HOW DO I KNOW MY TRUCK WILL BE OK TO TOW MY BOAT?

                                                            

HOW DO I KNOW MY TRUCK WILL BE OK TO TOW MY BOAT?

I am still taken back by a trip to the local boat ramp. The things I see are frightful. It is bad enough that the trailers are incorrectly set up for the loads being placed on them, deep launches with the tow vehicle half way into the water, the absolute lack of proper safety tie downs. One of the scariest things of all are some of  the tow vehicles that are being used to move these boats through our streets. You can move a trailer loaded with a boat with a ride lawn tractor but that doesn't make it at all safe! Its not the getting going that is the issue its the stopping and safe control of the trailer and the tow vehicle. There must be ten thousand video segments on boat launch and retrieval, are they all that bad(well maybe), boat launching is an experience skill no doubt. For gods sake if your going to own and operate a trailer boat which includes all those jet ski boaters who by the way are just as bad at the ramp then learn something about your tow vehicle and trailer and spend some time here. The wrong set up is not only dangerous for the owner of the tow vehicle, but is more dangerous for the rest of the traffic and pedestrians on the road. Have you ever dipped the back brakes of your truck in the salt water drove to the first traffic light and locked up the rear tires of your tow vehicle, it is unnerving.

The following information is to help you understand how to be sure the vehicle you are towing with is up for the job!

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for general reference; other states, province’s or municipalities regulations may differ.

This guide applies solely to the non-commercial operation of trailers. Trailer

combinations operated for commercial purposes are governed by different regulations

and standards.

HOW TO DETERMINE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS FOR RECREATIONAL

VEHICLES

If hauling a camper unit, towing a loaded boat trailer or fifth wheel, the following steps will help you in determining what your vehicle is capable of towing or hauling. This guide is intended to assist you. Should conflict arise please refer to the Traffic Safety Act and its regulations for your specific region.

Terms and Definitions

“Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)”; the GAWR refers to the maximum weight an axle

is designed to carry. The GAWR is a safety standard used to prevent overloading.

Manufacturers set the Gross Axle Weight Rating based on requirements set by

Transport Canada.(Or the governing body in your region)

“Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)”; the GVWR refers to the maximum weight a

vehicle is designed to carry including the net weight of the vehicle with accessories, plus

the weight of passengers, fuels, and cargo. The GVWR is a safety standard used to

prevent overloading. Manufacturers set the GVWR based on requirements set by

Transport Canada. The weight on an axle can vary depending on where items are

stored.

“Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)”; the GCWR, sometimes expressed as the

maximum trailer towing capacity, may change with different engine, transmission, and

differential combinations, and is normally found in the owner's manual. The GCWR is

the maximum weight of the truck and trailer combined. The maximum trailer towing

capacity is the maximum weight of a trailer which may be towed when your truck is

empty (no payload), any load carried in the truck will reduce its maximum trailer towing

capacity.

“Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)” is the number of kilograms derived by adding the weights

on all the axles of your loaded vehicle.

“Net Weight” is the weight of a vehicle that is empty except for the maximum capacity of

fuel, oil, and coolant necessary for its operation. (ALSO referred to as “CURB Weight”)

(MVAR)

Conversion

To convert: Multiply kilogram by 2.2

Divide pounds by 2.2

Net (CURB) Weight of the Vehicle Used to Tow or Haul

• Weigh the front axle and rear axle of the vehicle

• Add front and rear axle weight to achieve Net Vehicle Weight

o For example:

􀂃 Front axle weight equals – 1200 kg

􀂃 Rear axle weight equals – 1400 kg

􀂃 Total Net Vehicle Weight equals – 2600 kg

Manufactured Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

• Refer to the manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (located on drivers side

door)

• Refer to Diagram:

• In this case the GVWR is 5171 kg, the front GAWR is 2722 kg and the rear

GAWR is 3175

• Note:

o The front and rear GAWR’s added together will always be greater than

the GVWR

YOU SHOULD NEVER EXCEED THESE THREE RATINGS

Vehicle Payload

• once the Net Weight and GVWR has been determined, subtract the Net Vehicle

Weight from the GVWR

o For example:

􀂃 GVWR equals – 5171 kg

􀂃 Net Weight equals – 2600 kg

􀂃 Vehicle Payload equals 2571 kg

Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

• The previous steps also apply to recreational trailers when determining its

carrying capacity

• Locate the manufacturer’s GVWR label (located near the front of the trailer,

accompanied by the VIN number)

