the GVWR.

What Happens if the Weight Exceeds the GVWR?

Exceeding the GVWR can result in serious consequences: fines, increased stopping distance, reduced fuel efficiency, and unsafe handling. Too much weight of the load puts stress on your axles and suspension. In fact, going over the gross axle weight rating can damage your vehicle. GVWR can result in legal implications if violated on public roads.

How Does GVWR Affect Towing Capacity?

Your towing capacity depends on more than just engine power. It factors in the gross combined weight rating (GCWR), which is the total calculated weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, cargo, and passengers combined. A trailer’s tongue weight (the weight that can be placed on the hitch) counts against your GVWR. Understanding how much weight your vehicle can safely handle ensures safer trailer towing and less wear on your pickup truck.

What is Included in the Actual Weight of a Vehicle?

The actual weight of a vehicle includes everything: fuel, fluids, driver, passengers, and cargo. It is not the same as dry weight (the weight of the vehicle without fluids) or curb weight. To know your actual weight, visit a certified vehicle scale—essential if you're towing or hauling commercial loads.

Is There a Difference Between GVWR and GCWR?

Yes. While GVWR is a weight limit for what your single commercial vehicle can carry (truck only), GCWR is the combined weight of the truck, trailer, and everything loaded onto both. This includes weight of a trailer, passengers, and cargo. Exceeding the maximum loaded weight set by GCWR is a risk to both safety and compliance.

Can I Increase My Towing Capacity?

There are ways to increase towing capacity, but only within limits prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer. Upgrading brakes, installing a weight distribution hitch, or modifying suspension might help with balance, but capacity is the maximum amount defined by your vehicle rating. Never tow more than the maximum weight a vehicle is rated for.

What is Tongue Weight and Why Does It Matter?

Tongue weight is the amount of weight the trailer’s hitch puts on the back of your vehicle. If the tongue weight of the trailer is too heavy, it can overload your truck bed or rear axle. If it's too light, it could cause trailer sway. Tongue weight should be about ten to fifteen percent of the total weight of the trailer for safe handling and proper weight distribution.

Why Should I Know the Axle Weight?

Each axle on your commercial truck has a gross axle weight rating, which is the limit it can support. If one axle is overloaded—even if the total weight seems fine—you could still be fined or damage your suspension. Weighing the vehicle at each axle ensures you're not just under the GVWR but also balanced correctly.

What’s the Relationship Between Payload, GVWR, and Tare Weight?

Think of it this way: the vehicle's tare weight plus payload capacity equals GVWR. Tare weight is the vehicle without passengers or cargo, and the payload is everything you add. That’s how the weight and the rated payload work together. Always confirm your figures before you hitched up to the vehicle for a haul.