Common Towing Definitions - Jeep Cherokee Operating Information Manual

Common Towing Definitions

The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and tongue weight. The total load must
be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
The technically permissible maximum load on
the rear axle(s) may be exceeded by not more
than 15%, and the technically permissible
maximum laden mass of the vehicle may be
exceeded by not more than 10% or 220 lbs
(100 kg), whichever value is lower, to apply only
for this particular usage, provided that the
operating speed is restricted to 62 mph
(100 km/h) or less.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its loaded and ready for operation
condition. The recommended way to measure
GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer
must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination.
NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the ve-
hicle and have an accident.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force ex-
erted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most
cases, it should not be less than 7% or more
than 10% of the trailer load. Tongue weight
must not exceed the lesser of either the hitch
certification rating, or the trailer tongue chassis
rating. It should never be less than 4% of the
trailer load, and not less than 55 lbs (25 kg).
You must consider tongue load as part of the
load on your vehicle and its' GAWR.
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