Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

 

Gross Trailer Weight

Is the most weight that a particular vehicle can safely and reliably haul. To determine if you've reached the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight of a vehicle, take the total loaded trailer weight and add the combined weight of all passengers, cargo and equipment in the tow vehicle.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Is the maximum recommended weight for a vehicle, including: the weight of the vehicle itself, fuel and other fluids, passengers, and all cargo.

Payload

Is the combined, maximum allowable weight of cargo, and passengers that the truck is designed to carry. To calculate the payload of a vehicle, take the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and subtract the Curb Weight.

Base Curb Weight

Is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo or any optional equipment.

 

Q - Who determines the GVWR?

A - Vehicle manufacturers set the GVWR for each vehicle based on standards set and enforced by Transport Canada.

Q - How is the GVWR of a vehicle determined?

A - Each manufacturer determines the maximum acceptable weight limits for each vehicle by considering the combined weight of the strongest weight bearing components (the axles) and the weaker components (vehicle body, frame, suspension, and tires).  When these are factored in, the manufacturer sets the vehicle's GVWR in accordance with the standards set by Transport Canada.

Q - What happens when a vehicle is loaded above its GVWR?

A - Vehicles that operate above the GVWR are a potential safety hazard because the frame, suspension, brakes and tires are not designed for weights above the rating the manufacturer has set.  Overloading a vehicle can also result in increased maintenance costs for the owner.  The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations of British Columbia prohibit vehicle operators from loading their vehicle in excess of its GVWR.

Q - How do I make sure I am not overloading my vehicle?

A - The easiest way to figure out how much weight your vehicle is designed to carry is to subtract the net weight of the vehicle (found in your owner's manual) from the GVWR (found on the driver's door post).  The remaining number is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry.  (it includes passengers, fuel and cargo.)  Aftermarket access or equipment will increase the net weight of the vehicle.  The weight of these accessories or equipment must be added to the net weight listed in your owner's manual.  If you want to check the net weight of your vehicle, you can take your unloaded vehicle to ICBC Weigh Scale to be weighed.

Q - What can I do if my loaded vehicle exceeds its GVWR?

A - You can reduce the amount of cargo you have in your vehicle or transfer a portion of your load to a trailer.  Exceeding the GVWR by excessively overloading your vehicle is illegal, unsafe and can reduce the service life of the vehicle.

Q - Can my vehicle be modified to carry more weight and increase the GVWR?

A - Modifications to a vehicle can only be done at facilities that are recognized by Transport Canada.  All of these facilities must have a National Safety Mark from Transport Canada.  To find out if a facility is certified to do these types of modifications, ask to see the Safety Mark.  A company that modifies a vehicle to increase the GVWR must ensure the GVWR is increased in accordance with the original manufacturer's written recommendations, or within the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle's components, when the completed vehicle is loaded for its intended use. This is an expensive option for light truck owners and because of the criteria associated with increasing a vehicle's GVWR, it may be difficult to find a facility willing to do the work.

Q - What is the difference between the licensed weight shown on my Owner's Certificate and the GVWR stamped on the vehicle itself?

A - When a vehicle is licensed, the owner pays a licensing fee based on the weight they plan to carry and tow.  This fee helps to offset the costs of maintaining B.C.'s roads and highways.  An additional licensing fee can be paid to increase the amount a vehicle is licensed to carry and tow, provided that amount does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  These fees are in place to accommodate vehicles with a capacity to carry larger loads.

Q - If my vehicle exceeds the GVWR and it becomes involved in an accident, will this affect my insurance coverage?

A - Your ICBC insurance coverage will not be affected.  However, if the overweight problem contributed to the accident you could be found partially or totally responsible for the accident.  This could result in an increase to your future premiums.  If your vehicle's optional coverage has been purchased from a private insurer, you should check to find out the policies of that insurer in terms of coverage.  Police may also ticket you for operating an overweight vehicle.

Q - How much can my vehicle tow?

A - Check your owner's manual to find out your vehicle's towing capability.  If you tow too much, you could damage your vehicle.

Q - If I am towing a trailer (or other vehicle) should I include its weight in the GVWR of my vehicle?

A - No, you do not have to include the weight of your trailer into your vehicle's GVWR.  However, you must consider the weight the load will put on your vehicle's trailer hitch or 5th wheel.  The weight exerted on the hitch forms part of the load of the towing vehicle and should be included as part of the towing vehicle's load.

Q - What about the weight of the load in the trailer?  Does that count towards the GVWR of the vehicle towing the trailer?

A - Vehicles such as utility trailers, motor homes, and horse trailers usually have their own GVWR.  You do not have to include the weight of the load in the trailer as part of the GVWR of the towing vehicle.

 

Know Your Weights
Courtesy of General Motors
Source: 1999 manufacturer vehicle brochures.
Other Material courtesy of ICBC.