RV Towing Terms & Definitions
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The maximum allowable weight of an RV or vehicle as determined by the manufacturer.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
The actual total weight your RV is carrying at any given moment — its own weight plus every occupant, all cargo and all fluids on board.
Dry Weight (Shipped Weight)
The weight of the RV as it leaves the manufacturer, without any cargo, passengers, water, propane, or dealer-installed options.
Cargo Weight
The combined weight of everything you load into the RV: passengers, provisions, clothing, fresh water, propane and personal gear.
Payload Capacity
On a truck, the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried in the vehicle, including the truck bed and cabin.
Tongue Weight (Hitch Weight)
The amount of downward force the trailer applies to the hitch ball on a conventional (bumper-pull) towing setup.
Pin Weight
The downward force a fifth wheel puts on the hitch in the bed of a truck, through its king pin.
Maximum Towing Capacity
The maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow, as specified by the manufacturer.