What Is GAWR Vs GVWR: The Differences Between Truck Weights

What is the difference between GAWR and GVWR? The most prevalent variation between them is the amount of weight they can hold. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) refers to the overall weight of an axle. GVWR is a car’s total weight.

These ratings are important because they help to ensure that your truck does not become overloaded. In this article, we will discuss the differences between GAWR vs GVWR and explain why it is essential to know these terms.

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GAWR Vs GVWR: The Differentiate Chart

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably seen the acronyms GVWR and Gawr and wondered what the difference is. Let’s get to see all the differences.

Key Points	GAWR	GVWR
Abbreviation	Gross Axle Weight Rating	Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Capacity	The peak load capacity of a vehicle.	Full-load vehicle capacity
Weight capacity	The weight capacity of a single axle	Maximum total weight, including all its cargo and passengers
Purpose	Determine the load capacity of a vehicle	Determine by adding up all the weights of the individual axles
Rating value	low	Comparatively high than GAWR
Units	Pounds	Tons/pounds

Let’s elaborately discuss the things between truck GAWR vs GVWR below.

What Is The Definition Of GAWR?

GAWR is a measure of how much a single axle can bear. There is no limit on how much more weight you can add to your vehicle, like a trailer. The manufacturer determines GAWR, and you may find it in the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s placard.

What Is The Definition Of GVWR?

“Gross Vehicle Weight Rating” is what “GVWR” stands for. GVWR includes a gearbox, body, powertrain, lubricants, gasoline, travelers, and cargo that can collectively support. The GVWR is typically listed on the vehicle’s doorjamb sticker or in the owner’s manual.

The GVWR is different from the vehicle’s curb weight, which is the vehicle’s weight without passengers or cargo. In addition, the GVWR is distinct from the vehicle’s GAWR, which refers to the utmost weight that a single axle can support.

The government imposes the GVWR to ensure that vehicles are not overloaded and to help improve road safety. It is essential not to exceed the GVWR, as this can lead to problems with the vehicle’s brakes, suspension, and tires.

It’s essential to know the GVWR of your vehicle because if you exceed the GVWR, you may be overloading your vehicle.

How GAWR And GVWR Are Related?

As you know now, what do GVWR and GAWR mean. GAWR, or Gross Axle Weight Rating, is the total weight your axle can carry, including the vehicle’s weight and the weight of any cargo.

As the name implies, GVWR is the whole weight of your car, including you, your passengers, any cargo you’re hauling along with you, and the trailer hitch you’re attaching to it.

Knowing your GAWR and GVWR is vital because it helps you stay within the weight limits of your vehicle and avoid overloading your axle.

While the trailer towing term GAWR and GVWR are comparable in trailer hauling, they are not interchangeable. GAWR is specific to your axle, while GVWR is the total weight limit for your vehicle. GAWR is usually lower than GVWR, and it’s essential to know both ratings to load your truck correctly.

GAWR and GVWR are always related because GAWR is the safe limit of the weight your vehicle’s axle can handle. At the same time, GVWR is the safe limit of the weight your vehicle can take, including the weight of your passengers and cargo.

GAWR is always going to be less than or equal to GVWR. It can be said, GAWR is included inside GVWR.

Is GAWR The Same As Towing Capacity?

GAWR is the most weight an axle can hold. This includes the vehicle’s weight, any passengers or cargo, and any trailer being towed. A vehicle’s towing capacity is the maximum weight it can safely tow. This considers the car’s weight, the engine’s strength, the braking system, and the vehicle’s overall stability.

So, the answer is no, but the trailer towing term GAWR and GVWR are related. The towing capacity is always less than or equal to the GAWR of the vehicle’s axle. This is because the towing capacity considers the car’s weight and any cargo. At the same time, GAWR only refers to the weight the axle can support.

You can also read about Ford’s integrated trailer brake controller problems and how to solve them.

The Difference In Calculation Of GAWR & GVWR

There are a few critical differences between GAWR and GVWR. To begin, the ultimate load capacity of a single axle is denoted by the GAWR, whereas the GVWR denotes the load capacity of the entire vehicle.

This means that your truck’s GAWR must be equal to or greater than its GVWR to avoid overloading any axle.

Second, GVWR includes the vehicle’s weight, while GAWR does not. You must consider the truck’s weight while computing its GAWR. You need to convert between the two units when calculating your truck’s GAWR. Sometimes, you may wonder while thinking, why is GVWR less than GAWR? In light of the fact that the weight of the vehicle isn’t divided equally between the front and back axles.

