GVWR while parked...

[SkyBound]

Every trailer has a GVWR that must be respected while towing, as we all know. But what happens when it's parked? Let's say you haul your trailer 300lbs under the GVWR all packed up, and get to your campsite... Then all the occupants of your vehicle hop in, and the neighbours come over, etc. and now you have 500+ lbs of extra weight in the trailer above the GVWR. Is this figure for towing purposes only?

[Rustic Eagle]

By definition the GVWR of an RV applies to all conditions, stationary or moving. IMO the most important condition is when in tow (moving), because there are numerous conditions that come into play....., and obviously exceeding one's GVWR while in motion is a totally different ball game.

In reality some of us may exceed our RV's GVWR under stationary conditions while camping (passengers, fluids, etc.), but this shouldn't compromise the RV.

Bob

[SkyBound]

If this is in fact the case, there is evidently a huge failure by design in many of the smaller trailers. Many of them gross out at 3500lbs with less than 500lbs of payload. Seems impossible Jayco would produce trailers that can't actually accommodate a family without going over the GVWR while parked.

I agree that it's not really a safety issue while parked, and that most of us do it. But my question is more of a definition one I suppose - not so much as "can" it be done but more "should." Interested to know how the RV engineers view this limitation.

[clutch]

Weight should only be an issue while towing. You don't need to deal with emergencies on the road in a campground.

[tslarson]

I think this all comes down to static load vs. dynamic load. The trailer must be able to support the gross weight stated while going down the road, bouncing over bumps. Just think how much real load is on the suspension and frame as the trailer lands on the wheels after a bump, many times the actual weight of the trailer. In a static condition while camping, the frame and suspension can handle that same load. That is a number nobody really knows, but should far exceed the amount of people and gear that can fit in anyone's trailer.
So here is a good question: If I have a trailer that weights 5000 lbs, what is the actual load on the frame, suspension, wheels and tires as it lands after going over a good sized bump?

[Paintinfool3]

well the advertised gawr on the 338 rets in brochure was 8500 something and the actual gawr as posted on the door when I got it was 9574 with roughly 1600 payload from there... then you add full water and its down to 945 with 4 family members in it and nothing else that would pretty much wipe it out so I am going to vote for once its parked and stabilizers are down I am not going to worry about it

[Rocket15]

Being supported on the stabilizer jacks should solve the overweight issue.