- Veepeak Mini Wifi Adapter
- Innova 3100 Corded Scan Tool
- Big Banana Scanna
4.5
Finding the Best OBD2 Scanner for Ford Vehicles
Skip to the good stuff:
- Finding the Best OBD2 Scanner for Ford Vehicles
- My test subjects (Ford Flex and Explorer)
Want to skip the reading? Here’s my choices!
# | Preview | Product | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 Scanner for iOS and.. | 1,567 Reviews | $16.99 | |
2 | Innova 3100i Diagnostic Code Reader / Scan Tool.. | 1,176 Reviews | $137.99 | |
3 | Big Banana BB600 OBD II CAN Diagnostic Auto.. | 193 Reviews |
This is my guide to choosing the right OBD2 scanner for Ford vehicles. If you happen to have a Ford, and you want to get rid of that check engine light on your console, you need to have your own scanner so you can read, diagnose, and erase those Ford OBD2 trouble codes. If you’re looking for a tool to pull obd2 codes for Ford, then you’re in the right place!
We’ve said it many times before on ScannerAnswers: getting your own OBD2 scan tool is one of the most economical ways to fix your car. Of course, there is always the option of going to the dealership, but money is tight nowadays. Nobody wants to spend thousands of dollars on car repair!
My test subjects (Ford Flex and Explorer)
I’m a big fan of fast Fords. The Focus ST is still one of the best handling sporty compacts that money can buy, and the Ford F-150 is still the definitive pickup truck with car-like levels of refinement. Vince still hasn’t come around and loves Chevy’s, so he get’s to spend more time testing OBDII scanners while he’s fixing his truck ?
Sadly, I don’t yet own a Ford Focus ST for this review, but I made due with a 2014 Ford Flex SUV. This family car is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and around 254 pound-feet of torque. This baby purrs when the engine is healthy, but our test SUV had trouble accelerating, and the engine vibrates erratically when idling.
How I wish I had a Mustang to play with, but I had to make do with a 2011 Ford Explorer with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as our Flex test unit. This SUV still looks good even after all these years, but there are times when the engine refuses to start, and there’s a check engine light on the dash.
Okay, I think it’s time to get down and dirty with our choice of the best OBD2 scanners for Ford.
Here’s the overview:
- Veepeak Mini – Top Wireless WiFi Ford Adapter for the price
- Innova 3100 – Best Ford OBDII scanner for the features
- Big Banana – 2018 Update, this scanner is no longer in stock ?
1. Veepeak Mini Wifi Adapter
Low Cost – WiFi adapter that works with Android or iPhone – Find and fix engine problems and view live sensor data – Works with most Ford, Dodge, GM, Toyota, Honda, vehicles made after 1996
The Veepeak Mini WiFi Code Reader is next on our list. We love wireless OBD2 scanners because they are easy on the pocket. This particular code reader is less than a tank of gas (find the lowest price here), but it can do a lot of troubleshooting for the price!
This device supports all five OBD2 protocols including CAN-BUS, although the company admits that it may not support hybrid or full-electric vehicles. It can also read real-time engine sensor data using only your iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone.
Thankfully, our Explorer test unit is not a hybrid, and so is our Ford Flex. We hooked this baby up, fired up our iPad and opened the OBD Car Doctor app. True to form, the Veepeak Mini WiFi was able to read the mass air flow sensor error code. If you use this adapter with your Android smartphone or tablet you’ll want to use the Torque app. Try out the free app before investing in the paid one ?
Thankfully, our Explorer test unit is not a hybrid, and so is our Ford Flex. We hooked this baby up, fired up our iPad and opened the OBD Car Doctor app. True to form, the Veepeak Mini WiFi was able to read the mass air flow sensor error code. If you use this adapter with your Android smartphone or tablet you’ll want to use the Torque app. Try out the free app before investing in the paid one ?
We initially had some trouble when we tested this OBD2 scanner on our 2014 Ford Flex. We disconnected the device and hooked it up again. The Veepeak Mini WiFi was able to read both the cam sensor and the ignition circuit trouble codes.
