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

A commercial driver is planning cargo placement for a two-axle box truck towing a utility trailer. The truck has a manufacturer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 24000 lbs24{}000\text{ lbs}, the trailer has a GVWR of 12000 lbs12{}000\text{ lbs}, and the manufacturer specifies a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 33000 lbs33{}000\text{ lbs} for the combined unit. If the total unladen empty weight of the truck and trailer combined is 15000 lbs15{}000\text{ lbs}, what is the maximum total weight of cargo that can be safely and legally loaded onto this combination?

  1. A
    9000 lbs9{}000\text{ lbs}
  2. 18000 lbs18{}000\text{ lbs}Answer
  3. C
    21000 lbs21{}000\text{ lbs}
  4. D
    33000 lbs33{}000\text{ lbs}

Answer

18000 lbs18{}000\text{ lbs}
The allowable cargo payload for a combination vehicle is governed by the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), which represents the maximum allowable total weight of the power unit, trailer, and cargo combined. Subtracting the combined unladen empty weight of 15000 lbs15{}000\text{ lbs} from the specified GCWR of 33000 lbs33{}000\text{ lbs} gives a maximum cargo capacity of 18000 lbs18{}000\text{ lbs}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the governing total weight limit for the combined vehicle configuration.
The manufacturer specified Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is 33000 lbs33{}000\text{ lbs}.
When vehicles operate in combination, the overall gross combination weight must not exceed the GCWR, even if the sum of individual GVWRs is higher.
2
Subtract the combined unladen empty weight from the Gross Combination Weight Rating.
33000 lbs−15000 lbs=18000 lbs33{}000\text{ lbs} - 15{}000\text{ lbs} = 18{}000\text{ lbs}.
The allowable cargo payload is the difference between the maximum rated combination weight and the actual tare weight of the equipment.

Key Concept

Calculation of allowable payload in a combination vehicle using Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) versus individual Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR)
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

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

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