Understanding RV weight & size limits and why they matter
Do you know what your RV’s weight limit is? If not, you should.
RV weights vary greatly – small pop-up campers can weigh as little as 1,000 pounds, while Class A motorhomes can go over 30,000 lbs.
An RV's overall weight limit, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), is set by the manufacturer and is the maximum safe operating weight that a vehicle or its axles can carry (see more on other specific limits below). This weight limit includes not only the vehicle itself, but everything you put inside it, from passengers, cargo and water tanks to gear for your favorite activities and all essential tools.
The bigger your rig and the more you pack into your vehicle, the more strain you add to the entire structure and operation of your RV – therefore, going over the weight limit not only affects fuel usage and mileage, but also your ability to drive safely.
So, whether you're heading out for a long weekend or taking a longer tripin your RV, having your RV within proper weight limits will help ensure a smooth, safe experience.
Why weight limits matter
Going over your weight limits can cause damage to the entire vehicle, reduce your control, and ultimately, jeopardize personal safety. Heavy loads cause problems with:
Braking ability – Too much weight strains your brakes and drastically increases the distance needed to stop your vehicle safely.
Tire heat and wear – Excess weight increases tire heat and can cause uneven wear, heightening the risk of a blowout and a serious accident. Tire blowouts are a common RV repair issue at any time, but excessive weight only heightens the likelihood of an incident.
Overall structure and stability – Going over your weight limits can cause structural damage to your RV, breaking down your suspension, wheel bearings, and frame.
Steering and control – Heavy loads make steering more difficult, especially during high winds or heavy rain, or when dealing with adverse road conditions.
Ignoring weight ratings may also void your manufacturer’s warranty or break laws limiting what’s safe to tow.
What the weight acronyms mean
In addition to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) explained above, there are other important weight limits:
UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): This is the base “dry weight” of the RV before the addition of cargo, passengers, gear, etc.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity): This is the total weight in gear, food, and fluids you are allowed to add to the RV to remain within safe limits. To get this number, subtract the dry weight from the gross weight (CCC = GVWR - UVW).
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): This total is the maximum combined weight allowed for a loaded tow vehicle plus the loaded trailer attached to it. This is important if you are towing an extra trailer behind your “main” rig.
Hitch Weight: This is the weight placed on a towing connection.
What about state weight and size limits?
While there are state highway axle and gross weight laws for commercial vehicles, New Mexico does not have specific weight limits designed exclusively for RVs. Recreational vehicles rarely exceed the commercial limits unless they are custom, heavy-duty conversions or commercial-grade haulers.
However, the state of New Mexico DOES have size limits for RVs:
Maximum width: 102 inches (8.5 feet)
Maximum height: 13.5 feet
Maximum motorhome length: 45 feet
Maximum trailer length: 40 feet
Maximum combined length: 65 feet
How to determine your RV weight
Your owner’s manual should list the UVW and GVWR for the vehicle. If you’re concerned that you might be going over your limits, the best thing to do is to check before your trip.
To check, make sure you’ve loaded your RV with everything you need and filled your gas and water tanks, then visit a weighing station. (If you’re in Clovis, the nearest one is the weigh station in Texico.) Compare your actual weight to the GVWR provided by your manufacturer, and you’ll know if you’re good to go!
Looking for a secure place to store your RV between trips? Contact Max RV today!