2. Innova 3100 Corded Scan Tool
Corded scanner means you don’t have to fuss with wireless connections, apps, and phones – Read and Clear ABS codes and Check Engine lights – Emissions readiness tester – Freeze frame ability lets you take a virtual snapshot of your vehicle’s sensors when the trouble occurred
The Innova 3100i is the only scan tool in this test that has a colored LCD screen. It is also the most expensive in this test, but we weren’t bothered at all. Just look at it! The brilliant screen and the professional-looking interface is worth the money alone. This device wouldn’t look out of place inside a plush garage or service center.
The Innova 3100i is designed to quickly and easily read and erase engine trouble codes for GM, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota vehicles. In fact, this scan tool can also read ABS (anti-lock braking system) trouble codes, and it can also perform diagnostic tests on the battery and alternator to check the performance of these vital electrical parts.
After hooking this up to our Ford Explorer test car, the Innova 3100i took no time at all to read and diagnose the faulty mass air flow sensor. As an added bonus, the freeze-frame data feature of this OBD2 scan tool enabled us to determine the engine coolant temperature and the fuel trim of the motor when the error code popped up.
After hooking this up to our Ford Explorer test car, the Innova 3100i took no time at all to read and diagnose the faulty mass air flow sensor. As an added bonus, the freeze-frame data feature of this OBD2 scan tool enabled us to determine the engine coolant temperature and the fuel trim of the motor when the error code popped up.
The Ford Flex was next. By this time, our test unit was really struggling. The engine was vibrating so hard, and the tailpipe was spewing unburnt fuel like a hardcore dragster. Thankfully, the Innova 3100i was able to read the P1364 error code, including the cam sensor error code.
Since the Innova 3100i has a battery/alternator test feature, we decided to test the battery and the alternator of our Ford Flex before wrapping up. The voltage of the battery was less than 12 volts, which meant that this SUV will also need a new battery pretty soon.
I picked up the Innova 3100 here (from Amazon) and found the cheapest price online.
3. Big Banana Scanna
Editor note:Unfortunately this Scanner doesn’t seem to be stocked any longer! That’s okay, we’ve got tons of other OBD2 Adapter reviews here: https://scanneranswers.com
Very simple and easy-to-use Corded OBD2 scanner – Read and clear CeL light codes – Check emissions readiness, VIN number, and freeze frame data – Affordable!
The Big Banana is one of our favorites simply because it works. Although it’s not the cheapest OBD2 scanner in the market, it is one of the easiest to use. The minimalist appearance of this Ford OBDII scan tool is a god-send for those who don’t know much about cars, let alone scanning Ford OBD2 trouble codes.
I grabbed my buddy Vince and we hooked this up to our ailing Ford Flex, and it took less than a minute to diagnose the trouble code. As it turns out, the Flex had an ignition coil primary circuit fault, represented by the code P1364. That was easy.
But that wasn’t the only thing wrong with the car. The Big Banana BB600 was able to detect a faulty cam sensor as well.
The Explorer was next. We hooked up the Big Banana BB600 so we can read the fault code. It turns out that there’s something terribly wrong with the mass air flow sensor. No wonder the engine refused to start!
Like we said, the Big Banana BB600 gets the job done with minimal fuss. This baby is compatible with all 1996 and newer vehicles, even those that utilize CAN protocol.
Conclusion
We know the feeling when the malfunction indicator lamp lights up. It’s not very pleasant, and nobody in their right mind would like to spend a day or two in the shop while spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to diagnose and fix the check engine light on your Ford car.
Why not invest your money on a Ford OBD2 code reader instead? This will save you both time and money, while helping you keep your sanity as well.
-Matt
Choosing the right OBD2 Scanner For Ford (2019 Update)
Description
This is my guide to choosing the right OBD2 scanner for Ford vehicles. If you happen to have a Ford, and you want to get rid of that check engine light on your console, you need to have your own scanner so you can read, diagnose, and erase those Ford OBD2 trouble codes. If you're looking for a tool to pull obd2 codes for Ford, then you're in the right place!
