Weight Distribution Hitch Question

[meburdick]

I was wondering how in a state like Virginia they focus on GCWR. Since like you say it's buried in the owner's manual and can vary based on engine option and axle ratios. Do they have all the specs in a computer or book and then start checking out what axle ratio and motor you have?

I wouldn't at all doubt it if one of the VIN codes identified that value for every vehicle out there. Basically, the last six digits of the VIN are a "serial number" to uniquely identify your specific instance of a particular set of options. Everything else is option-related... What motor, color, manufacturer, model, year, etc... It would be quite easy to have a character in there that represented the GCWR and the GVWR.

 

[newbury]

I was wondering how in a state like Virginia they focus on GCWR. Since like you say it's buried in the owner's manual and can vary based on engine option and axle ratios. Do they have all the specs in a computer or book and then start checking out what axle ratio and motor you have?

Sorry
My memory was getting things confused, I was remembering the thread wrong - in Virginia they add the GVWR's of the vehicles together for CDL purposes. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/231776-can-you-up-rate-new-2.html
I'm not sure what they will do if they catch someone like me (truck GCVWR 20,000, GVWR 11,500 curb weight about 7,000, max trailer weight 12,500) towing my trailer (GVWR 12,000) when the GVWR's exceed the GCVWR but not the magic 26K CDL limit.

I better shave.

(St. Patricks Day picture )
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[slowzuki]

Yeah the gross combined is not on a plate on the truck, they aren't going to jack a wheel and count wheel rotations to see if you had the dealer change out the ration before you took delivery. In most locations the only "legal" purpose of the gcvwr is a tool to deny warrantee claims on automatic transmissions and other drivetrain. It does help average owners decided on a safely sized truck to tow their load in average conditions. I won't wade any further into that.