DIY Network

Exterior Maintenance Find out what you need to know about weighing your RV. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-102

Knowing how to weigh your RV is vital before heading out on the road, and RV Roadtrips host, Gary Bunzer, shows the Phillips family the ins and outs of this particular task. They not only learn how to weight an RV but why it's important.

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	Don't hit the road until you know how to weigh your RV!
	PDF Download the RV Weighing Worksheet.
	PDF Download the RV Tire Inflation Pressures Worksheet.

Note: You should only weigh your coach when it is fully packed and all the tanks are full, and then factor in the weight of each passenger.

• First weigh the entire RV to make sure it doesn't exceed the manufacturers recommendation.

• Next you want to make sure that the RV's weight is properly distributed. To do that, weigh the back and front of the RV separately and make the necessary adjustments to your cargo.

• Then it's time to check the how much weight each tire position is carrying. Weigh each quadrant of the coach by putting one wheel on the scale at a time.

• After you've weighed the RV, you can properly inflate the tires.

• Now that you know the weight you can check it against the manufacturers guidelines to make sure you are inflating the tires correctly.

Maintaining the proper weight of your RV is an important aspect of long-term RV care. Worksheets (right, above) can help you track the weights and pressure of your tires as well as keep you on schedule for maintenance or repairs.

Weighing Your RV for Proper Tire Inflation

The higher the load on the tire, the more air pressure is needed. In order to know your tire loads, you must weight the RV.

1. The RV should be fully loaded.

2. Fuel tanks, LP tanks and fresh water tank should all be FULL.

3. Have the RV totally packed with all gear, luggage, supplies, etc.

4. Make sure the holding tanks are empty.

5. Calculate the weight of all passengers and record.

6. Pull straight onto the scale until only the front axle is on the platform. Record this weight: (Front) GAW (Gross Axle Weight).

7. Pull further onto the scales until all the axles on the RV are on the platform. Record this weight: GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight).

8. Pull forward until only the rear axle is on the platform (front axle is off scale). Record this weight: (Rear) GAW (Gross Axle Weight).

9. Go back to the original starting position, off scale. Drive onto the scale with half the RV on the scale, the other half off the scale. Imagine the edge of the scale is the centerline. Pull forward until only the front axle is on the scale. Record this weight: (Single Side Front Axle Weight).

10. Now pull forward (still half on the scale) until all axles are on the scale (the entire RV). (Single Side All Axles).

11. Pull forward all the way (still half on the scale) until only rear axle is on the scale. Record this weight: (Single Side Rear Axles).

12. Once all weights are recorded, refer to the inflation chart to see how much air each tire needs.

Inflating the Tires of an RV

Ask for the pump with the dual head and dual gauge.

• Correct inflation provides proper sidewall deflection and safe operating temperatures for the tires.

• Under inflation causes excessive tire deflection, heat build up and excessive wear on the outer tread ribs which can lead to premature tire failure.

• Over Inflation causes tires to ride hard and makes them more vulnerable to damage and weakens the overall tire body.

  Note: Make sure you inflate your tires when they are cool. (RV should be driven less than one mile). Heated tires temporarily increase the tire pressure from 10 to 20 percent

• Inflate tires according to Load/Inflation chart.

RESOURCES :

Santa Teresa Chevron Station
Phone: 408-226-7414

ACE Relocation
675 Quinn Ave.
San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 408-287-7575