Author
Scanner Answers
GENERAL
Sec.
177.201. General requirements.
177.202. Emission test equipment.
177.202a. OBD-I/M check equipment.
177.202b. Equipment for gas cap test and visual inspection.
177.203. Test procedures.
177.204. Basis for failure.
177.205. [Reserved].
RECALL PROVISIONS
177.231. Requirements regarding manufacturer recall notices.
177.232. Compliance with recall notices.
177.233. Failure to comply.
EMISSION INSPECTION TEST REPORT
177.251. Record of test results.
177.252. Emission inspection test report.
177.253. Responsibility of the station owner for vehicles which fail the emission inspection.
RETEST
177.271. Procedure.
177.272. Prerequisites.
177.273. Content of repair data form.
177.274. Retest fees.
177.275. Repair technician training and certification.
ISSUANCE OF WAIVER
177.281. Issuance of waiver.
177.282. Annual adjustment of minimum waiver expenditure for enhanced emission inspection areas.
177.283. [Reserved].
PROCEDURES RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF EMISSION INSPECTION
177.291. Procedures relating to certificates of emission inspection.
177.292. Recording inspection.
ON-ROAD TESTING
177.301. Authorization to conduct on-road emission testing.
177.302. On-road testing devices.
177.303. [Reserved].
177.304. Failure of on-road emission test.
177.305. Failure to produce proof of correction of on-road emission test failure.
The provisions of this Subchapter C adopted September 26, 1997, effective October 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5010, unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL
§ 177.201. General requirements.
I/M emission tests, OBD-I/M checks, evaporative system function tests, gas cap tests and visual inspections shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1) Vehicles shall be tested in as-received condition. A vehicle capable of operating on gasoline and other fuel is subject to testing and shall be tested while operating in the gasoline mode.
(2) An initial test is the emission test that occurs the first time in a test cycle. The initial test shall be performed without prior repair or adjustment to the subject vehicle at the emission inspection station, except as provided for in the evaporative system integrity test. An emission inspection performed after the initial test in a test cycle shall be considered a retest.
(3) An official test, once initiated, shall be performed in its entirety regardless of immediate outcome except in the case of an invalid test condition, unsafe conditions or fast pass/fail algorithms.
(4) Tests involving measurements shall be performed with approved equipment that has been calibrated according to the quality control procedures contained in 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S, Appendix A (relating to calibrations, adjustments and quality control), which is adopted by reference, or as specified in Appendix A (relating to acceleration simulation mode: Pennsylvania procedures, standards, equipment specifications and quality control requirements).
(5) Vehicles may not be tested if the exhaust system is missing or leaking, or if the vehicle is in an unsafe condition.
(6) Alteration of a vehicle’s configuration so that it changes from a certified to a noncertified configuration is prohibited. In the inspection process, vehicles that have been altered from their original certified configuration shall be tested in the same manner as other subject vehicles, in accordance with the following:
(i) Vehicles with engines other than the engine originally installed by the manufacturer, or an identical replacement engine shall be subject to the test procedures and standards for the chassis type and model year, including visual equipment inspections for components that are part of the original certified configuration and part of the normal inspection.
(ii) Vehicles that have been altered from an engine of one fuel type to another fuel type that is subject to the I/M program, for example, from a diesel engine to a gasoline engine shall be subject to the test procedures and standards for the current fuel type, and to the requirements of subparagraph (i).
(iii) Vehicles that are altered to a fuel type for which there is no certified configuration shall be tested according to the most stringent emission standards established for that vehicle type and model year. Emission control device requirements may be waived if the Department determines that the alternatively fueled vehicle configuration would meet the new vehicle standards for that model year without these devices.
The provisions of this § 177.201 amended November 21, 2003, effective November 22, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 5706. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (235265) to (235266).
§ 177.202. Emission test equipment.
§ 177.202a. OBD-I/M check equipment.
§ 177.202b. Equipment for gas cap test and visual inspection.
