Definitions
| G.V.W.R.: | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Payload capacity plus trailer weight; or gross axle weight rating plus a realistic hitch weight. Also Suspiciously high G.V.W.R. and capacity claims generally require either a reduced speed or an excessive and possibly unsafe hitch weight. |
| G.V.W.: | Gross Vehicle Weight, actual payload plus trailer weight. |
| Rated Capacity: | G.V.W.R. minus trailer weight. |
| G.A.W.R.: | Gross Axle Weight Rating, generally the lightest rating of the wheels, tires, suspension, or the axle.
The G.A.W.R. is shown on the certification tag. |
| Rated Hitch Weight: | Payload plus trailer weight minus the G.A.W.R. of all axles. |
| Actual Hitch Weight: | Actual payload plus trailer weight minus the total actual weight measured on the tires.
For safe trailer operation the hitch weight should be a minimum of 10 to 12% of the Gross Vehicle Weight. |