Understand your vehicle’s towing capacity and choose the right RV with expert guidance from Centre du VR Gatineau.

RV Terms

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The maximum weight the RV can reach when fully loaded, including liquids, passengers, cargo, and equipment.
This is the key figure to use when determining compatibility with your vehicle’s towing capacity.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW / Dry Weight)

The weight of the RV as it leaves the factory, without liquids, passengers, cargo, or additional options.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

The actual weight of the RV at any given time, including everything on board (liquids, equipment, passengers, and cargo).

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)

The maximum amount of weight you can add to the RV (water, personal belongings, equipment, etc.).
Formula: CCC = GVWR – UVW

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The maximum allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle and the RV, including all contents and occupants.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The maximum load each axle can support.
Proper weight distribution is essential to avoid overloading.

Toad / Dinghy Vehicle

A vehicle towed behind a motorhome, typically used for local transportation once parked.

Tow Vehicle Terms (Your Vehicle)

Towing Capacity

The maximum weight the vehicle can safely tow, as specified by the manufacturer.

Payload Capacity

The total weight the vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, equipment, and the load applied by the trailer.

Curb Weight

The weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and fluids, but without passengers or cargo.

Tongue Weight

The downward force exerted by the trailer onto the hitch ball.

Maximum Tongue Weight

The maximum vertical load the hitch can safely support.

Pin Weight (Fifth Wheel)

The weight transferred directly into the truck bed by a fifth-wheel trailer, typically higher than with a conventional hitch.