§ 177.203. Test procedures.
§ 177.204. Basis for failure.
MODEL YEAR | CO% | HC (PPM) |
1975-1979 | 4.0 | 400 |
1980 | 3.0 | 300 |
1981-1992 | 1.2 | 220 |
1993 and newer | 1.0 | 130 |
MODEL YEAR | CO% | HC (PPM) |
1975-1978 | 6.0 | 650 |
1979 | 4.0 | 400 |
1980 | 3.0 | 300 |
1981-1992 | 1.2 | 220 |
1993 and newer | 1.0 | 180 |
§ 177.205. [Reserved].
§ 177.206. [Reserved].
RECALL PROVISIONS
§ 177.231. Requirements regarding manufacturer recall notices.
When the EPA vehicle emission related database is available to the Department, owners or lessees of vehicles for which voluntary or mandatory manufacturer emission-related recall notices have been issued shall have the necessary repairs completed prior to submitting the vehicle for emission testing and shall present proof of compliance with the recall notice at the time of emission inspection. This is required to complete the emission inspection process.
§ 177.232. Compliance with recall notices.
§ 177.233. Failure to comply.
EMISSION INSPECTION TEST REPORT
§ 177.251. Record of test results.
§ 177.252. Emission inspection report.
§ 177.253. Responsibility of the station owner for vehicles which fail the emission inspection.
RETEST
§ 177.271. Procedure.
(a) I/M emission test. Vehicles that fail the initial I/M emission test or a retest shall be retested after repair.
(b) OBD-I/M check. Vehicles that fail the OBD-I/M check shall be retested after repair and clearing of the DTCs appearing in the initial check and compliance of the vehicle with the readiness requirements of § 177.203(b)(1) (relating to test procedures).
(c) Gas cap test and visual inspection. Vehicles that fail the gas cap test or visual inspection shall be retested after repair.
The provisions of this § 177.271 amended November 21, 2003, effective November 22, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 5706. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (235275).
§ 177.272. Prerequisites.
§ 177.273. Content of repair data form.
§ 177.274. Retest fees.
Calculate Gvw From Obd2 Tool
§ 177.275. Repair technician training and certification.
ISSUANCE OF WAIVER
§ 177.281. Issuance of waiver.
The Department or a single contractor shall electronically issue a certificate of emission inspection with an indicator to show that the vehicle has received a waiver if:
(1) The subject vehicle has failed the initial emission inspection, qualifying repairs have been completed and the subject vehicle has failed the retest.
(2) Emission control devices, as originally equipped, are installed. Vehicles with emission devices which are obsolete and cannot be obtained through the original equipment manufacturer, aftermarket manufacturers or suppliers of used parts are exempt from this paragraph. Specific reporting requirements shall be completed and maintained as specified by the Department in this section and Appendix A (relating to acceleration simulation mode: Pennsylvania procedures, standards, equipment specifications and quality control requirements.)
(3) The procedure as described in Appendix A has been followed and the amount spent on qualifying repairs:
(i) Was an amount as determined in § 177.282 (relating to annual adjustment of minimum waiver expenditure for emission inspection).
(ii) Includes charges for electronic diagnostic inspection, parts costs and labor costs paid for qualifying emission repair services performed on the vehicle if paid by the vehicle owner and if the qualifying repairs were performed by a recognized or certified repair technician. For qualifying emission repair services performed by someone other than a recognized or certified repair technician, the cost of parts but not labor utilized by nonrepair technicians may apply toward the waiver limit. The cost of parts for the repair or replacement for the following emission control components may be applied: oxygen sensor; catalytic converter; thermal reactor; EGR valve; fuel filler or gas cap; evaporative canister; PCV valve; air pump; distributor; ignition wires; coil; spark plugs; and power train management system. The cost of hoses, gaskets, belts, clamps, brackets or other accessories directly associated with these components may also be applied to the waiver limit. These repairs shall have been performed no more than 60 days prior to the initial emission inspection test.
(iii) Is appropriate to the cause of the test failure.
