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

A transport company couples a straight truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 33,000 lbs to a utility pup trailer with a GVWR of 20,000 lbs. The truck manufacturer specifies a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 50,000 lbs. When empty, the coupled truck and trailer have a combined tare weight of 22,000 lbs. Assuming axle weights are properly distributed, what is the maximum cargo payload that can be legally and safely loaded across the combination without exceeding the manufacturer combination rating?

  1. A
    31,000 lbs
  2. 28,000 lbsAnswer
  3. C
    11,000 lbs
  4. D
    50,000 lbs

Answer

28,000 lbs
The allowable payload of a combination vehicle is constrained by its Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). Since the manufacturer rates the combination at 50,000 lbs, subtracting the combined tare weight of 22,000 lbs leaves a maximum safe cargo payload of 28,000 lbs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the binding gross weight ceiling for the coupled combination.
The manufacturer GCWR is 50,000 lbs, which is lower than the sum of individual GVWRs (33,000+20,000=53,00033,000 + 20,000 = 53,000 lbs) and therefore governs the maximum gross combination weight.
GCWR represents the maximum allowable total weight of the power unit, towed unit, and all contents combined specified by the manufacturer.
2
Subtract the combined unladen tare weight from the GCWR ceiling to calculate allowable cargo payload.
50,000 lbs−22,000 lbs=28,000 lbs50,000\text{ lbs} - 22,000\text{ lbs} = 28,000\text{ lbs}
Allowable payload equals the maximum allowable combination weight minus the empty weight of the vehicles.

Key Concept

Distinction between GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) and the sum of individual vehicle GVWRs when determining net cargo capacity.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

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

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