Before you start
Read the motorhome or tow vehicle owner's manual and any trailer, hitch, tire and brake-controller manuals. Check vehicle labels and make a walk-around inspection. Road, weather and legal requirements may change along a multi-province trip.
Step-by-step guide
1 Step 1
Locate the vehicle certification label and tire/loading placard; record GVWR and each GAWR.
2 Step 2
Find the manufacturer’s GCWR, towing and hitch limits where applicable; do not estimate them from engine size.
3 Step 3
Load passengers, full travel supplies, water and fuel as you would for a trip.
4 Step 4
Weigh the loaded vehicle and trailer, ideally including individual axle loads.
5 Step 5
Compare actual axle weights with GAWR, total vehicle weight with GVWR, and combined weight with GCWR.
6 Step 6
Check hitch and tongue/pin weights and available tow-vehicle payload; use the lowest applicable rating.
7 Step 7
Remove or redistribute cargo and reweigh if any limit is exceeded.
Common problems and troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible cause | Safer next action |
|---|---|---|
| Below tow rating but over payload | Passenger, cargo and hitch loads consume payload | Reduce load or select a properly rated tow vehicle |
| One axle overweight | Uneven distribution | Rebalance cargo and verify axle weights |
| Unclear dry weight | Brochure figure excludes travel cargo | Use actual scale weights, not dry or shipping weight |
Canadian considerations
Canadian weight and dimension enforcement is provincial/territorial. Commercial-vehicle rules are not automatically identical to private RV rules; check the applicable jurisdiction.
Before a trip, check the applicable provincial or territorial transportation authority for licence, dimensions, towing equipment and seasonal road rules. Posted signs and current official notices take priority over general online guides.
Pre-departure checklist
- Confirm vehicle and trailer weights, ratings and tire condition.
- Check lights, mirrors, hitch or cargo security, and emergency equipment.
- Review weather, construction, road restrictions and fuel stops.
- Allow extra time and a safe place to stop if conditions deteriorate.
- Have a passenger or spotter help only when they can remain in a safe location.
Official resources
These links are useful starting points; check the specific page and date for current requirements.
- Transport Canada — road safety
- British Columbia driver licensing
- Ontario Driver’s Handbook
- DriveBC road conditions
- 511 Alberta
Related RV guides
Weights, kilograms and your licence
In Canada weights are quoted in kilograms, so convert manufacturer numbers carefully and weigh your loaded rig at a public scale. Your licence class, brake requirements and insurance can all depend on actual or rated weights, so record every figure.
Weighing your RV in Canada
- Use a public scale, often at truck stops, aggregate or landfill sites; call ahead for hours and fees.
- Weigh with the RV loaded the way you travel, including water, propane and passengers.
- Compare axle and total weights with the placards and your tow vehicle’s ratings.
- Record results in kilograms and update after major changes.
What if I am over my limits?
Reduce load, redistribute weight or consider a different tow vehicle or hitch setup. Being overweight affects braking, tires and insurance.