GVWR? GAWR? GCWR? TVWR?

I have a '91 GMC Topkick that has no owner's manual and the doorplate is missing that has the GVWR, etc., information. Is there any way of determining the GVWR and GCWR for this truck. The GMC dealer can give me the axle ratings from the VIN (8100 lbs. frt, 15000 lbs. rr) but by comparing other vehicle GAWR to their GVWR I have determined that the sum of the axle ratings is usually greater than the GVWR. As far as determining the GCWR, I've had no luck.  Any info is appreciated.  

You need to go to another dealer. They or the GMC website should be able to help you.  

You're on the right track. Most likely your GVW number is 20,000 lbs. and your towing rating is probably somewhere between 12K and 15K. Would suggest your best bet is to contact one of the GMC Fleet and Commercial public relations people and they can get you to the exact guy with the specs on your truck. And you're correct in noting the numbers don't seem to add up exactly like they might on lighter-duty pickups. With all that said, you've got a powerful truck and it was specifically designed for hard work so we're guessing you have some big plans for the truck. Be sure to take a picture of the truck for us and have it ready to upload onto our coming Rearder's Rides section on our website. This will compliment the Truck Trend Annual Reader's Ride special we do every January/February issue. Thanks again for coming to Truck Trend.com.  

hey all,

so I FINALLY found a site that lists all the towing specs for pretty much every vehicle (lol, it even has it for mini coopers?!?)

Its kind of spread out in a way that's not terribly helpful, but all the info is there.

go here: Towing

Use the search bar to look for the data (ie type in GVWR if that's what you want...then click on the article that says How Gross Vehicle Weight works. It's the same for Cargo Capacity, payload, etc.

Here's a link just to the GVWR


then select your make at the top. Hope this helps!  

frankiespills:
hey all,

so I FINALLY found a site that lists all the towing specs for pretty much every vehicle (lol, it even has it for mini coopers?!?)

Its kind of spread out in a way that's not terribly helpful, but all the info is there.

go here: Towing

Use the search bar to look for the data (ie type in GVWR if that's what you want...then click on the article that says How Gross Vehicle Weight works. It's the same for Cargo Capacity, payload, etc.

Here's a link just to the GVWR


then select your make at the top. Hope this helps!



Good find, How Stuff Works is an awesome site.  

Ah, even better. I found a page that lists all the towing articles in one place (way more helpful than the link I posted above)

towing