Methods to Determine Actual Trailer Weight and GVWR

Updated 06/05/2018 | Published 06/01/2018

Question:

Can weight of a trailer be found by vin#

asked by: Jane

Expert Reply:

If you can contact the trailer manufacturer with the VIN from their product they should be able to tell you a good bit about it including its GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), which is the most it can weigh when loaded. The empty trailer's actual weight should also be available.

The characters in a VIN do denote certain specific information, as shown in the linked photo that displays an example VIN. But actual weight and total weight capacity is not among them.

Often trailer axles will have a sticker or plate indicating their own individual axle weight ratings. The diameter of an axle can also give you an approximate idea of the axle capacity:

Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity

1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2" - 1-3/4" diameter
3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8" diameter (can have a 3-1/2" diameter, but rarely)
6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3" diameter
8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2" diameter
9,000-lb Axles: 4" diameter
10,000-lb Or more axles: 5" diameter

For example, if the trailer has two 3-inch axles it is likely to have a GVWR in the vicinity of 12K to 14K.