When choosing an RV there a few factors to keep in mind…. First is the Tow Rating of your vehicle. The Tow Rating of you vehicle will allow you to choose an RV in the proper weight for what your vehicle is capable of towing. As a guideline you should choose an RV that has an UVW of approximately 80% of the tow rating of your vehicle. This will give you a room for loading the RV with supplies, fresh water, etc.
Example: If you can tow 15,000 lbs, you should look at an RV around the 12,000 lbs. or less UVW.
15,000 x 80% = 12,000 lbs.
GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. You can think of the GVWR as a weight limit for your specific RV -- a weight limit set by the manufacturer. Gross vehicle weight ratings take into account the unloaded vehicle weight of the RV plus the weight of any optional accessories, cargo and passengers. A vehicle should never be loaded beyond the manufacturer's listed GVWR.
GCWR Gross Combined Weight Rating. The maximum allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle and the attached towed vehicle. GCWR assumes both vehicles have functioning brakes, with exceptions in some cases for very light towed vehicles, normally less than 1,500 pounds. (check your chassis manual or towing guide).
Tow Rating Tow Rating or Towing Capacity is a measure describing the upper limit to the weight of a trailer a vehicle can tow. This should never be exceeded. To determine the tow rating of your vehicle you should either consult the manufactures website, owner's manual or www.trailerlife.com
UVW Unloaded Vehicle Weight. The weight of a vehicle as built at the factory with full fuel, engine (generator) oil and coolants. It does not include cargo, fresh water, LP gas, occupants or dealer installed accessories.
CC Carry Capacity. The Amount of Cargo, Fresh Water, Grey and Black Water, LP Gas, Occupants and dealer installed accessories that unit can hold with out exceeding the GVWR. This is calculated by taking the GWVR and subtracting the UVW to determine the Carry Capacity.
GVWR-UVW=CC
EXAMPLE: 15,000 lbs.(GVWR)-12,000 lbs.(UVW) = 3,000 lbs. (CC)