RV Safety- Know Your Limits
Embarking on an RV journey is exciting, but safety should always come first. One of the most critical aspects of RV safety is understanding and managing your vehicle’s weight. In addition to regular maintenance, weight awareness can help prevent accidents, breakdowns, and costly repairs.
Know Your RV’s Weight Limits
Every RV has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) — the maximum allowable total weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including passengers, fluids, cargo, and any towed items. Exceeding this limit can lead to unsafe driving conditions and mechanical issues.
What to Consider When Calculating RV Weight:
Base Weight of the RV (empty)
All personal possessions inside the RV (clothes, food, tools, appliances)
Water, fuel, and waste tank contents
Any recreational vehicles in tow (boats, motorcycles, ATV’s)
Additional vehicles being towed
Placement of weight – Avoid placing heavy items at the very rear of the RV or tow vehicle, as this can affect balance and handling.
Example 1: Class C Motorhome Weight Calculation
Let’s say your RV has a GVWR of 14,500 lbs. You calculate the weight as follows:
Curb weight (empty RV): 11,000 lbs
Freshwater tank (50 gallons x 8.3 lbs/gal): 415 lbs
Propane tank (20 gallons x 4.2 lbs/gal): 84 lbs
Gear, food, clothes: 800 lbs
Passengers (2 people x 150 lbs): 300 lbs
Total loaded weight: 11,000 + 415 + 84 + 800 + 300 = 12,599 lbs
✅ Safe – This is under the GVWR.
⚠️ If towing an additional vehicle weighing 2,000 lbs, you must also ensure you’re within your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) — the total weight of your RV plus what it’s towing.
Example 2: Travel Trailer Weight Distribution
You’re towing a travel trailer with a GVWR of 8,000 lbs:
Trailer weight: 6,500 lbs
Supplies: 800 lbs
Water (30 gallons): 249 lbs
Generator at the rear: 300 lbs
You’re still under the GVWR, but the location of that 300-lb generator matters. Too much weight at the back can cause sway and handling problems. Redistribute it closer to the axles or tongue for stability.
