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How to Determine the Weight of Your Vehicle
I recently had a customer find us on Google and call about renting our 8.5x22ft car hauler trailer. As part of the rental process, I asked him a simple question:
"What does your vehicle weigh?"
Without hesitation, he replied that his 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 weighed 7,100 pounds.
That answer immediately caught my attention. While some heavy-duty trucks, duallys, and commercial utility trucks can weigh that much, a standard 2008 Silverado 1500 typically does not.
After asking a few more questions, it became clear that he wasn't looking at the truck's actual weight. Instead, he was looking at the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) listed on the driver's door sticker.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings I encounter when helping customers choose the right trailer.
GVWR vs. Curb Weight: What's the Difference?
Curb Weight
The curb weight is the actual weight of the vehicle as it sits from the factory with all standard equipment, fluids, and a full tank of fuel.
Think of curb weight as:
"What the vehicle weighs when parked and ready to drive, but without passengers or cargo."
For example, a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 may have a curb weight somewhere around 4,800 to 5,500 pounds depending on the cab configuration, drivetrain, engine, and options.
This is the number that trailer rental companies typically need when determining whether a trailer can safely transport your vehicle.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is completely different.
GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including:
- The vehicle itself
- Fuel
- Passengers
- Cargo
- Tools and equipment
- Trailer tongue weight
In other words, GVWR represents the maximum safe operating weight that the manufacturer has designed the vehicle to carry.
If a truck has a GVWR of 7,100 pounds and weighs 5,200 pounds empty, that doesn't mean the truck weighs 7,100 pounds. It means the truck can safely carry approximately 1,900 pounds of additional weight before reaching its maximum rated capacity.
What About Trailer GVWR?
Trailers also have a GVWR.
A trailer's GVWR is the maximum amount the trailer can weigh when fully loaded.
This includes:
- The trailer's empty weight
- The vehicle being transported
- Any tools, equipment, spare tires, or cargo loaded onto the trailer
For example, our 8.5x22ft car hauler trailer has its own empty weight and a maximum GVWR established by the manufacturer.
To determine whether a vehicle can be safely transported, we look at:
Trailer GVWR - Trailer Empty Weight = Maximum Payload Capacity
The payload capacity is the amount of weight that can be loaded onto the trailer.
Why This Matters
Many people assume that if their vehicle's GVWR is lower than a trailer's payload capacity, everything is fine. Unfortunately, that's not how it works.
The number we need to know is usually the vehicle's actual weight (curb weight) or its actual loaded weight.
Using the wrong number can lead to confusion and potentially unsafe situations.
Combining Vehicle Weight and Trailer Weight
When towing, every weight rating matters.
You need to consider:
- The actual weight of the vehicle being transported.
- The trailer's payload capacity.
- The trailer's GVWR.
- The tow vehicle's towing capacity.
- The tow vehicle's GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating).
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable weight of the tow vehicle and trailer combined.
For safe towing, all of these ratings must work together.
The Bottom Line
Before renting a trailer, take a few minutes to verify your vehicle's actual weight. Don't rely solely on the GVWR listed on the door sticker.
A quick search for your vehicle's curb weight, or a visit to a local scale, can help ensure you're renting the right trailer and staying within safe operating limits.
If you're unsure which trailer is right for your vehicle, give Tyson Transport & Rentals a call. We're happy to help you determine the correct trailer for your specific hauling needs and make sure your trip is both safe and successful.
Thanks for reading!