Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Hitch ChronicleHitch Chronicle
    Subscribe
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Get In Touch
    Hitch ChronicleHitch Chronicle
    Home » Is Your RV Overloaded?
    RV Overloaded
    towing

    Is Your RV Overloaded?

    Keith HooverBy Keith HooverJanuary 14, 2023Updated:January 29, 2023No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Simply put, your RV is overloaded if it exceeds any of the manufacturer’s established limitations for total load, axle load, or tire loading. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum amount your RV can safely carry. It includes both the wet weight and the cargo weight. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for weight limitations.

    Recent Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) weight-labeling requirements make it easier for new RV buyers to judge weight and carrying capacity. If you’re in the market for a new motor home or travel trailer, you’ll find this information very helpful. But if you’re already an RV owner, there are important steps you can take toward safer weight distribution.

    If you’ve been gradually accumulating more and more “stuff” over the years, it’s probably time to put your RV on a weight reduction program. But first you need to take a trip to the scales. Don’t guess at your load weight–it’s easy to underestimate by hundreds of pounds. You can have your rig weighed at a public weigh station for a minimal fee.

    Be sure to weigh your rig when it’s fully loaded. It’s also important to weigh each axle separately. After the weigh-in you might be surprised at how quickly the combined weight of your passengers and all your “stuff” adds up to more than you expected.

    Lightening That Load

    If your RV turns out to be a heavyweight, look it over from top to bottom and consider what’s necessary and what’s not. Just because your rig has a lot of shelves, drawers and other storage space doesn’t mean you have to fill them all up. If possible, remove all your belongings, then put back only the items you really need.

    When you reload, remember to store heavy items low and forward, lightweight articles high. Be sure heavy items can’t slide into the water pump or other fixed equipment. Try to balance the load between the two sides of the RV. A simple measurement of clearances on both sides can aid in proper balance. You can minimize swing, sway or wobble if you keep the vehicle’s center of gravity low.

    When loading your motor home or travel trailer, make sure everything has a place and is easy to get at when needed. Experienced RVers prepare a packing map of luggage and storage areas for easy access. Secure all cargo inside and outside the vehicle. Anything rattling around loose is a potential hazard, as well as noisy.

    Finally, check your tires–one of the most critical factors in safe RVing. Since most tire failures are caused by overload or under inflation, be sure your tires are inflated in accordance with proper inflation pressures for the load you’re carrying. Overloaded tires are more prone to blow out. Keep tires of similar tread patterns and similar construction on the same axles.

    Remember, a properly balanced RV, safe equipment and good driving can tame almost any road.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Keith Hoover
    • Website

    Hoover is a mechanic and he loves writing on topics related to trailer hitches. He has been in the business for many years and he has seen it all when it comes to hitches. He has seen them break, he has seen them bend, and he has even seen them completely fall off of trailers. That's why he knows the importance of having a good quality hitch. He also knows that not all hitches are created equal. Some are better than others and some are just plain junk. That's why Hoover only recommends the best hitches to his customers. He wants them to be safe on the road and he wants their trailers to be safe as well. So if you're ever in need of a good hitch, make sure you give Hoover a call. He'll hook you up with the best one for your needs.

    Related Posts

    How Does a Towing Lock Work

    February 23, 2023
    Read More

    How Does Tow Hook Work

    February 22, 2023
    Read More

    This is How A Towing Safety Cable Works

    January 25, 2023
    Read More
    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    About Hitch Chronicle

    Hitch Chronicle is the go-to spot for all things related to trailer hitches. From reviews of the latest products to tips on how to get the most out of your hitch, we cover it all. Need help choosing the right hitch for your rig? We can point you in the right direction. Wondering how to install a hitch? We’ve got you covered there too. And if you’re just looking for some general information on trailer hitches, we’ve got that as well. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, Hitch Chronicle has something for you.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    • Home
    © 2023 Hitch Chronicle

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.