• Subtract the net trailer weight from the GVWR; this will give you the actual

carrying capacity of the recreational trailer

 NEVER EXCEED THIS WEIGHT CAPACITY

EXAMPLES

Truck and Camper Unit

Manufacturer’s Ratings

• GVWR = 2800 kg

• Front GAWR = 1600 kg

• Rear GAWR = 1400 kg

Vehicle Net Weight (without camper unit)

• Net Weight = 1900 kg

• Front Axle = 1200 kg

• Rear Axle = 700 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight (loaded)

• GVW = 3900 kg

• Front Axle Weight = 1450 kg

• Rear Axle Weight = 2450 kg

Vehicle Payload

• GVWR 2800 kg – Net Weight 1900 kg = Payload 900 kg

THIS UNIT HAS EXCEEDED THE GVWR BY 1100 kg AND THE REAR GAWR BY

1050 kg

Truck Towing Recreational Trailer

Manufacturer’s Ratings

• GVWR = 3800 kg

• Front GAWR = 1600 kg

• Rear GAWR = 2400 kg

Vehicle Net Weight (without trailer)

• Net Weight = 2100 kg

• Front Axle = 1200 kg

• Rear Axle = 900

Gross Vehicle Weight of Truck (loaded)

• GVW = 3300 kg

• Front Axle Weight = 1200 kg

• Rear Axle Weight = 2100 kg

Vehicle Payload

• GVWR 3800kg – Net Weight 2100 kg = Payload 1700 kg

THIS UNIT HAS NOT EXCEEDED THE MANUFACTURER’S GVWR OR THE GAWR

*CALCULATE YOUR VEHICLES PAYLOAD

Manufacturer’s Rating (Door Post)

• GVWR =

• Front GAWR =

• Rear GAWR =

Vehicle Net Weight (Empty)

• Net Weight

• Front Axle

• Rear Axle

Gross Vehicle Weight (loaded)

• GVW

• Front Axle Weight

• Rear Axle Weight

Vehicle Payload

• GVWR – Net Weight = Payload

*To convert:

• Multiply kg by 2.2

• Divide lbs by 2.2

KEY FACTORS TO REMEMBER

• You should not exceed manufacturer’s GVWR

• You should not exceed manufacturer’s GAWR

• Adding components such as air bags or overload springs does not allow these

rating to be increased or exceeded

• When coupled to a trailer unit or fifth wheel remember each unit will transition

weight to the towing unit (hitch weight). Take this into consideration when

determining the GVWR and GAWR.

• Make sure fifth wheel mounts and ball receiver hitches are rated accordingly and

do not to exceed the manufacturers ratings

• Ensure tire pressure is maintained according to manufacturers specifications

• You should not exceed the GCWR. Check your owner’s manual for the GCWR

(towing capabilities). If you tow a load that is too heavy for your vehicle, you

create a potential safety risk for yourself and others on the road. You may also

void warranties.

Tires

• The original manufacturer of your vehicle and trailer will designate acceptable tire

sizes and type; any replacement tires should meet these requirements. A couple

requirements that apply to tires to be aware of:

o On-highway vehicles must use tires that are designed for on-highway use

o Tires have a rated carrying capacity, the sum of the total rated capacity for

the tires on an axle must be greater than the GAWR

o All tires that share an axle be the

same



BRAKING REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAILERS

When are Brakes Required on Trailers

• If the trailer has a gross laden weight more than 910 kg

• If the trailer weighs 50 per cent or more of the towing vehicle

Types of Brakes Required

• The service brakes on a motor vehicle or on a combination of vehicles are

adequate if they can bring the motor vehicle or combination to a stop

o if the motor vehicle or combination is moving at 30 kilometres per hour and

loaded to capacity when the brakes are applied,

o on a level surface free from loose materials and consisting of dry paving of

asphalt or concrete, and

o within 10 metres from the point at which the brakes are applied

• The emergency or parking brake on a motor vehicle or on a combination of

vehicles is adequate if it can bring the motor vehicle or combination to a stop

o if the motor vehicle or combination is moving at 30 kilometres per hour and

loaded to capacity when the brake is applied,

o on a level surface free from loose materials and consisting of dry paving of

asphalt or concrete, and

o within 16 metres from the point at which the brake is applied

• The brakes on a vehicle that tows a trailer are adequate if they are capable of

controlling the safe movement of the towing unit

• The emergency brake or parking brake system of a motor vehicle or combination

of vehicles must hold the motor vehicle or combination at a stop if they are

loaded to capacity and facing up or down a 20 per cent grade

Trailer Breakaway Device

• A breakaway device is not specifically required in all legislation. The owner

must maintain the vehicle combination in a safe operating condition.

