Cargo Capacity
The difference between an RV's GVWR and its dry weight. The amount of weight you can legally add (water, propane, passengers, gear) before exceeding the rating.
Also called: cargo capacity, payload, CCC, cargo carrying capacity, NCC
Cargo capacity is the difference between an RV’s GVWR (maximum legal loaded weight) and its dry weight (empty weight). It’s the amount of weight you can legally add to the rig before exceeding the manufacturer’s rating.
Cargo capacity is often dramatically smaller than renters expect.
A typical cargo capacity audit
For a 28-foot Class C with 14,500 lb dry weight and 18,000 lb GVWR:
Cargo capacity = 3,500 lb
Allocation:
- Fresh water (60 gal × 8.3 lb/gal): 500 lb
- Propane (14 gal × 4.2 lb/gal): 60 lb
- Black tank (assume half-full at 25 gal × 8.3): 210 lb
- Grey tank (assume half-full at 30 gal × 8.3): 250 lb
- 2 adults + 2 kids: 540 lb
- Clothes, bedding, towels: 200 lb
- Food, drinks, kitchen kit: 300 lb
- Camp chairs, awning gear, outdoor gear: 250 lb
- Bicycles on rear rack: 80 lb
Total: 2,390 lb of 3,500 lb = 68% used. OK margin.
Now add: a 65 lb gas grill, two coolers full of ice (200 lb), beach gear (50 lb), kayaks on roof rack (100 lb), 8 days of food for a family (400 lb).
Total: 3,205 lb of 3,500 lb = 92% used. Very thin margin.
Why this matters
Exceeding cargo capacity means:
- Tires are over-rated (blowout risk)
- Brakes are sized for less load (longer stopping distance)
- Insurance may deny claims in accidents
- Frame stress and suspension wear accelerate
How to measure your actual loaded weight
The reliable way is the CAT scale at a truck stop. Drive the loaded RV onto the scale ($14-18). Get a printed weight ticket with axle weights. Compare to manufacturer ratings.
For renters, this should happen on day 1 of a long trip or any trip near the cargo limit.
Cargo capacity by RV class
Approximate cargo capacities for rental-equivalent rigs:
| Class | Typical cargo capacity |
|---|---|
| Class B camper van | 700-1,200 lb |
| Class C 24-28 ft | 1,800-3,500 lb |
| Class A 30-36 ft | 2,500-5,000 lb |
| Travel trailer 25 ft | 1,500-3,000 lb |
| Fifth wheel 32 ft | 2,500-4,500 lb |
When cargo capacity is too tight
Three signs your loaded weight is too close to GVWR:
- The rear suspension squats noticeably when loaded.
- The rig handles squirrelly in crosswinds.
- Brakes feel less responsive than expected.
If you’re hitting any of these, leave gear behind or rent a larger rig.