How to Measure Towing Capacity, GVWR, GCWR

Before towing an RV, you need to know exactly what your vehicle can handle. Many RV accidents and breakdowns happen because drivers misunderstand towing terminology or overestimate their vehicle’s limits. At RV Hero in Waco, we help families choose the right RV by teaching them how to calculate towing capacity, GVWR, and GCWR the right way. These numbers determine safety, handling, and long-term performance on the road. Understanding them ensures your RV adventures stay safe and stress-free.

Towing Capacity: What Your Truck Can Safely Pull

Towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can pull behind it. This number is determined by your engine power, transmission, axle ratio, brakes, and overall design. You can find your towing capacity listed in your truck’s owner’s manual or by checking the manufacturer’s towing guide. To measure what you can truly tow, you must compare the truck’s towing capacity to the loaded weight of your RV. This includes water, gear, propane, food, and camping supplies. Many RV owners mistakenly compare towing capacity to the RV’s dry weight, but dry weight does not represent real-world conditions. Always base your calculations on the loaded or gross weight of your trailer.

GVWR: The Maximum Weight of the RV Itself

GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the maximum allowable weight of the RV when fully loaded. That means water tanks, camping gear, food, batteries, propane, and personal items all count toward GVWR. Exceeding GVWR stresses the axles, brakes, frame, and suspension of the RV. You can usually find GVWR on a sticker located near the RV’s entrance. When measuring whether your tow vehicle can handle the RV, GVWR is more important than dry weight. The dry weight only tells you what the RV weighs empty. GVWR shows the heaviest the RV will ever be. Matching your tow vehicle to the RV’s GVWR ensures safe acceleration, braking, and control.

GCWR: The Maximum Combined Weight of Vehicle and Trailer

GCWR stands for Gross Combined Weight Rating. This number represents the maximum weight of your truck plus the RV plus all passengers, fuel, and cargo. GCWR is crucial because towing is not only about what the truck can pull—it is also about what the entire platform can handle when fully loaded. To calculate this, you add: • The truck’s actual weight with passengers and cargo • The RV’s actual loaded weight The total must remain under the GCWR listed by the manufacturer. GCWR ensures you do not overload your drivetrain, overheating the transmission or reducing braking ability during steep Texas hills or long-distance travel.

Tongue Weight and Why It Matters

Tongue weight is the amount of weight pressing down on your truck’s hitch. Too little tongue weight causes trailer sway. Too much tongue weight can lift your steering axle and reduce braking stability. Tongue weight should be 10–15 percent of your loaded trailer weight for travel trailers, and 15–25 percent for fifth wheels. Many Texas RV owners overlook this number, but it directly affects safety during sudden braking or crosswinds on I-35.

How to Weigh Your RV the Right Way

To get accurate weights, visit a CAT scale or truck scale. You can weigh: • Your tow vehicle alone • Your RV alone • Both together This gives you exact numbers to compare against towing capacity, GVWR, and GCWR. RV Hero helps customers go through these measurements so they tow confidently and safely.

Safe Towing Starts With the Right Match

A properly matched RV and tow vehicle extend the life of your engine, transmission, and brakes while improving fuel economy and handling. At RV Hero, we walk every customer through towing numbers before recommending a unit. Whether you’re towing a small bunkhouse or a large fifth wheel, the right calculations keep you safe on the road.

Contact RV Hero in Waco today to find the perfect RV for your vehicle and tow with confidence.