(iv) Excludes expenses which are incurred in the repair of emission control devices which are:
(A) Found to be tampered with.
(B) Rendered inoperative.
(C) Rendered inaccessible.
(D) Not installed.
(v) Excludes costs recoverable under an emission warranty, insurance policy or prepaid maintenance agreement. These recoverable cost repairs shall be used before necessary repair costs can be applied toward the waiver cost limitations. The operator of a vehicle within the statutory age and mileage coverage under section 207(b) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.A. § 7525(b)) shall present a written denial of warranty coverage from the manufacturer or authorized dealer for this provision to be waived.
(vi) Excludes the fee for emission inspection.
(vii) Excludes charges for giving a written estimate of needed repairs, except that the fee for an electronic diagnostic inspection may be included.
(viii) Excludes charges for checking for the presence of emission control devices.
(4) The vehicle owner or driver shall present the original of repair bills or receipts for parts to the inspection station to demonstrate compliance with the qualifying dollar amount established under paragraph (3). The bills shall:
(i) Include the name, address and telephone number of the repair facility.
(ii) Describe the repairs that were performed.
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(iii) State the labor or parts costs, or both, for each repair.
(iv) State on the written estimate the general problem, the necessary major parts replacement items and the total necessary repair and labor costs which would exceed the total cost limitations.
(5) Upon completion of waiver requirements and a visual check to determine that repairs were actually made, a certificate of emission inspection with a waiver indicator shall be affixed to the subject vehicle.
(6) Vehicles subject to an emission test may be issued a certificate of emission inspection with a waiver indicator without meeting the emission test standards of § 177.204 (relating to basis for failure) if, after failing an emission retest, a complete, documented physical and functional diagnosis and inspection performed by emission inspection station personnel shows that no additional emission related repairs are needed.
The provisions of this § 177.281 adopted September 26, 1997, effective October 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5010; amended November 21, 2003, effective November 22, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 5706. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (235276) to 235278).
§ 177.282. Annual adjustment of minimum waiver expenditure for emission inspection.
§ 177.283. [Reserved].
PROCEDURES RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF EMISSION INSPECTION
§ 177.291. Procedures relating to certificates of emission inspection.
(a) Certificates issued. The Department will issue a certificate of emission inspection, through an official emission inspection station, valid until the next scheduled emission inspection, for a subject motor vehicle which meets both the following:
(1) The motor vehicle has passed an inspection or reinspection performed by the emission inspection station.
(2) The motor vehicle has all required emission control devices installed under § 177.281 (relating to issuance of waiver).
(b) Certification procedures.
(1) Motor vehicles inspected under safety inspection regulations existing on October 1, 1997, shall have their registration card checked by the examining inspector for an I/M designated code printed on the registration card.
(2) A registration card containing the designation I/M shall indicate that the vehicles shall be emission inspected.
(3) A motor vehicle with a registration card containing the designation emission inspection required shall have a specified I/M indicator insert placed on the proper certificate of safety inspection and affixed to the windshield upon passing safety inspection.
(4) Upon compliance or issuance of a Certificate of Waiver an emission inspection sticker shall be affixed to the immediate right (when viewed from the driver’s position) of the safety inspection sticker or, in the case where a truck weight class sticker is present, to the immediate right (when viewed from the driver’s position) of the truck weight class sticker.
(5) If the vehicle fails the emission inspection, certificate of emission inspection may not be issued except under § 177.281.
(6) A motor vehicle bearing a specified safety inspection sticker with an I/M Indicator Insert which does not have a currently valid emission inspection sticker affixed to the windshield shall be in violation of section 4703 of the Vehicle Code (relating to operation of vehicle without official certificate of inspection) and shall be subject to the penalties and fines provided in the Vehicle Code.
(c) Unauthorized display of certificate of emission inspection. A certificate of emission inspection may not be marked and affixed to a vehicle until it has successfully passed emission inspection requirements of Chapters 45 and 47 of the Vehicle Code (relating to other required equipment; and inspection of vehicles) and this chapter.
