tcLoadCheck Glossary and Visual Assistance

The following picture example will assit you with worksheet items 1 through A/B.

truck/camper example

 

Truck Weight (No Camper)

truck weight points

  • Weight of truck before camper loaded.
  • Includes driver, but no passengers or other cargo.
  • Fuel tank should be more than 3/4 full.

Camper Dry Weight

camper dry weight

  • Camper Dry Weight. The value specified by the manufacturer as the total camper weight when it left the factory.
  • Includes fridge, stove and other manufacturer installed options.  Typically will include a single battery.
  • Excludes water, propane, food, gear, etc.
  • Caution:  Many manufacturers under-state the dry weight.  If the actual weight cannot be confirmed, it is recommended to add 5-10% to the stated amount.
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Camper Center of Gravity

truck camper balance point

  • Center of Gravity is the balance point of the camper when it left the factory. It typically includes consideration for the placement of water tanks.
  • The manufacturer may provide this number, but if not, assume it is 4-inches to 6-inches ahead of the center point of the truck box it is designed to fit (i.e. @ 42-inches for a full size pickup box of 96-inches).
  • The center of gravity can be significantly affected by how the camper is loaded, or by how optional equipment is installed (example - a generator installed in a rear compartment will shift the center of gravity rearward).

GVWR

truck camper GVWR picture

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum allowable loaded weight of the vehicle.

GAWR (May be regulated by State/Provincial Regulation)

truck camper gawr

  • Gross axle weight rating. The value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight on any single axle on the vehicle.

Tire Ratings (May be regulated by State/Provincial Regulation)

truck camper tire rating

  • The value specified by the tire manufacturer as the maximum allowable load that can be put on each tire.
  • Dual tires mounted on the rear axle will have a lower rating than the same tire mounted on the front axle.
  • The maximum permissible load varies with the cold inflation pressure. Consult the manufacturers data for specific values.
  • Do not operate above the maximum pressure stamped on the tire sidewall.
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