How it works
RV makers print a cargo carrying capacity (CCC) on the weight label inside the RV. It starts from the gross vehicle weight rating and takes away everything the RV weighs before you load it, including a full tank of water and full propane.
CCC = GVWR − UVW − full fresh water − full propane − (sleeping positions × 154 lb, motorhomes)
Water: 8.34 lb/gal · Propane: 4.2 lb/gal
The calculator also runs a planned check with what you will actually carry: the water in the tank, your real passenger weight, dealer-added equipment and your gear. That result is compared with the full capacity (GVWR − UVW).
Worked example
Travel trailer with a 9,000 lb GVWR, 7,000 lb UVW, 40 gal fresh tank and 14 gal of propane.
- Full water: 40 × 8.34 = 334 lb; full propane: 14 × 4.2 = 59 lb
- Label CCC: 9,000 − 7,000 − 334 − 59 = 1,607 lb
- Planned: 20 gal of water (167 lb) + propane (59 lb) + 900 lb of gear + 120 lb of dealer options = 1,246 lb, leaving 754 lb.
What common RV gear weighs
Typical weights to help you estimate. Weigh your own gear for accuracy.
| Item | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Fresh water, 40 gal | 334 lb (151 kg) |
| Propane, two 30 lb cylinders (full) | 60 lb (27 kg) |
| Group 24 battery (each) | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Food and drinks, long weekend for 4 | 150 lb (68 kg) |
| Bedding, towels and clothes for 4 | 120 lb (54 kg) |
| Kitchen gear, pots and dishes | 60 lb (27 kg) |
| Camp chairs, table, grill | 80 lb (36 kg) |
| Hoses, leveling blocks, chocks, tools | 60 lb (27 kg) |
Where the capacity goes
Owners are often surprised how quickly CCC disappears. Batteries, a spare tire, bikes and a full pantry can reach several hundred pounds before clothes and camping gear. Black and gray tanks add weight too if you travel without dumping; the RV water and propane calculator adds them up.
For towables, also check the tow vehicle. A fifth wheel can put 20% or more of its weight on the truck, which counts against payload: use the fifth wheel pin weight calculator. Finally, make sure the tires can carry the loaded weight with the trailer tire load calculator.
Common mistakes
- Using the brochure dry weight. The label UVW of your actual unit is usually higher.
- Forgetting dealer options. Batteries, awnings and hitches installed after the factory are not in UVW.
- Leaving out passengers in a motorhome. Every passenger counts against CCC.
- Never weighing the RV. A certified scale shows the real loaded weight and each axle.