(d) Required information. The required information on the rear of the certificate of emission inspection shall be completed in permanent ink.
(e) Inspection cycle. The proper I/M monthly insert for certificate of emission inspection shall be coordinated with the vehicle safety inspection. Vehicles which are emission inspected shall receive an inspection certificate which is valid for no more than 15 months, or no more than 27 months if § 177.51(c)(1) (relating to program requirements) becomes applicable and no less than 6 months, based on the vehicle’s registration month and charts supplied by the Department
(f) Affixing certificate. The certificate of emission inspection shall be affixed to the vehicle only at the premises of the official emission inspection station and on a portion of the premises located within 100 feet and on the same side of the street as the official emission inspection station. Certificates of emission inspection may not be issued or affixed at any other area or location.
(1) The surface on which the sticker is to be attached shall be wiped dry and clean of road film, grease or moisture for proper adhesion. The following instructions apply:
(i) Clean the glass thoroughly.
(ii) Remove the protective slip sheet from the adhesive side of sticker.
(iii) Place the proper monthly indicator insert in the appropriate position so that month and year of expiration are visible to oncoming traffic.
(iv) Position the sticker carefully to the immediate right (when viewed from the driver’s position) of the current certificate of safety inspection or, if a truck weight class sticker is present, to the immediate right (when viewed from the driver’s position) of the truck weight class sticker. Press firmly until tightly affixed to the windshield.
(2) It is the responsibility of the certified emission inspector to affix the certificate of emission inspection. Only the certified emission inspector who performed the entire emission inspection shall affix the certificate of emission inspection to the vehicle.
(g) Improper or faulty inspection. A deviation or change in the procedure specified in this section shall be considered an improper or faulty inspection and the certificate of emission inspection issued as a result shall be void.
(h) Unauthorized display of certificate of emission inspection. A certificate of emission inspection may not be marked and affixed to a vehicle until the vehicle has successfully passed an emission inspection meeting the emission requirements of Chapters 45 and 47 of the Vehicle Code (relating to other required equipment and inspection of vehicles) and this chapter.
(i) Data entry errors. If a data entry error occurs, the error and the error correction shall be clearly noted on the computerized record of inspection.
(j) Voided certificates of emission inspection. If it is necessary to void a certificate of emission inspection, the certificate number and the reason shall be clearly noted on the computerized record of inspection.
The provisions of this § 177.291 adopted September 26, 1997, effective October 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5010; amended November 21, 2003, effective November 22, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 5706. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (235279) to (235280).
§ 177.292. Recording inspection.
ON-ROAD TESTING
§ 177.301. Authorization to conduct on-road emission testing.
§ 177.302. On-road testing devices.
§ 177.303. [Reserved].
§ 177.304. Failure of on-road emission test.
The owner or operator of a subject vehicle that was required to have an emission inspection and that fails an on-road emission test shall have 30 days following notice of the failure in which to have the failed vehicle pass an emission inspection or to produce evidence that the subject vehicle has a valid emissions inspection waiver.
§ 177.305. Failure to produce proof of correction of on-road emission test failure.
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Discussion in 'Towing' started by tellico, Jun 7, 2010.
Products Discussed in
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or gross vehicle mass (GVM) is the maximum operating weight/mass of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer[1] including the vehicle's chassis, body, engine, engine fluids, fuel, accessories, driver, passengers and cargo but excluding that of any trailers.[2] The term is used for motor vehicles and trains.
The weight of a vehicle is influenced by passengers, cargo, even fuel level, so a number of terms are used to express the weight of a vehicle in a designated state. Gross combined weight rating (GCWR) refers to the total mass of a vehicle, including all trailers. GVWR and GCWR both describe a vehicle that is in operation and are used to specify weight limitations and restrictions. Curb weight describes a vehicle which is 'parked at the curb' and excludes the weight of any occupants or cargo. Dry weight further excludes the weight of all consumables, such as fuel and oils. Gross trailer weight rating specifies the maximum weight of a trailer and the gross axle weight rating specifies the maximum weight on any particular axle.
