wheel chair setup in GVWR

[bob.rita]

OK, I have been reading this forum and I am still confused. We have a 31' Sovreign with a tow weight of 6500lbs/ 5400dry, at least according to the manual. I use a wheel chair and still drive so I want my chair with me when we travel. Setup for chair, lift etc approx. 400lbs and will be in rear of van.
We are looking at a used 7.8l diesel van as a tow vehicle. Do I subtract the weight of our AS from the GVWR of the van as stated on rear bumper of van then subtract the chair setup from it to find a safe tow limit for all???
OR>>>
Do I add chair setup plus AS at 6500lbs plus van weight to see if it exceeds GVWR as stated on bumper panel???

[Rick's73]

what size of van? Ford/GM 150/250/350? Technically GVWR includes bodies on board also.

I have a 27' overlander (4400 dry, 6800GVWR), my w/c lift etc. is on the side door of my van. I have a Ford E-150 with a 5.4L gas job.

If I truly am at 6800 trailer weight loaded (which i highly doubt), I would be over. But my van pulls it no problem. An equalizer/weight distribution hitch would give you less hitch weight.

Rick

[74Argosy24MH]

Either way you will get the same number. Adding the total weight of the van, lift, and trailer should give you a weight below the GVW, this difference is the weight you have for passengers and gear.
If you subtract the weight of the van, trailer and lift from the GVW it should give you the same weight for passengers and gear.

John

[bob.rita]

Originally posted by Rick's73
what size of van? Ford/GM 150/250/350? Technically GVWR includes bodies on board also.

I have a 27' overlander (4400 dry, 6800GVWR), my w/c lift etc. is on the side door of my van. I have a Ford E-150 with a 5.4L .

Rick

Ok, found van with lift already installed but GVWR is only 9600lbs. This is a large van Ford F350, engine 7.3l diesel. I think this will do the trick...do they even make bigger engines???
If I subtract 6500lbs from 9600lbs as shown on spec plate I am only left with 3100lbs and this just seems too little for weight of van with chair and lift. Am I doing something wrong????
Thanks for your reply nice to know other wheelies are AS folks too.
RITA <G>

[Pahaska]

I think you are confusing GVWR and GCWR.

GCWR is the total of the van and trailer. i.e. Gross COMBINED Weight Rating.

GVWR is just the max weight of the van with all contents including hitch weight.

You have to stay within both limits, but I'll bet that GCWR will be a lot higher than 9600# on a diesel F350. Probably more like 12,500#.