Free RV Weight Calculator — GVWR, Payload & Towing

Check weight limits for motorhomes, tow vehicles, and truck-trailer combos. Covers GVWR, GAWR, payload, tongue weight, and cargo capacity — no sign-up required.

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What This Calculator Checks

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) check
Front and rear axle weight limits (GAWR)
Combined weight rating (GCWR) for tow setups
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) remaining
Tongue weight and hitch load calculation
Tow vehicle payload vs. actual load
Tire load rating vs. loaded axle weight

RV Weight Calculator

Enter your RV details below and see instantly whether you're within your weight rating.

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The GVWR calculator works best as a native app on your phone. Download it free.

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No account needed No tracking 3 calculation flows Downloadable report

How It Works

1

Enter Your RV Details

Select your RV type and enter the manufacturer GVWR from your door sticker or owner's manual.

2

Add Your Cargo

Add passengers, water, propane, gear, and anything else you carry. The calculator tallies it all in real time.

3

See Your Results

Get a clear pass/fail verdict with a weight breakdown showing exactly how much capacity you have left — or how much you need to shed.

What is GVWR and Why Does It Matter?

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum safe weight of your RV when fully loaded — including the vehicle itself, passengers, fluids, cargo, and tongue weight. Exceeding it puts stress on your tires, brakes, and suspension, and can void your insurance or earn you a roadside citation.

  • Safety — Overloaded rigs have longer stopping distances and are harder to control
  • Legal compliance — Weigh stations enforce GVWR limits with fines for violations
  • Insurance — Claims can be denied if your RV was over its rated weight
  • Wear and tear — Chronic overloading accelerates tire, brake, and suspension damage

RV Weight Terms Explained

Abbreviation Full Name Definition
GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, set by the manufacturer.
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating Maximum weight each axle can safely support. Listed separately for front and rear axles.
GCWR Gross Combined Weight Rating Maximum allowable weight of the tow vehicle plus trailer plus everything in both, combined.
UVW Unloaded Vehicle Weight Weight of the RV as shipped from the factory — no cargo, no passengers, no added fluids.
CCC Cargo Carrying Capacity GVWR minus UVW minus full fresh-water weight and LP gas. The actual weight available for your stuff.
TW Tongue Weight Downward force the trailer hitch exerts on the tow vehicle. Typically 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.

Common RV Weight Mistakes

Forgetting water weight

A gallon of water weighs 8.3 lb. A full 50-gallon fresh tank adds 415 lb before you load anything else.

Ignoring passengers

RVIA uses 154 lb per person. A family of four adds 616 lb — easily the difference between pass and fail.

Aftermarket add-ons

Solar panels, lithium batteries, awning upgrades, and roof racks all add up. Weigh your rig after modifications.

Confusing GVWR with tow rating

GVWR is about the vehicle itself. Tow rating is how much it can pull. Exceeding either one is unsafe.

Using dry weight as baseline

Dry weight excludes fluids and factory options. Always start from the actual UVW on your specific unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GVWR?
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of a vehicle when fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, fuel, and any accessories or modifications.
How do I find my RV's GVWR?
Your RV's GVWR is typically found on a label on the driver's side door frame, in the owner's manual, or on the vehicle's VIN plate. It's set by the manufacturer and should never be exceeded.
What happens if I exceed my GVWR?
Exceeding your GVWR can lead to tire blowouts, brake failure, suspension damage, and voided warranties. It's also illegal in most jurisdictions and can result in fines during roadside inspections.
What is the difference between GVWR and GCWR?
GVWR applies to a single vehicle — its max loaded weight. GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the max weight of your tow vehicle plus the trailer and everything in both, combined. You need to stay under both limits when towing.
What is Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)?
CCC is the weight you can actually load into your RV. It equals GVWR minus the Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) minus the weight of full fresh water and LP gas tanks. Think of it as your real-world packing budget.
How do I calculate tongue weight?
Tongue weight is the downward force your trailer exerts on the hitch ball. It should be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. You can measure it with a tongue weight scale at most RV dealers or weigh stations.
What is GAWR and why does it matter?
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the maximum weight each axle can safely support. Even if your total weight is under GVWR, an unbalanced load can overload one axle and cause tire failure or handling problems.
Can I increase my RV's GVWR?
No. GVWR is set by the manufacturer based on the frame, axles, tires, brakes, and suspension as engineered. Upgrading individual components does not change the official rating, and exceeding it can void warranties and violate the law.
How much does water weigh in an RV?
Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon. A 40-gallon fresh tank adds 332 lb, a 50-gallon tank adds 415 lb. Don't forget gray and black tanks — when full, they add the same per-gallon weight.
Where can I weigh my RV?
CAT scales at truck stops are the most common option — use the CAT Scale app to find one. Some RV rallies and clubs also offer corner-weight services that show individual axle and even individual tire loads.

RV Weight Resources

Dig deeper into RV weight safety with these guides.

How to Weigh Your RV at a CAT Scale

Step-by-step guide to getting accurate axle weights.

GVWR vs GAWR vs GCWR Explained

What each weight rating means and why they all matter.

RV Tongue Weight Guide

How to measure, calculate, and fix tongue weight problems.

RV Payload and Cargo Capacity (CCC)

How to calculate how much you can actually load.

Common RV Weight Mistakes

The overloading errors most RVers make without realizing it.

Ready to plan a trip that fits your rig?

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