GTW weight, or Gross Train Weight. What is it and how does apply to you?
Also referred to as GCW (gross combination weight) or GCM (gross combination mass), GTW Weight is the accumulated mass of the unladen weight of your vehicle + the payload capacity of your vehicle + the unladen weight of any trailer being towed as well as the maximum payload capacity of that trailer.
Vehicle Kerb Weight + Vehicle Payload Capacity + Unladen Trailer Weight + Trailer Payload Capacity = Gross Train Weight (GTW).
*Unbraked trailers have a maximum gross weight of 750kg or half of the towing vehicles unladen kerb weight – whichever is less.
Examples Of GTW Weight
The gross train weight, or GTW, of any vehicle, will differ between makes, models and manufacturers. Not to be confused with MAM Weight, here are some examples of the most popular vans on the road today capable of towing heavy trailers.
Volkswagen Transporter 26 1.9TDI
- Unladen/Dry Weight: 1,798kg
- Payload Capacity: 802kg
- GVW (Dry + Payload): 2,600kg
- Trailer Gross Weight (unbraked): 750kg.
The maximum GTW of a Volkswagen Transporter 26 1.9TDI towing a trailer with a full load is 3,350kg.
Vauxhall Movano SWB L/Roof
- Unladen/Dry Weight: 1,880kg
- Payload Capacity: 920kg
- GVW (Dry + Payload): 2,800kg
- Trailer Gross Weight (unbraked): 750kg.
The maximum GTW of a Vauxhall Movano SWB L/Roof towing a trailer with a full load is 3,550kg.
Renault Trafic SL 29 2.0dCi 115
- Unladen/Dry Weight: 1,688kg
- Payload Capacity: 1,247kg
- GVW (Dry + Payload): 2,935kg
- Trailer Gross Weight (unbraked): 750kg.
The maximum GTW of a Trafic SL 29 2.0dCi 115 towing a trailer with a full load is 3,685kg.
Mercedes Sprinter 309 CDI MWB High Roof
- Unladen/Dry Weight: 2,115kg
- Payload Capacity: 1.455kg
- GVW (Dry + Payload): 3,500kg
- Trailer Gross Weight (unbraked): 750kg.
The maximum GTW of a Mercedes Sprinter 309 CDI MWB High Roof towing a trailer with a full load is 4,250kg.
Vehicle Gross Weight + Trailer Gross Weight = GTW Weight
Gross Train Weight applies to all vehicles towing a trailer on UK roads.
Always check the VIN plate of the vehicle you’re driving. The vehicle VIN plate will display how much that vehicle weighs and how much you’re allowed to carry safely (payload capacity).
It will also let you know how much you’re legally allowed to tow in KG. This is 750kg max for unbraked trailers or half of the towing vehicles kerb weight – whichever is less.
References: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-weights-explained