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Difficulty: MediumWeight Definitions and Limits (GVWR, GCWR, Axle Weights)

A commercial two-axle straight truck has an unladen (tare) weight of 11650 lbs11{}650\text{ lbs} and a manufacturer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26000 lbs26{}000\text{ lbs}. The vehicle's front steering axle has a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 10000 lbs10{}000\text{ lbs}, and the rear drive axle has a GAWR of 17500 lbs17{}500\text{ lbs}. Assuming cargo is properly distributed across the axles, what is the maximum legal payload weight, in pounds (lbs), that this truck can carry without exceeding its GVWR?

Answer: 14350 lbs

Answer

14,350 lbs
Payload capacity is determined by subtracting the unladen (tare) weight from the maximum allowable gross weight. The maximum allowable gross weight is capped by the vehicle's GVWR (26000 lbs26{}000\text{ lbs}). Subtracting the tare weight of 11650 lbs11{}650\text{ lbs} from 26000 lbs26{}000\text{ lbs} results in an allowable payload of 14350 lbs14{}350\text{ lbs}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the governing maximum gross weight limit
26,000 lbs
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) specified by the manufacturer is the absolute maximum operating weight of a single vehicle. Even though the combined axle weight ratings (GAWRs) sum to 27,500 lbs, the vehicle cannot legally or safely exceed its GVWR of 26,000 lbs.
2
Subtract the tare weight from the GVWR
14,350 lbs
Allowable payload is calculated as the maximum allowable gross weight minus the unladen (empty) weight of the truck: 26,000 lbs - 11,650 lbs = 14,350 lbs.

Key Concept

Calculation of allowable payload under GVWR vs. sum of GAWRs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Weight Definitions and Limits (GVWR, GCWR, Axle Weights)

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