Ten Towing Terms (Acronyms) You Need to Know

There are many things to take into consideration whenallowable weight of trailer and cargo.
hitching your trailer to your tow vehicle. The followingSCWR (Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating)
are some common towing terms you need to knowWeight measurement provided by the manufacturer,
when selecting a tow vehicle or purchasing a traveldetermined by multiplying 154 lbs by the number of
trailer.sleeping capacities in a unit (3 beds X 154 lbs = 462
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)lbs).
Maximum allowable weight that a single axle can carry.CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)
Do not exceed the gross axle weight rating listed onWeight that can be safely added without exceeding a
the trailer's and tow vehicle's certification label. It isvehicle's or trailer's GVWR. It is a weight limit and
measured at the tires and includes the weight of theshould not exceed manufacturer's specifications. Here
axle, tires, wheels and brakes. Many problems canis how you can calculate CCC: GVWR - UVW -
occur if this weight is exceeded; the tires may not beSCWR - Propane Fuel (4.2 lbs/gallon) - Fresh Water
able to carry the weight possibly resulting in a blow outWeight (8.3 lbs/gallon) = CCC. If you are not sure of
situation, the vehicle's steering may become lessthe ccc on a vehicle, ask the dealer or seller for a
responsive and the brakes may not be effective.certified weight slip.
GAWR is listed on a data plate typically locatedNCC (Net Carrying Capacity)
outside near the front of the unit or in some cases itNCC is being replaced by CCC (see above) in new
could be inside a cabinet door inside the trailer.RV's. NCC is equal to or less than GVWR minus
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)UVW.
How much a vehicle actually weighs. Do not confuseGCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
with GVWR. GVW should never surpass GVWR.Gross combination weight rating. Total weight of the
The trailer weight is not considered to be part oftow vehicle, the trailer, all fluids, contents of trailer and
GVW weight, but the tongue weight is part of thevehicle and passengers.
GVW.UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)Weight does not include passengers, cargo, fresh
A weight limit set by a manufacturer for a specificwater, LP gas, or dealer installed accessories. Usually
vehicle, it is the total weight the vehicle has beenfound on the inside of a cabinet.
designed to carry. GVWR is listed on a data plateTWL/TLR/VLR (Tongue Weight Load/Tongue Load
typically pasted to inside of driver's doorframe, it isRating/Vertical Load Rating)
equal to or greater than the sum of the UVW plus theAmount of trailer's weight that presses down on the
NCC. There are a few things that can go wrong if youtrailer hitch. Too much tongue weight can cause not
exceed the GVWR; suspension can becomeenough weight on the front wheels of tow vehicle, too
ineffective or maybe even break because the addedlittle weight can cause the trailer to sway. A weight
strain on tires, the breaks may not be able to stop thedistribution hitch will solve this problem by transferring
car effectively because of the excessive weight beingweight to the front of the axle of tow vehicle. Look
pulled by tow vehicle.closely at the manufacturer's trailer towing ball steel
GTWR (Gross Trailer Weight Rating)strength specifications before buying one or attaching
The maximum trailer weight. This weight is located onyour trailer rig to it.
a metal tag on the trailer frame and is based on the