How to Determine the Actual Weight and GVWR of a Trailer

Updated 05/23/2018 | Published 05/22/2018

Question:

I have a 1984 24foot coachman travel trailer. Do you know about what it weighs? Thank you!

asked by: Jeremy B

Expert Reply:

If you're trying to find the actual weight of your trailer as it is loaded then the best way is to take it to a commercial scale and have it weighed. Or if you just need to find the trailer's loaded tongue weight use a scale like the etrailer scale, part # e99044.

On the other hand if you're trying to determine what your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is, meaning the maximim weight it can be when fully loaded, it can be a little trickier. The easiest way, if you get lucky, is the GVWR should be on the title. If that's not available then you need to use the weight capacity of the axles. The capacity of each axle is often stamped on them somewhere. If not you can measure their diameter but this only gives you a ballpark number. The typical capacity based on measurements are:

- 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch - 1-3/4 inch diameter
- 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter
- 6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3 inch diameter
- 8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2 inch diameter
- 9,000-lb Axles: 4 inch diameter
- 10,000-lb Or more axles: 5 inch diameter

If I had to guess I'd say your trailer probably has two 3,500 pound axles. Your trailer's GVWR is likely about 10 percent more than the total axle capacity because of tongue weight.

expert reply by: Charles S