• A person shall not drive or operate a vehicle that is towing a trailer unless the

trailer is attached to the towing unit by two separate means of attachment

designed so that the failure of one attachment does not permit the trailer to

separate from the towing unit

• Each means of attachment must have sufficient strength to pull all the weight

towed by the towing unit

• The secondary means of attachment must be capable of

o towing the trailer so that the trailer substantially follows in the track of the

towing vehicle, and

o preventing the drawbar of the trailer or the primary means of attachment from

touching the road surface

• The lead trailer in a combination is the towing unit for the second trailer

• A fifth wheel trailer does not require a second means of attachment

EXAMPLES

In these scenarios the trailer may or may not be required to have brakes but the brakes

for the vehicle combination are still required to adequately stop the combination (see

types of brakes required section, pg. 8).

Trailer Exceeds 910 kg and Weighs More Than 50% of the Towing Vehicle Weight

BRAKES ARE REQUIRED ON TRAILER

Trailer Does Not Exceed 910 kg and Weighs Less Than 50% of Towing Vehicle Weight

and Consists of a Single Axle

BRAKES ARE NOT REQUIRED ON TRAILER

Trailer weighs more than 910 kg and is Less Than 50% of Towing Vehicle Weight

TOWING NUMEROUS TRAILERS

• Two trailers can only be towed if the lead trailer is a fifth wheel trailer with at least

two axles in tandem.

• The length from the front of the towing vehicle to the rear of the last trailer can

not exceed 20 metres

• The hitch fastening the second trailer to the first trailer must be fastened to the

frame of the first trailer

• The longer trailer must be the first trailer

Trailers: Federal Lighting Equipment Location Requirements

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Every lamp, reflex reflector, and conspicuity treatment must be permanently attached in the location specified below and must comply with all applicable requirements prescribed for it by FMVSS/CMVSS 108.  The face of any device on the front/rear and sides should be, respectively perpendicular and parallel to the vehicles centerline unless it is photometrically certified at installation angle.  No part of the vehicle shall prevent any device from meeting its prescribed requirements unless an auxiliary device meeting all prescribed requirements is installed.
IN CANADA: Manufacturers and importers of vehicles must have the proper certification test records demonstrating compliance of lighting components with all prescribed requirements.

BASIC EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ON ALL TRAILERS

DESCRIPTION				MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Area	Equipment	SAE Lens Coding	Functional Purpose	Quantity	Colour	Location	Height mm (in.) from ground
	Tail Lamps	(T)	Indicate vehicle's presence and width	Minimum 2	Red	On the rear - symmetrical as far apart as practicable	380-1830 (15-72)
	Stop Lamps	(S)	Indicate braking	Minimum 2	Red	On the rear - symmetrical as far apart as practicable	380-1830 (15-72)
	Rear Turn Signal Lamps	(I)	Indicate direction of turn	Minimum 2	Red or Yellow	On the rear - symmetrical as far apart as practicable	380-2110 (15-83)
	Rear Reflex Reflectors	(A)	Indicate vehicle's presence and width	Minimum 2	Red	On the rear - symmetrical as far apart as practicable facing rearward	380-1530 (15-60)
	License Plate Lamp(s)	(L)	Illuminates license plate	Minimum 1	White	On the rear - above or at the sides of license plate	No requirement
	Rear Side Marker Lamps	(P2, PC* OR P3, PC2*) *photometrically certified at installation angle	Indicate vehicle's presence and length	Minimum 2	Red	Each side at rear as far back as practicable	380-1530 (15-60) no max. for veh. under 2032mm (80"") wide
	Rear Side Reflex Reflectors	(A)	Indicate vehicle's presence and length	Minimum 2	Red	Each side at rear as far back as practicable facing sideward	380-1530 (15-60)
	Front Side Marker Lamps	(P2, PC* OR P3, PC2*) *photometrically certified at installation angle	Indicate vehicle's presence and length	Minimum 2	Yellow	Each side at front as far forward as practicable	380 (15) minimum
	Front Side Reflex Reflectors	(A)	Indicate vehicle's presence and length	Minimum 2	Yellow	Each side at front as far forward as practicable facing sideward	380-1530 (15