Australia[edit]
A cardriver licence is limited to driving vehicles up to a maximum GVM of 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Beyond this, a different class of licence is required. A vehicle with a GVM up to 4,500 kg is termed a light vehicle, while those over 4,500 kg are termed heavy vehicles.
Many models of small truck are manufactured to have a GVM rating of 5,000 to 7,000 kg (11,000 to 15,400 lb) but sold with the option of a GVM of just under 4,500 kg so that they can be driven on a car licence. Often, the only difference between the models is where the exhaust exits, with diesel engined heavy rated vehicles having a vertical exhaust stack above the cabin and the light rated vehicles having the exhaust exit under the side or rear like a car.[citation needed]
Many minor roads, including some in rural areas and some in suburban areas, have GVM restrictions such as 5,000 kg or 8,000 kg. These restrictions may be applied for technical reasons such as load limited bridges, or as a method of reducing the number of heavy vehicles on local roads.
United Kingdom[edit]
A standard car driving licence issued by an EU country (i.e. class B) limits the licence-holder to driving vehicles with a 'maximum authorised mass' (i.e. GVWR)[3] of 3,500 kg (7,700 lb). This includes holders of UK class B driving licences who passed their driving tests on or after 1 January 1997
A UK driving licence holder who passed his or her class B driving test in or before 1996 is limited to driving vehicles with a GVWR of 7,500 kg (16,500 lb) or less, including minibuses not used for hire or reward.
Anyone looking to drive a heavy goods vehicle (i.e. any vehicle, other than a bus) with a GVWR of over 7,500 kg (16,500 lb) must obtain a class C truck licence. Anyone looking to drive a truck with a GVWR of 3,500–7,500 kg (7,700–16,500 lb) must obtain a class C1 licence. Anyone with a class C licence can drive class C1 vehicles.[4]
United States[edit]
In the United States, two important GVWR limitations are 2,700 kg (6,000 lb) and 3,900 kg (8,500 lb). Vehicles over 6,000 lb are restricted from some city roadways (though there is some dispute about whether this restriction is for actual curb weight or GVWR). Commercial vehicles over the 8,500 lb threshold are required to have insurance under Section 387.303 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980.
Vehicles or combinations over 11,800 kg (26,000 lb) GVWR generally require a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or a Non-Commercial Class 'A' or 'B' license. A CDL is also required for certain vehicles under 26,000 lb GVWR, such as buses and for-hire passenger vehicles of 16 or more passengers, all vehicles transporting placarded hazardous materials or wastes regardless of weight or load class, and any vehicle towing a trailer with a Gross Trailer Weight over 10,000lbs where the combination weight is greater than 26,000lbs.
Labeling[edit]
On vehicles designed for the North American market, the GVWR can be found alongside other vehicle technical specifications on the Vehicle ID Plate that is usually located on the interior of the B-pillar according to U.S. or Canadian Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). (inside driver door near door latch).[5]
Most U.S. and Australian commercial trucks are required by licensing authorities to have this information printed on the outside of the vehicle, and for it to be clearly visible from a specified distance.
See also[edit]
- Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)
References[edit]
- ^'Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Section 571.3 Definitions'. USA. Retrieved 2012-03-03.
- ^'Towing a Trailer - Being Equipped for Safety'. USA: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
- ^For the UK terms relating to the weight of vehicles, see https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-weights-explained.
- ^'Driving licence categories'. UK: GOV.UK. 2013-07-11. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
- ^'Code of Federal Regulations – Title 49 – Transportation – Section 567.4 - Requirements for manufacturers of motor vehicles'. USA. 2004-10-01. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
External links[edit]
- What is GVWR? from about.com
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gross_vehicle_weight_rating&oldid=892991471'
I felt I had to answer this question this week, as the misinformation that is often offered up by truck owners in forums is frightening. I’ve seen so many wrong answers to this online, and wanted to set the record straight. If you get it wrong and don’t understand the difference between GVWR, payload, and towing capacity then you risk damaging your truck and having to foot a large repair bill.
