The easiest way to find the gross vehicle weight of a van or pickup truck is add the weight of the driver, passengers and cargo to the vehicle's curb weight. The vehicle's owner's manual will list the curb weight for that specific vehicle.
A vehicle's curb weight is static, meaning that it never changes. Its gross vehicle weight, however, fluctuates depending on passengers and cargo weight. Vehicles are categorized by their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR. This is a number that specifies a weight limit for that vehicle which is set by the auto manufacturer. The GVWR can usually be found on the door pillar on the driver's side.
There are three main GVWR categories for vans and trucks.
- Category 1 is for small trucks, minivans and SUVs with a GVWR less than or equal to 8,500 pounds. It is for trucks with a wheelbase less than or equal to 115 inches, and vans with a wheelbase less than or equal to 124 inches.
- Category 2 is for large pick up trucks and vans with a GVWR less than or equal to 8,500 pounds. Large pickup trucks have a wheelbase greater than 115 inches, and large vans have a wheelbase greater than 124 inches.
- Category 3 covers trucks, vans and SUVs with GVWRs that fall between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds.
