Why weights are so important

Terms for weights & what they mean

For the following example we have used our Road Glide Panache model. Please note that all 5th wheel weights are from certified NZ weigh bridges and all appliances and parts are from those stated by the manufacturer.

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There are a number of different terms used to describe different weight ratios and unfortunately with the added use of some USA terms it has become somewhat confusing for the buyer when trying to calculate correct weights For example: The NZ made Panache in the following state (pictured below) would be referred to by USA manufacturers as:

- UVW (unladed vehicle weight)

- Dry weight

- Shipping weight

NZ manufacturers do not use the above measurement as we are required to supply a Tare weight.  However, the Panache when weighed in this state is:

 

2385kg

 

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The standard NZ practice is to use a Tare weight instead...

The picture below shows the Panche with the additional items that are included for a Tare weight. 

The Tare weight is important as it includes all of the things that are always in the 5th wheel to make it livable. These are usually items that are attached to the unit and that is why we always use a Tare weight. They do not include personal items for yourself or to kit your unit out.

The Panache Tare weight is 2580kg. The items that make up the difference have a total weight of 195kg for the Panache.

If you added an A/C unit that amount would be 65kg more so the Tare would now be 2645kg.

 

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How these weights affect cargo capacity

All 5th wheels that are to be towed by a WoF ute such as a Navara, Ranger, Hilux, Colorado, Landcruiser, Patrol etc must have a manufacturers GVM of 3500kg or less. The GVM is the maximum weight the manufacturer says the 5th wheel can weigh when towing. The GVM (gross vehicle mass) is often also called the GTM (gross trailer mass) the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) or the Gross Weight.

 

The Panache has a manufacturers GVM of:

3480kg

 

So if you were to be going on a decent length "freedom camping" holiday you would want to fill up the fresh water tank with water. The Panache has a huge 280L fresh tank, which when filled adds 280kg to the weight of the unit.

 

Using the Panaches Tare weight we can now add the weight of the fresh water:

 

                          2580kg (Tare)    +    280kg (water)    =    2860kg   

 

As the Panache has a GVM of 3480kg we can subtract the weight of the unit with fresh water and arrive at the cargo capacity for food, clothes, camping equipment etc.

 

3480kg (GTM)    -    2860kg (Panache with full fresh tank)    =     620kg (Cargo)

 

We always like to ask our happy Road Glide owners what they find useful to take away and how much weight in cargo they take when holidaying or full-timing. Many go over weigh bridges for their own personal interest, so through feedback we have a very good knowledge on what sort of weights are being carried.

A Short holiday of 10-20 days requires 200-300kg of cargo

A longer holiday or full-timing requires 400-500kg of cargo

This may seem like a lot, but by the time you include:

         - Any optional extras such as solar, outside bbq etc

         - Fridge/freezer full of food

        - Soft drink, wine, beer etc

        - Fruit, veges, canned foods etc

        - Clothes, shoes, toiletries

        - Tools

        - Generator & extra fuel

        - Bikes, kayaks, inflatable boats etc

        - Black water (sewer)

        - The list is really endless       

Comparisons for available models in NZ

Below is a table that shows a comparison of GVMs, Tares and Cargo Capacities for three of our models compared to some other "Light Weight" (WoF) registered 5^th Wheels travelling on our NZ roads.

NB: For comparison purposes we have allowed 150litres of Fresh Water therefore the remaining Cargo Capacity is for Personal Goods and optional extras. We have also put in a UVW/Dry weight in the table as it is an USA term that is often referred to/advertised, even though the 5th Wheel would basically be impractical to use in the UVW/Dry state. The more extras that are fitted to your unit means, that the weight of those extras are deducted from your available cargo capacity.  

Make/Model 5th wheel	UVW/Dry (add approx 200kg for tare weight)	Tare (includes standard features awning, spare, gas etc)	GVM As advertised by the manufacturer or importer	Cargo Capacity remaining with 150L of fresh water	Legal Width	Door on NZ side
Panache (8.5m)	2380kg	2580kg	3480kg	750kg	Yes	Yes
248RLS (7.8m)	2100kg	2300kg	3300kg	850kg	Yes	Yes
Free Spirit (7.1m)	1980kg	2180kg	3080kg	750kg	Yes	Yes
A (8.2m)	2200kg	2400kg	3200kg	650kg	Yes	Yes
B (7.6m)	2700kg	2900kg	3490kg	440kg	Yes	Yes
C (9.1m)	2850kg	3050kg	3490kg	290kg	Yes	Yes
D (8.0m)	2850kg	3050kg	3493kg	293kg	No	No
E (8.3m)	2900kg	3100kg	3493kg	243kg	No	No
F (Manufacturer states - 8.6m Importer states - 8.0m)	3130kg	3330kg	3500kg (5339kg is the manufacturers GVWR)	20kg	No	No

As you can see from the above table the GVM stated by the manufacturer or importer can have far reaching implications, as this in turn, with the Tare deducted from the GVM determines how much cargo capacity is available to allow you to travel legally on a WoF. The bottom line is if you exceed the GVM by loading up your 5th Wheel with too many extras and too much cargo you are then towing an illegal vehicle. It is up to you as the owner to ensure that you do not exceed the GVM limit of your 5th Wheel. For some models by adding optional extras such as solar, extra batteries, air conditioning etc you can easily exceed the GVM with no cargo.  The lighter a 5th wheel is the less fuel you will use to tow it, the faster you will be able to travel up hills and passes and the less stress will be put on the tow vehicle.