Is GVWR the same as towing capacity? The simple answer is, no GVWR is not the same as towing capacity, and payload isn’t the same as towing capacity either. Payload, which you can calculate from your GVWR, is what you can carry, and towing capacity is what you can pull.
I think a lot of the confusion comes about because truck owners don’t properly understand what GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) actually means.
GVWR is the maximum safe weight of your truck once it’s been fully loaded (including the truck). If you know the GVWR, then you can calculate know what your payload is.
As an example, the payload of your truck, e.g. what it can carry and not tow, is calculated in the following manner, and it’s all based off the GVWR:
If you’re truck has a listed GVWR of 12,000 pounds and your truck weighs 7,000 pounds when empty, then the payload capacity is 5,000 pounds. In other words;
GVWR minus empty truck weight equals your payload capacity.
It’s that simple, but only when you know it!
As you can now hopefully understand, GVWR is not the same as towing capacity at all but is actually the maximum safe weight when you combine your truck and anything that’s it’s carrying, for example driver, passengers, and a payload in the bed.
But, and here’s where I think some of the confusion comes from; your truck’s towing capacity is also based off of the GVWR, plus how strong your truck’s frame is.
The easiest way in which you can understand the difference between payload and towing capacity is this:
Payload is what you can carry, towing capacity is what you can pull.
Let’s take a look at another real-life example, just in case you’re still not there yet!
Get it Wrong and You Could Damage Your Truck
You’re thinking about buying a new truck and see a beautiful looking vehicle with a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds.
A lot of the time, the towing capacity is going to be listed on the seller’s advert – don’t ask me why, but towing capacity always tends to get more attention compared to payload.
Handy Hint: Click here for my truck payload capacity calculator so you can figure it out.
You might think that payload and towing capacity mean the same thing, and there is no difference. It might be that you just think it’s a different way of describing the same thing?
It’s a big mistake to make.
You decide to buy the truck, knowing that you have 6,000 pounds of junk you need to shift.
You load it all into the bed, feel happy with yourself, then hear at ominous cracking sound.
That will be your truck’s frame cracking under the stress of the weight.
Why?
Because you didn’t realise that the actual payload, which can be calculated by the GVWR, was actually just 4,000 pounds, and nowhere near the towing capacity which was 12,000 pounds.
Ouch.
What Does Truck Payload Mean?
Payload is the weight of anything that you place into your truck.
That includes the driver, passengers, a bag on the front seat. In fact, anything that you put into that truck is going to form part of the payload weight.
In most cases, payload will much a lot less than the truck’s towing capacity.
Using the real-life example above, if you think your new truck can carry 12,000 pounds because you read that on the towing capacity, then you’re going to be in a lot of trouble.
And whilst you might not crack the frame, which is the worst-case scenario, you could end up damaging other parts of your truck such as the suspension, bed, chassis, and tires.
What Does Truck GVWR Mean?
Hopefully you should now know this, but just to clarify the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight of your truck, when taking into account the truck weight including chassis, body, engine, fuel, accessories, driver, passenger, and anything that you load and carry on it.
GVWR is specified by the manufacturer and is the operating weight that they have determined after intense stress levels testing, so never exceed the GVWR when carrying loads.
Handy Hint: GVWR and GCWR are very different. Click here to see what the differences are.
What Does Truck Towing Capacity Mean?
This one is easier to get your head around, as it’s simply the weight of what you can tow with a trailer.
Trucks are able to tow heavier weights than they can actually carry, and the towing capacity weight will depend on how strong the frame is, engine torque, and your transmission.
Conclusion
I hope that this very simple overview has helped you understand whether GVWR is the same as towing capacity, and how GVWR lets you calculate payload.
The driving force behind truck GVWR ratings is to keep people safe.
If your truck is overloaded then the truck can get damaged, but even more concerning is that brakes could fail once out on the road, or you won’t be able to slow down in time.
Understanding this concept and the differences between GVWR, payload, and towing capacity is critical if your pickup truck is going to last, and not run into expensive problems.