How to Find a Vehicle's Weight

Knowing the weight of your vehicle is crucial for various reasons. Whether you need it for proper classification and registration at the DMV or to determine the amount of weight you may add to the vehicle to ensure you don't exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), understanding your vehicle's weight is essential.

The GVWR is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including the vehicle's weight, weight of passengers, and cargo. Whether you're checking the curb weight of your vehicle, understanding its GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) and payload capacity, or determining the towing capacity, knowing how to find the vehicle’s weight is very helpful for vehicle owners.

To find the weight of your vehicle, check the following locations, as it may vary depending on the manufacturer.

1. ‌Check the "Tire and Loading Information" Plate:‌ One common location to find the weight of a vehicle is on the "Tire and Loading Information" plate. This plate is usually located inside the frame of the driver's side door jamb. Many manufacturers, including Ford, stamp the weight of the vehicle on this plate, providing you with valuable information like the curb weight and payload capacity.

‌Note:‌ The curb weight is the weight of your vehicle when it has a full tank of fuel, as well as all standard equipment.

1. ‌Look at the Engine Plate:‌ Another place to find the weight of your vehicle is under the hood on the engine plate. Some manufacturers choose to stamp the vehicle's weight on this plate, making it easily accessible for owners.

1. ‌Refer to Your Vehicle's‌ ‌Owner's Manual‌‌:‌ If you are unable to locate the weight on either the driver's side door jamb or the engine plate, turn to your vehicle's owner's manual. The owner's manual is a comprehensive resource provided by the vehicle manufacturer that specifies your vehicle's weight, including the GVWR, as well as details like towing capacity, airbag details, fuel economy, and other essential information. It may also include details about the vehicle's curb weight and total weight. If you've added any additional equipment like a truck camper, remember to add its weight to the number you find in your manual or on the plate affixed to the vehicle.

Checking places like your driver’s door, the engine plate under the hood, or the owner’s manual for your vehicle should give you the answers you need regarding your vehicle’s weight.

Whether you are trying to avoid overloading beyond the vehicle’s GVWR or need this information for classification and registration of a new car at the DMV, knowing the weight of your car is very important.