If you’ve ever squinted at the sticker on your truck’s door jamb, wondering if the alphabet soup of ratings is some kind of inside joke from the manufacturer, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re towing a fifth-wheel across the Rockies, hauling a job site trailer full of tools, or just pulling your buddy’s “project truck” out of the ditch, knowing your tow ratings isn’t optional. It’s the difference between a safe, legal haul and a setup that overheats, squats, and eats through brakes like candy.
Let’s clear up the confusion around GVWR, GCWR, Payload, and Tongue Weight—and why each matters to every truck owner.
1. GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Think of GVWR as your truck’s personal “do not exceed” limit. It’s the maximum weight your truck can safely carry, fully loaded. That includes:
- The truck itself (curb weight)
- Fuel and fluids
- You and your passengers
- Cargo in the cab or bed
- Tongue weight from the trailer
👉 Example: If your truck’s GVWR is 10,000 lbs and the truck itself weighs 7,000 lbs empty, you’ve got 3,000 lbs left to play with. That’s all passengers, gear, and trailer tongue weight combined.
Why it matters: Exceeding GVWR overloads your suspension, tires, and brakes. It’s also a quick way to get flagged by DOT at a weigh station.
Here’s a quick video explanation of GVWR.
2. GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating
GCWR is the big picture. It’s the total allowable weight of your fully loaded truck PLUS your fully loaded trailer.
👉 Example: If your GCWR is 20,000 lbs and your loaded truck weighs 8,000 lbs, your trailer (loaded) can weigh up to 12,000 lbs.
Why it matters: This number reflects what your engine, transmission, cooling system, and frame were designed to handle together. Push past it, and you’re asking for overheating, transmission failures, and poor braking performance.
Clarification:
- GVWR = truck only (fully loaded).
- GCWR = truck + trailer combined.
3. Payload
Payload is often misunderstood. It’s not just “how much stuff you can throw in the bed.” It’s the terminology for the total weight your truck can carry inside itself. That includes:
- Passengers
- Gear and cargo
- Accessories or add-ons
- Trailer tongue weight
👉 Example: If your truck’s payload is 2,500 lbs, and you load 500 lbs of gear in the bed plus a trailer with a 1,000 lb tongue weight, you’ve only got 1,000 lbs left for passengers, dogs, and coolers.
Why it matters: Payload is usually less than people think. Just because your bed has space doesn’t mean your suspension, tires, and brakes are happy carrying the load.
4. Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the portion of the trailer’s weight that presses down on your truck’s hitch. Typically, it’s 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight.
👉 Example: A 10,000 lb trailer will put about 1,000–1,500 lbs on your hitch. That weight counts against your payload AND your GVWR.
Why it matters: Too little tongue weight = sway. Too much = rear sag, poor handling, and unsafe braking. The sweet spot keeps your setup stable and predictable.
The Bottom Line
- GVWR = Truck only, fully loaded limit.
- GCWR = Truck + trailer, combined max.
- Payload = How much your truck can actually carry (including tongue weight).
- Tongue Weight = The slice of trailer weight your truck shoulders directly.
Know these numbers before you hitch up. And if your truck struggles under load—squatting, swaying, or chewing through brakes—it’s time to look at upgrades like Pacbrake air suspension and load support kits to keep things level, safe, and within spec.