Table of Contents
What Is an RV Yellow Sticker?
An RV yellow sticker is a federally required weight information label that displays the RV’s actual weight ratings as built at the factory, not estimates or marketing numbers.
Unlike brochure specs, the yellow sticker reflects the real-world configuration of your RV—including installed options.
RV Yellow Sticker vs White VIN Plate
Many RV owners confuse these two labels:
| Label Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Yellow Sticker | Weight ratings & cargo capacity |
| White VIN Plate | Vehicle identification & certification |
The VIN plate confirms compliance, while the yellow sticker tells you how much weight your RV can safely carry.
Why Almost All RVs Must Have One
U.S. safety regulations require manufacturers to disclose:
Maximum allowable weight
Axle limits
Cargo carrying capacity
This ensures buyers understand load limits before traveling, which is a major concern in U.S. RV safety statistics.
Where to Find the RV Yellow Sticker
Many users ask “where is the RV yellow sticker located?” because placement varies by RV type.
Common Locations
Entry door frame
Cabinet near the driver’s seat
Interior wall near the cockpit
Wardrobe or kitchen cabinet (trailers)
Location by RV Type
Motorhome: Driver door or cockpit wall
Travel Trailer: Entry door or interior cabinet
Fifth Wheel: Front storage or kitchen cabinet
How to Read an RV Yellow Sticker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Locate GVWR
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum safe weight of the RV when fully loaded.
Includes:
Vehicle weight
Passengers
Water
Cargo
Fuel
Risk of exceeding GVWR:
Reduced braking performance
Frame and suspension damage
Higher accident risk
Step 2: Understand GAWR (Front & Rear)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) shows the maximum weight each axle can carry.
Why this matters:
Uneven loading stresses axles
Tire blowouts are commonly linked to axle overload
Bearings and suspension wear accelerate
Many RV incidents occur below GVWR but above GAWR, a common oversight highlighted in U.S. safety reports.
Step 3: Identify UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)
UVW, often called Dry Weight, is the RV’s weight as shipped from the factory.
It does NOT include:
Passengers
Water
Propane
Personal belongings
Dealer-installed accessories
This distinction explains why “dry weight” is a poor planning metric for real travel.
Step 4: Calculate Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)
CCC = GVWR − UVW
Cargo includes:
People
Fresh & waste water
Food
Camping gear
Tools and accessories
If your CCC is 1,500 lbs and you add:
400 lbs of passengers
500 lbs of water
400 lbs of gear
You’re already near the limit.
Common RV Weight Terms Explained
GVWR: Maximum total loaded weight
GAWR: Maximum axle load (front/rear)
UVW / Dry Weight: Factory weight only
CCC: Allowable cargo weight
Hitch Weight / Tongue Weight: Downward force on the hitch
Why the RV Yellow Sticker Matters (Safety & Legal)
Safety Consequences of Overloading
Longer stopping distance
Tire blowouts at highway speeds
Suspension and frame failure
Legal & Insurance Risks
Insurance claims may be denied
Liability increases after accidents
Non-compliance during roadside inspections
Even globally, RV manufacturers follow similar weight-disclosure standards, making the yellow sticker universally relevant.
Real-World Example: Reading a Yellow Sticker Correctly
Example RV:
GVWR: 14,500 lbs
UVW: 12,000 lbs
CCC: 2,500 lbs
Common mistake:
Owner loads 3,000 lbs assuming “dry weight” allows it.
Correct approach:
Subtract:
Passengers (600 lbs)
Water (600 lbs)
Gear (1,200 lbs)
Remaining margin: 100 lbs
This example mirrors real inspection data where RVs appear “normal” but are overweight.
Common Mistakes When Reading an RV Yellow Sticker
Treating UVW as max load
Ignoring passenger weight
Forgetting full water tanks
Confusing GAWR with GVWR
Loading unevenly front to rear
Avoiding these mistakes dramatically reduces mechanical and safety risks.
FAQ: RV Yellow Sticker Explained
What does the yellow sticker on an RV mean?
It shows official weight ratings and cargo limits.
Is the RV yellow sticker required?
Yes, for compliance and safety disclosure.
Can I remove or replace it?
It should never be removed; replacements must match factory specs.
Does the yellow sticker include passengers?
Passengers count toward total weight and CCC.
Is the RV yellow sticker the same worldwide?
Formats vary, but weight principles are globally consistent.
Final Checklist Before You Load Your RV
✔ Confirm GVWR
✔ Check GAWR front & rear
✔ Calculate total cargo weight
✔ Distribute weight evenly
✔ Recheck after modifications
Conclusion: Read the Yellow Sticker Before Every Trip
Understanding how to read an RV yellow sticker is one of the simplest yet most powerful steps you can take to improve RV safety, performance, and compliance.
Before every trip:
Read the sticker
Calculate realistically
Load intentionally