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Weight Definitions
There are several different types of weights. First, there
are actual weights. These include:
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Base Curb Weight: The weight of
the vehicle including standard equipment, oil,
lubricants and a full tank of fuel. Does not include the
weight of driver, passengers, cargo or any optional or
aftermarket equipment. Note that Base Curb Weights
are listed for each engine/standard transmission
combination (in the individual vehicle sections under
Dimensions/Weight Ratings).
Any engine which offers an optional transmission will
have the engine/optional transmission weight in the
Actual Regular Production Option Content Weight charts.
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Option Weights: The weight of any
added equipment that is not included in the base curb
weight
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Passenger Weight: Defined as 150
lbs. multiplied by the number of safety-belted seating
positions, including the driver, that the vehicle can
carry
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Payload: |
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Maximum payload is defined as the weight of all
passengers, optional and aftermarket equipment, and
cargo |
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Net payload is defined as the weight that can be
placed in the truck after subtracting for driver,
passengers, and optional and aftermarket equipment
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Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): The
weight of the vehicle including driver, passengers,
optional and aftermarket equipment, and all cargo
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Trailer Weight: The weight of a
fully loaded trailer, including all attachments, lights,
etc.
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Gross Combination Weight (GCW):
Gross Vehicle Weight plus the trailer weight
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Gross Axle Weight: The total
weight placed on each axle of the vehicle (front and
rear)
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Tongue Weight: The amount of the
trailer's weight that presses down on the trailer hitch
(10-15 percent of the total loaded conventional trailer
weight or 15-25 percent of the total loaded fifth-wheel
trailer weight)
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Second, there are weight ratings.
These are not actual weights; they are ratings that must
be adhered to:
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Maximum Payload Rating: This is
the advertised payload rating. It is the maximum
allowable payload for the truck, including driver,
passengers, optional and aftermarket equipment, and
cargo. The weight of the engine and its standard
transmission is already factored into the Maximum
Payload Weight Rating. If the engine is also available
with an optional transmission, that engine/transmission
weight can be found in the Actual Regular Production
Option Content Weight charts. (See: CARGO PAYLOAD GVWR
WORKSHEET)
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Payload Calculation |
Front/Total (lb.) |
| Maximum Payload Rating Weight(1)
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Production Option Content Weight (from Line A,
Payload/GVWR Worksheet) |
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Equals Net Total Vehicle Payload
(Front and rear axles and spring capacities will
be sufficient to carry this payload uniformly
distributed in vehicle cargo area.) |
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1. Weight for driver and passengers
must be deducted. Refer to WEIGHT RATINGS for maximum
payload weight ratings. Refer to CARGO PAYLOAD GVWR
WORKSHEET for Regular Production Option Content Weight.
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle
(including passengers and cargo)
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Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight to be placed on an
individual axle (front or rear). Gross Axle Weight
Ratings are provided for both front and rear axles
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Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle, the
trailer and all associated passengers, cargo and
equipment
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The point to remember is that the actual weights should never
exceed the listed weight ratings. And remind your customers that
if they do exceed the recommended weight ratings, they could
disqualify their warranty coverage.
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Weight Distribution: That portion
of a vehicle's total weight that will be supported by
each axle and each tire. Proper distribution of vehicle
weight is critical to braking, handling and to the
service life of components such as axles, springs,
bearings and tires.
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Note: Front springs are computer-selected to meet specific
option requirements for each vehicle, HD front springs are
standard if vehicle option weights require.
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