Determine the GVWR by looking on the label located on the driver's door post of most vehicles.  Enter that figure into the table below.

    Determine the NET WEIGHT by taking an unloaded vehicle to a public scale and getting it weighed.  Enter the weight into the table below. 

Weight of passengers carried

Weight of all fuel, water, oil and equipment (tools, etc.)

Weight of all after-market items installed

Weight of any cargo

Weight of other miscellaneous items to be carried

Subtract the "Load to be Carried" from the "Maximum Allowable Load".

If the "Maximum Allowable Load" will be exceeded, you must reduce the weight of the "Load to be Carried" in order to remain in compliance with your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

For optimum results, reduce the "Maximum Allowable Load" to 75% of the maximum and stay within that limit to allow a margin of safety.

When integrating a tow vehicle with a trailer, either a fiver or travel trailer, add the GVWR of the trailer with the GVWR of the tow vehicle. If they add up to more than the GCWR of the tow vehicle it's a bad match. The only solution is to pick a lighter trailer or a bigger tow vehicle. The same applies to a self contained unit and a towed unit, either four wheels down or on a dolly.