To calculate your truck’s GAWR, divide its GVWR by the number of axles on the vehicle. For example, if your car has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds and two axles, its GAWR would be 5,000 pounds.

It’s important to note that your truck’s GAWR can change depending on how it’s loaded. For example, if you add a heavy load to one axle, the other axle will have to carry less weight. You should always check your truck’s GAWR before adding any new packs.

If you’re unsure about your truck’s GAWR or how to calculate it, consult your truck’s owner’s manual. This will have all the information you need to calculate your truck’s GAWR.

Where To Find GAWR And GVWR Rating?

The GAWR and GVWR are two essential numbers that indicate the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry. These numbers are listed in the manual with your car or on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. You can also look for it on a plaque on the vehicle itself if it has one.

Knowing your GAWR and GVWR is essential for two main reasons. First, it helps you avoid overloaded axles, which can lead to accidents or blowouts. Second, it enables you to stay within the legal weight limits for your vehicle, which can vary from state to state.

If you’re unsure where to find your GAWR and GVWR, or if you want to learn more about these ratings, feel free to call them. They’d be happy to help you out.

Does GVWR Include Trailer Weight?

The short answer is no. GVWR does not include trailer weight. The trailer weight is not included in this number.

So why is this important to know? Well, if you’re planning on towing a trailer with your vehicle, you’ll need to ensure that the car’s and trailer’s combined weight do not exceed the GVWR. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a lot of problems on the road.

Does Tongue Weight Count In GVWR?

NO. The tongue weight is how much the trailer’s tongue weighs. GVWR excludes it. In short, GVWR refers to the maximum weight of a vehicle that is allowed to carry. Tongue weight is often overlooked but can affect your vehicle’s handling and braking abilities.

Can You Increase Or Lower These Ratings?

GVWR and GAWR are the two ratings that you will find on a truck’s specification sheet. Both seem similar, but they carry different weight capacities.

Also Read: How Much Tongue Weight Can An F150 Handle?

You can’t change these ratings in real life, but you can in simulation games like Euro Truck Simulator 2. Some mods allow you to increase or decrease them for your convenience.

But yes, if you do some upgrade to your truck, like changing the rear spring or adding a new shock absorber may change these ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is GAWR more than GVWR?

The GAWR is the weight that is safely supported by a combination of all axles. On the contrary, the GVWR is supported by the vehicle’s chassis. In other words, the GAWR is the weight limit for each axle (front and rear), while the GVWR is the weight limit for the entire vehicle. So, the GAWR is usually more significant than the GVWR because the vehicle’s weight is not evenly distributed between the front and rear axles.

Is GAWR the weight of the trailer?

The gross axle weight rating, abbreviated as GAWR, is the maximum load that an axle may safely support. It includes the trailer weight, the cargo, and the tongue weight.

Is GVWR the sum of GAWR?

GVWR is the sum of a vehicle’s Curb Weight, Payload, and tire. Most people are unaware of the GVWR of their truck until they try to load it down with people and cargo. The vehicle manufacturer has programmed the vehicle’s computer to let the driver know when the car is overloaded. GAWR, or the maximum weight per axle, is a separate concept from GVWR. The GVWR is the sum of the GAWRs of all the axles on the vehicle.

Is GAWR the same as GCWR?

Both terms are frequently used synonymously, despite the fact that they both refer to something distinct. GAWR is typically used to refer to the weight of a vehicle. In contrast, GCWR refers to the total weight of a car and its cargo. So if you’re wondering which term you should use, it depends on the context. If you’re talking about the weight of a vehicle, you can use GAWR or GCWR. But if you’re talking about the weight of a car and its cargo, you should use GCWR. So, in short, GAWR is the weight limit for your vehicle, while GCWR is the weight limit for your car and everything in it.

What does 7000 GVWR mean on a truck?

The GVWR is essential because it ensures that the truck can safely handle the weight of everything that will be loaded onto it. If the GVWR is exceeded, it can lead to severe problems such as a blown tire, loss of control, or even an accident. So, if you’re looking at a truck and see that it has a GVWR of 7000 lbs, it can safely handle a total weight of up to 7000 lbs.

Final Wrap

Despite the fact that GAWR and GVWR both refer to weight capacities, they are not interchangeable in any way. We hope you are well familiar with the differences and similarities between GAWR Vs GVWR.

Both ratings are crucial since they determine the maximum bit of load that your vehicle may tow safely. If you go over the GVWR, you run the risk of endangering both yourself and others. It’s always a good idea to verify your car’s GVWR and GAWR before loading it completely with occupants or freight.

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What is GAWR Vs GVWR: The Differences Between Truck Weights