How To Determine the GVWR of a Two Horse Trailer from the 70s

Updated 03/20/2019 | Published 03/19/2019

Question:

I am trying to determine the towing capacity or the GVWR of a horse trailer from the 1970s. It has two axels which I measured to be 1.88inch in diameter, the wheels have 5 lugs. On the title it says the GVWR is 1700 but that seems to be impossible because the original owner used to tow her 2 full grown horses in the trailer. They are thinking that that is the weight of the trailer itself.

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

The best option you have to determine the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your horse trailer is contact the manufacturer with your VIN. There is no way to accurately determine the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of a trailer otherwise if it is not printed on the trailer itself. The term gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) represents the most the trailer can weigh fully loaded which includes the weight of the trailer. Unfortunately, this trailer was made before VIN's became standardized so there is a very limited amount of information that can be gained from this unless the manufacturer is still in business and has a record of their older trailers.

The diameter of your axle would point to signs of having a 1,000 - 2,000 lb capacity if that helps but this rule of thumb cannot always be applied to trailers from the 70's.

expert reply by: Conner L