Understanding weights

[farmerkev]

I have a 1996 C2500, its the 6 lug LD25000. Ive never quite understood how to read the weight numbers on my door. Ill post em up, but what does this allow me to load the truck to? Trailer pulling weights? Etc. Could somebody give me more info on what these numbers mean.

Heres what they are.

GVWR- 7200/3266
GAWR FRT- 3150/1429
GAWR RR- 4800/2177

[Mark13]

GVWR- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating= 7200lbs
GAWR FT- Gross Axle Weight Rating Front- 3150lbs
GAWR R- Gross Axle Weight Rating Rear- 4800lbs.

Basically the way I understand it is that your truck can't weigh more then 7200lbs. The Axle weight ratings are listed for safety and so you don't overload just part of the truck. Being such a low GVWR makes it kinda hard to overload an axle but not overload the truck. Once you get into larger trucks where there's the possibility of way overloading the rear axle but unweighting the front I think it's more of an issue.

[skills4lou]

You'll have a hard time finding an actual GM published trailer towing capacity, just because it depends on many factors. What Engine/tranny/gear ratio do you have?
My guess is you've got a 350/4l60E/3.73 truck, which will put you in the 7k trailer weight range (with the proper weight distributing hitch). With a normal hitch, 5K max just because of the hitch.

That being said, I've hauled 2K in the truck while pulling a 7K trailer and felt safe doing so. Biggest factor in the whole equation is the wingnut behind the wheel.

[Mark13]

Originally Posted by skills4lou

Biggest factor in the whole equation is the ability to stop.

Fixed.

[Underpowered]

Originally Posted by Mark13

GVWR- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating= 7200lbs
GAWR FT- Gross Axle Weight Rating Front- 3150lbs
GAWR R- Gross Axle Weight Rating Rear- 4800lbs.

Basically the way I understand it is that your truck can't weigh more then 7200lbs. The Axle weight ratings are listed for safety and so you don't overload just part of the truck. Being such a low GVWR makes it kinda hard to overload an axle but not overload the truck. Once you get into larger trucks where there's the possibility of way overloading the rear axle but unweighting the front I think it's more of an issue.

What he said.


7200 is relatively low. but this number is the truck itself, plus any cargo (inlduding passengers in teh truck, tools whatever else there is) i know on a 1/2 ton truck, by the time you add in passengers, tools, whatever else you normally car, there really is not much weight left for actual bed payload without being over loaded.

[Mark13]

Originally Posted by Underpowered

i know on a 1/2 ton truck, by the time you add in passengers, tools, whatever else you normally car, there really is not much weight left for actual bed payload without being over loaded.

I have that problem with my truck. My truck in DD form is 6000-6200lbs depending on fuel level, what I have in the cab, etc. My GVWR is 6200lbs. So legally, If I have a passenger riding with me, I'm overweight. Now lets not figure my snowplow, salt spreader, and salt into this, I might be a pound or two over then.

[ksukats57]

Originally Posted by Mark13

I have that problem with my truck. My truck in DD form is 6000-6200lbs depending on fuel level, what I have in the cab, etc. My GVWR is 6200lbs. So legally, If I have a passenger riding with me, I'm overweight. Now lets not figure my snowplow, salt spreader, and salt into this, I might be a pound or two over then.

lets be real here though what hwy patrollman's gonna give you a ticket for having a passenger with you

[Mark13]

Originally Posted by ksukats57

lets be real here though what hwy patrollman's gonna give you a ticket for having a passenger with you

I'd hope none. But I was just using it as an example of how close the 1/2tons are to being over their gvwr without adding any more weight to them.

[rebelbowtie]

Originally Posted by Mark13

I'd hope none. But I was just using it as an example of how close the 1/2tons are to being over their gvwr without adding any more weight to them.

thats why i always say time and time again that half ton trucks are better suited for grocery duty or towing a small lawn trailer regardless of how many pounds you have put behind yours they just arent designed or rated for it.

[smiles383]

scale the truck and subtract that weight from the GVW and thats what you can load in the truck (you and all the cargo) .

[rebelbowtie]

Originally Posted by smiles383

scale the truck and subtract that weight from the GVW and thats what you can load in the truck (you and all the cargo) .

in the glove box there is a sticker next to the RPO codes that says "camper weight" thats a pretty close estimate on what you can load.

[yellow400ex05]

I don't know if this helps any but i weighed my truck at a scale the other day for township cleanup and it weighed in with me and my mom in it and the bed empty at 5200 pounds, so without us it weigh's exactly 5,000 pounds.

btw my truck is an ext cab short bed light duty 2500.

I feel sorry for my engine sometimes lol.

[rebelbowtie]

you and your mom combined weigh 200#

[yellow400ex05]

well yeah im really light lol on a good day im slightly over 110 pounds.

[rebelbowtie]

how tall are you?

[yellow400ex05]

like 5' 8" ish i believe.

[rebelbowtie]

and you are of male gender? you need to put on some weight if you are.

[yellow400ex05]

yeah lol well I eat the amount of an average person my age, i just dont put on a lot of weight. partly because i have a digestion problem.

[rebelbowtie]

well thats disheartening /threadjack

[farmerkev]

I weighed in on a scale at the dump with a trailer and a light load of trash, and with me and my dad and the traielr it was still under 5000, so I guess I still can fit a good load in there. Is there any general idea on what i can be puttin on my truck trailer weight wise besides the class of the hitch that I have?