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Mendocino, California. Delivery all over Northern California. Call or text (909) 259-7837

Free RV manual

RV Weight, Payload and Tow Ratings

What GVWR, cargo capacity and tongue weight mean, how to weigh your rig, and why sway almost always starts with weight.

The numbers that matter

The sticker inside the rig, often by the door or in a cabinet, lists its weights. GVWR is the most the rig can weigh loaded. Cargo carrying capacity is how much you can add, including water, propane and people.

Water is heavy. A full 40 gallon fresh tank adds over 300 pounds. Travel with it close to empty unless you need it on the way.

Towing a trailer

Tongue weight is how much of the trailer presses down on the hitch. It should be about 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's loaded weight. Too little and the trailer sways. Too much and the truck's front end gets light.

The truck has limits too. Check its payload sticker on the driver door. Tongue weight, people and gear in the truck all count against payload. Payload runs out long before the tow rating on many trucks.

Weigh it

  1. Load the rig the way you travel, with water, gear and people.
  2. Go to a truck stop scale. CAT Scale has a list of them online.
  3. Weigh the truck and trailer together, then the truck alone with the trailer on the ground.
  4. Compare each number to the stickers.

Stop the sway

Load heavy things low and over the axles, not at the very back. A weight distribution hitch with sway control spreads the tongue weight and damps sway. If the trailer starts to sway, ease off the gas and squeeze the trailer brake lever. Do not hit the truck brakes hard.

When to call a shop

Call a shop to set up or adjust a weight distribution hitch. It needs to be set for your truck and trailer, and a wrong setup is worse than none.

The maker's own manuals

These guides cover how most RVs work. Your own rig may differ, so check the manual for your make and model.

Renting from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

The other manuals

ManualFresh water and the water heaterCity water, the fresh tank, the pump and the water heater. How to fill it, turn it on and keep it clean.5 partsManualBlack and gray tanksThe order, the hose, the valves and what to put down the toilet. Dumping your tanks the right way, step by step.4 partsManualShore power and batteries30 amp and 50 amp shore power, the 12 volt battery side and the inverter. What runs on what, and how not to trip a breaker.4 partsManualPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.5 partsManualSlide outsWhen to open them, when not to, and what to check first. Slide outs are the most common repair on a rental, and most of it is avoidable.4 partsManualAwningsPower and manual awnings, how to set them, and why wind is the thing that breaks them.4 partsManualWinterizing and spring start upDrain it, bypass the water heater and fill the lines with RV antifreeze. Then how to undo it all in spring.4 partsManualGeneratorsStarting it, loading it, keeping it healthy, and staying safe from exhaust.4 partsManualHitching a trailerCoupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.4 partsManualThe water heaterGas, electric or both. How to fill it, light it, drain it and care for the anode rod, plus what to do when there is no hot water.4 partsManualThe refrigeratorGas and electric absorption fridges, 12 volt compressor fridges, how long they take to cool and how to keep food cold on the road.4 partsManualThe roof air conditionerHow much power it needs, why it freezes up, how to clean the filters and what to try before you call for help.4 partsManualThe furnaceA propane furnace with a 12 volt fan. How it starts, why it drains the battery and what to check when it blows cold air.4 partsManualLeveling and jacksBlocks, tongue jacks, stabilizers and auto leveling. How to get level, why it matters and why stabilizers are not for lifting.4 partsManualTires, wheels and bearingsTire age, pressure and load, lug nut torque and when to service trailer wheel bearings. The parts that cause the most trouble on the road.4 partsManualTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.4 partsManualRoof and sealsWater is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.4 partsManualThe toiletHow to flush, what paper to use and how to keep the black tank from clogging or smelling.4 partsManualPropane, smoke and CO alarmsWhere each alarm is, what each one means, how to test them and why the propane alarm sometimes beeps on a low battery.4 partsManualSolar and lithium batteriesHow solar charges your batteries, what lithium changes, and how to tell how much power you really have left.4 partsManualTowing a car behind a motorhomeWhich cars can be towed four down, the gear you need, and the steps before and after every tow.4 parts
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