When you’re shopping for a recreational vehicle, you’ll want to factor in the model’s weight. But, to do that, you’ll need to be familiar with the RV weight terms and how weight can influence the performance of your tow vehicle and your overall camping experience. To help you understand RV weights, the experts at RVs and Boats For Less have created this guide. Keep reading to learn more, then visit us at our dealership in Chubbuck, ID, where we happily welcome our friends from Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
The RV Weight Lingo
Here are a few RV weight terms that you’ll want to know to avoid getting overwhelmed or confused.
- Unloaded Vehicle Weight: It refers to how much a camper weighs at the dealership before it gets loaded with supplies. It includes the weight of the axles and the hitch.
- Cargo Carrying Weight: It refers to the weight that your camper can safely handle, including camping supplies and any aftermarket installations.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating: This means the maximum amount that your camper axles can carry.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio: This is the total weight capacity, including the cargo and the hitch.
Buying an RV with the Weight in Mind
When you’re looking at models, consider the weight handling capacity of your tow vehicle. The idea is to avoid putting excess strain on it, which can jeopardize your safety and the safety of others on the road. Find out how much your intended tow vehicle can handle, and remember that this limit includes the weight of passengers and supplies, besides the camper.
The Weight of Camping Supplies
The exact weight will depend on what you bring along in your rig. Generally speaking, a generator will add about 90 pounds, your camping gear, food, and kitchen equipment can add about 400 pounds, and all other supplies will likely add around 1,500 pounds.
Common RV Weights
The different camper categories have different average model weights. To pick the perfect RV, consider the range that will best suit your tow vehicle.
The average weight of towable RVs:
- The average weight of a travel trailer is 5,200 pounds.
- Lightweight fifth wheels weigh between 2,400 and 9,000 pounds.
- Mid-sized fifth wheels weigh between 9,000 and 14,000 pounds.
- The average weight of a full-sized fifth wheel can range between 11,000 and 22,000 pounds.
- A toy hauler can weigh between 10,000 and 16,500 pounds.
Are you ready to check out a few models in person? Visit RVs and Boats For Less, where we have an extensive inventory of RVs for sale. We can show you what we have available and help you choose the perfect model for you. We are in Chubbuck, ID, where we proudly serve those from Idaho Falls and Pocatello, so stop by today.
