Keystone RV GVWR, GAWR user manual
Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling
Note
Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling
Towing Guidelines
Weight distribution is an important factor when loading your fth-wheel
and travel-trailer. A recreational vehicle with the cargo distributed properly
will result in efcient, trouble-free towing. Loading the coach as evenly as
possible and then weighing the loaded RV can accomplish proper weight
distribution. Keep heavier items as low as possible and distribute evenly
(front to back and side to side). Securing your possessions can prevent
damage from shifting during towing and maintain the weight distribution
balance achieved during preparation for travel.
You must not exceed the GVWR or GAWR of the unit (see denitions). To
verify GVWR, total the loaded hitch and axle weights. If this total exceeds
GVWR, you must remove items until the vehicle weight is within this limit.
You can verify that the coach’s axles are not overloaded by comparing
the loaded axle weight with the GAWR. If the reading is above this limit,
redistribute the item load.
Finally, make sure the pin weight of the loaded fth-wheel falls within the
limits of the tow vehicle.
Weight Ratings - Definitions
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum permissible weight of this coach when fully loaded. It
includes all weight at the unit’s axle(s) and tongue or pin.
Passengers are not permitted in
the coach while it is in motion.
UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)
The weight of this fth-wheel as manufactured at the factory. It includes
all weight at the coach’s axle(s) and tongue or pin. If applicable, it also
includes full generator uids, fuel, engine oil and coolants.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)
Is equal to GVWR minus each of the following: UVW, full fresh (potable)
water weight (including water heater) and full LP gas weight.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable weight that an axle system is designed to carry.
Weight Ratings - Labels
The information on the weight ratings is contained on two labels: The
Federal Certication Tag and the RVIA Weight Label. Each label contains
the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN) / Serial Number for the vehicle
rated. These ratings are specic for each fth-wheel and travel-trailer
manufactured. Use only the ratings found on these labels:
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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling
Federal Certification Label
Location
The Federal Certication Tag on your fth-wheel or travel-trailer can be
located on the road side (off-door side) near the front of the unit as seen in
the diagrams below. This tag contains the GVWR, GAWR (front and rear)
and tire pressure limits.
Travel-Trailer Fifth-Wheel
RVIA Weight Label
Location
The RVIA Weight Label is located on the inside of an upper kitchen
cabinet door. In general, the tag is afxed to the cabinet above or
adjacent to the sink. This tag provides the GVWR rating, the UVW
(Unloaded Vehicle Weight) and the computation for CCC (Cargo Carrying
Capacity).
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Weighing Your Unit
Fifth-Wheel
• Pull forward on the scales until only the coach’s axles are on the
scale. Record axle weight. Pull off the scales and unhook from
the fth-wheel. Weigh the truck by itself and record this weight.
• To determine hitch pin weight subtract the weight of the tow
vehicle from the combined truck /coach weight. Write this number
down.
• To determine overall weight, add the hitch weight plus axles
Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling
Wheel Separation Can Occur!
Exceeding the GVWR and
GAWR ratings for your unit
could result in serious damage
to the suspension, frame or
other components.
Travel-Trailer
• Drive the loaded trailer onto the scales as shown in the picture
below, making sure that the hitch will be the only contact point
with the scales after unhooking. Unhook and drive the tow vehicle
off the scales. Level the trailer and record hitch weight.
• Hookup to the trailer and pull forward on the scales until only the
trailer axles are on the scale. Level the trailer and record axle
weight.
• To determine overall weight, add the hitch weight plus axles.
Hitches and Towing
Fifth-Wheel
1. Adjust the landing gear jacks until coach is at level for hooking to
the tow vehicle.
2. Place wheel chocks behind fth-wheel’s tires.
3. Lower the tailgate on truck.
4. Release the fth-wheel lock handle on the tow vehicle.
5. Line up the tow vehicle so the fth-wheel will accept the kingpin.
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