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RV Weight Calculator — GVWR, CCC & Cargo Capacity

Track your RV cargo weight against GVWR limits to stay safe and legal on the road

Remaining Capacity

2,500 lbs left

CCC

2,500 lbs

Loaded

0 lbs

Tongue Wt

600 lbs

Remaining Cargo Capacity

2,500 lbs

0% of cargo capacity used

GVWR

7,500 lbs

UVW

5,000 lbs

CCC

2,500 lbs

Tongue Weight

600 lbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

What is the difference between GVWR, UVW, and CCC?

GVWR is the maximum total weight your RV can safely carry including everything. UVW is the unloaded vehicle weight with full fuel but no cargo or passengers. CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) is GVWR minus UVW and represents how much cargo you can add.

  • GVWR: maximum loaded weight set by the manufacturer, found on the door sticker
  • UVW: dry weight with full fuel, no water, no passengers, no cargo
  • CCC = GVWR - UVW: your actual cargo limit including passengers, water, and gear
  • GAWR: gross axle weight rating, the max weight each axle can support
  • A 7,500 lb GVWR travel trailer with 5,000 lb UVW has 2,500 lb CCC
RatingIncludesTypical Range
GVWREverything (max loaded)3,500–26,000 lbs
UVWChassis + fuel only2,000–18,000 lbs
CCCCargo + passengers + water1,000–5,000 lbs
Q

How much does water weigh in an RV?

Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon. A typical RV freshwater tank holds 40–80 gallons, adding 334–667 lbs when full. Many RVers travel with half-full tanks to save 150–300 lbs of cargo capacity.

  • 20-gallon tank: 167 lbs full
  • 40-gallon tank: 334 lbs full
  • 60-gallon tank: 500 lbs full
  • 80-gallon tank: 667 lbs full
  • Travel with partial tanks to preserve CCC for other cargo
Q

What happens if my RV is over GVWR?

Exceeding GVWR creates serious safety and legal risks. Overloaded RVs experience tire blowouts, brake fade, suspension damage, and poor handling. DOT weigh stations can issue fines of $100–$500+ per offense, and insurance may deny claims if the RV was overweight.

  • Tire blowouts: overloading exceeds tire load ratings, causing sidewall failure at highway speeds
  • Brake fade: stopping distance increases dramatically, especially on mountain descents
  • Suspension damage: springs, shocks, and axles wear prematurely under excess load
  • Insurance void: many policies exclude damage that occurs while exceeding GVWR
  • Fines: DOT weigh stations can fine $100–$500+ and force you to offload cargo
Q

What is tongue weight and why does it matter?

Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. It should be 10–15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Too little tongue weight causes trailer sway; too much overloads the tow vehicle rear axle.

  • Target: 10–15% of total loaded trailer weight (12% is ideal)
  • A 6,000 lb loaded trailer should have 600–900 lbs tongue weight
  • Too low (<10%): trailer sway, fishtailing at highway speeds
  • Too high (>15%): rear axle overload, front wheels lose traction, poor steering
  • Measure at a CAT scale or with a tongue weight scale at the hitch ball
Q

How do I weigh my RV accurately?

The most accurate method is using a CAT scale at a truck stop. Drive your fully loaded RV onto the platform and weigh each axle individually. Compare results to your GVWR and GAWR ratings. CAT scales cost $12–15 per weigh and are available at most truck stops.

  • CAT scales at truck stops cost $12–15 and weigh individual axles
  • Weigh fully loaded with passengers, water, and all gear you plan to carry
  • Compare front axle, rear axle, and total weight to GAWR and GVWR ratings
  • Portable wheel scales are available for $300–$600 for RVers who weigh frequently
  • Weigh before every long trip — it only takes 10 minutes at a truck stop

Example Calculations

1Travel Trailer Weekend Trip

Inputs

RV TypeTravel Trailer
GVWR7,500 lbs
UVW5,000 lbs
Fresh Water167 lbs (20 gal)
Passengers300 lbs (2 people)
Gear250 lbs

Result

Remaining Capacity1,783 lbs
CCC2,500 lbs
Total Cargo717 lbs
Tongue Weight686 lbs

CCC = 7,500 - 5,000 = 2,500 lbs. Total cargo = 167 + 300 + 250 = 717 lbs. Remaining = 2,500 - 717 = 1,783 lbs. Tongue weight = (5,000 + 717) x 0.12 = 686 lbs.

2Class A Full-Time Living

Inputs

RV TypeClass A Motorhome
GVWR26,000 lbs
UVW18,000 lbs
Fresh Water667 lbs (80 gal)
Passengers600 lbs (4 people)
Gear1,500 lbs

Result

Remaining Capacity5,233 lbs
CCC8,000 lbs
Total Cargo2,767 lbs
Tongue Weight2,492 lbs

CCC = 26,000 - 18,000 = 8,000 lbs. Total cargo = 667 + 600 + 1,500 = 2,767 lbs. Remaining = 8,000 - 2,767 = 5,233 lbs. Tongue weight = (18,000 + 2,767) x 0.12 = 2,492 lbs.

Formulas Used

Cargo Carrying Capacity

CCC = GVWR - UVW

The maximum weight of cargo, passengers, and fluids you can add to the RV without exceeding the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating.

Where:

CCC= Cargo Carrying Capacity in pounds
GVWR= Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (max loaded weight from manufacturer)
UVW= Unloaded Vehicle Weight (dry weight with full fuel)

Tongue Weight

Tongue Weight = Total Loaded Weight × 0.10 to 0.15

The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by a loaded trailer. Should be 10–15% of total loaded weight for stable towing.

Where:

Total Loaded Weight= UVW plus all cargo, passengers, and fluids
0.10 to 0.15= Ideal tongue weight percentage range (12% midpoint)

Understanding RV Weight Ratings and Cargo Capacity

Every RV has a maximum loaded weight (GVWR) set by the manufacturer. The difference between GVWR and the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) gives you the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) — the total weight you can add in passengers, water, propane, food, clothing, and gear.

Many RV owners unknowingly exceed their GVWR because they underestimate how quickly cargo adds up. A full 60-gallon freshwater tank alone weighs 500 lbs. Add four passengers (600 lbs), food and clothing (200 lbs), and outdoor gear (150 lbs), and you have consumed 1,450 lbs of cargo capacity before any discretionary items.

Weighing your RV at a CAT scale before every major trip is the single best safety practice. It costs under $15 and takes 10 minutes. Compare each axle weight to the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) and total weight to GVWR. If any rating is exceeded, remove cargo or shift weight between compartments for proper distribution.

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Last Updated: Mar 25, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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