Imagine the result ARCADIS DOT Program Commercial Motor Vehicles Imagine the result

Part 8: Trailer Issues

Imagine the result A Quick Definition and Acronym Review GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight. Means the weight of the vehicle including cargo and passengers. GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single motor vehicle. GCW - Gross Combination Weight. Means the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer. GCWR - Gross Combination Weight Rating. The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination (truck and trailer) motor vehicle. In the absence of a value specified by the manufacturer, GCWR will be determined by adding the GVWR of the truck and the total weight of the trailer and any load thereon.

Imagine the result A Quick Definition and Acronym Review GAW - Gross Axle Weight. The total weight placed on each axle (front and rear). GAWR - Gross Axle Weight Rating. Means the maximum weight to be carried by a single axle (front or rear). Tongue Load - The weight that is placed on the hitch ball from a loaded trailer.

Imagine the result Basic Trailer Connection Review Before attaching a trailer, read the vehicle and trailer specifications and follow instructions Don’t exceed the GCWR! Refer to the Owner’s Manual

Imagine the result Attach Trailer Properly Ensure Connection Compatibility Verify Functionality of Lights Cross Safety Chains Maintain Slack but Don’t Let Drag on Ground Combined Chain Strength ≥ GVW of Trailer Hitch/Ball Mount/Ball Rated for Trailer GVWR Hitch Ball and Trailer Coupling Device Compatible Size

Imagine the result But Did You Consider the Following? Ensure applicable ratings and limits are not exceeded It is against ARCADIS policy to exceed the GVWR, GCWR or GAWR of the truck and/or trailer Remember, trailer tongue load affects the truck GVW Truck GVWR +Trailer GVWR ≤ Truck GCWR Trailer GVW ≤ Trailer GVWR Truck GVW ≤ Truck GVWR Front GAW ≤ Front GAWR Combined GAW – Front GAW + Tongue Load ≤ Rear GAWR Rear GAW ≤ Rear GAWR

Imagine the result How to Find the GAWR... Look on the Vehicle Safety Certification Label:

Imagine the result Need to Figure Out Your Axle Weights, Tongue Weight or Gross Combined Weight? Go to a public scale and weigh your combination vehicle using the following methods: Scales are usually located at truck stops Note: The controls might be >6 ft off the ground because of semi trucks. USE TRACK!

Imagine the result What About State Regulations Regarding Trailers? You should consult State laws regarding trailers DOT Facts-006e has a summary of state trailer requirements - Located on the DOT Program Page of APEX Regardless of Federal or State law: It is ARCADIS policy that all trailers ≥ 1500 pounds GVWR are required to have brakes. Why? Because truck manufacturer’s only design their brake systems to function properly at the truck’s GVWR not the GCWR!

Imagine the result Conclusion Review the Procedure Word.docx Review FAQs Word.docx Review Summary of State Trailer Requirements Excel.xlsx Review the Fact Sheets Multiple Documents