Uncle Oscar's Trailer Terms

By: Uncle Oscar

Understand these terms and you can keep up your end of the conversation in any truck stop of harose barn.

Base curb weight:
The weight of the vehicle, including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment.

Cargo weight:
The weight of the vehicle, including all passengers and cargo, minus the base curb weight.

Payload:
The maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to carry.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The GVW is the base curb weight plus the cargo weight. The GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, including passengers and cargo. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.

Gross Axle Weight (GAW)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The GAW is the total weight placed on an axle on the vehicle or trailer. The GAWR is the maximum allowable weight to be carried by a single axle. The total load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.

Gross Combined Weight (GCW)
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR):
The GCW is the actual weight of the loaded tow vehicle plus the actual weight of the loaded trailer. The GCWR is the maximum allowable total weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer. The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.

Tongue weight:
The amount of the trailer’s weight that is transferred to the tow vehicle through the trailer tongue or gooseneck.

Manufacturers establish the ratings for their products based on component strength. Exceeding the manufacturer’s limits is a potential safety risk and can get you and/or your horse in a snit.

Horseback Riding Article Source: http://www.horsebackridingarticles.com

Uncle Oscar has been around horses all his life from early beginnings in Southwest Missouri. His down-home philosophy and tips have helped many people through the years. You can send him mail at Uncle Oscar

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