Cargo Carrying Capacity Calculator
Water and propane silently eat your cargo capacity. A 50-gallon tank alone adds 417 lbs. Enter your trailer's numbers below to see exactly how much gear you can safely pack.
Enter Your Trailer Numbers
Max weight rating on trailer tires/axles
Unloaded vehicle weight from dealer/sticker
Water weighs 8.34 lbs/gal
Everything you add: food, clothing, tools, firewood, etc.
Understanding Cargo Carrying Capacity
Your trailer's Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is the weight budget for everything you add to it: food, clothing, tools, firewood, water, and propane. The formula is straightforward:
But here's the catch most RV owners miss: the yellow RVIA sticker's CCC number already assumes your water tank is full and your propane bottles are full. So when you see "1,500 lbs CCC," that's what's left after 417 lbs of water and 60 lbs of propane. Your actual gear budget is only 1,500 lbs.
The Water Trap
A full 50-gallon fresh water tank weighs 417 lbs — roughly the same as three adults. If you're close to your CCC limit, travel with a half-full tank and fill up at your destination. Most campgrounds have water hookups.
CCC Calculator FAQ
What is Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)?
Cargo carrying capacity is the maximum weight of everything you add to a travel trailer after it left the factory: gear, food, clothing, water, and propane. Per the RVIA standard, CCC equals the trailer's GVWR minus the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), minus the weight of a full fresh water tank, and minus full LP gas. The result is printed on the yellow RVIA weight label inside the trailer.
Does CCC include water and propane?
Yes — and that's why so many owners overload. Under the RVIA definition, CCC is calculated after subtracting the weight of a full fresh water tank and full LP gas. Water weighs 8.34 lbs per gallon and a 50-gallon tank uses 417 lbs before you pack a single bag. Two 30-lb propane bottles add roughly 60 lbs of fuel.
How is CCC different from payload?
CCC is a trailer-side number — how much you can load into the travel trailer before exceeding its GVWR. Payload is a truck-side number — how much your truck can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer's tongue weight. Both matter. Exceeding CCC risks trailer tire blowouts; exceeding payload degrades truck braking and steering.
What happens if I exceed my CCC?
Exceeding CCC means the trailer is over its GVWR, overloading the axles, tires, springs, and frame. Common consequences are trailer tire blowouts, bent axle spindles, accelerated suspension wear, and degraded braking. It can also push tongue weight out of the safe 10-15% range, increasing sway risk.
How do I stay under my CCC?
1) Travel with a half-full water tank when possible (saves ~200 lbs on a 50-gal tank). 2) Buy firewood and heavy supplies at your destination. 3) Pack only what you need — most RVers carry 50% more than they use. 4) Weigh your loaded trailer at a CAT scale before a long trip.