Matching RV weight to your tow vehicle
The weight terms on an RV's label (GVWR, UVW, CCC, hitch weight) explained using Forest River's definitions, and how they line up with your truck's ratings.
Every RV has a weight label, and so does your truck. Matching the two is the most important safety check before you buy. Here are the RV-side terms, as Forest River defines them.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) | The most the trailer may weigh fully loaded. |
| UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) | The weight as built at the factory, including LP. It doesn't include cargo, fresh water or dealer-installed accessories. |
| CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) | GVWR minus UVW. Everything you add counts against it: water, food, gear and accessories. |
| Hitch weight | The weight on the ball or kingpin. Published figures are for the trailer as built. Loading it changes the hitch weight. |
Forest River notes that water weighs 8.3 lb per gallon, and that each unit is weighed at the factory and labelled. Use the label on the actual trailer, not the brochure.
Source: Forest River, Wildcat 249RKX specifications and weight definitions.
The truck side
The trailer's hitch weight is carried by the truck, so it counts against the truck's payload and rear-axle rating. Alberta's towing guide says this directly: "each unit will transfer weight to the towing unit (hitch weight). Take this into consideration when determining the GVWR and GAWR." Our sister site explains how to read a truck's towing sticker.
The step-by-step method is in the guide below.
Guides in this section
Matching RV weight to your tow vehicle
Matching an RV's weight to your tow vehicle
A step-by-step way to check a travel trailer or fifth wheel against your truck, using the RV's GVWR, UVW, CCC and hitch weight and your truck's payload and towing ratings. Worked examples use Forest River's published weights.