Mastering Towing Capacities: Your Comprehensive Handbook

  • The towing capacity of trucks can fluctuate significantly, both within a class and even among different configurations of the same model, which may offer various engine and transmission options.
  • Published towing specifications typically assume that the vehicle is only carrying the driver and not any additional passengers, such as family or friends, along with their associated gear for the journey.
  • For optimal safety, it’s advisable to remain below 10% of the maximum towing capacity. This allowance accommodates potential miscalculations and variations in load distribution during the journey.
  • Selecting the appropriate trailer hitch is essential for ensuring safe towing.

Few subjects confound car shoppers as much as towing. Automakers vie to boast the highest towing capacities, yet the truth is far from a simple number search.

Towing capacity involves intricate calculations and substantial safety margins, not merely a singular poundage figure. Whether you seek a full-size truck for hauling your boat or horse trailer, or one of the premier towing SUVs to transport your family on holiday while pulling a camper for accommodations, grasping a series of terms and concepts is essential to making an informed choice. We’ll dissect them for you.

  • Understanding Towing Capacity
  • Determining Towing Capacity: A Comprehensive Guide
  • Essential Towing Capacity Terminology
  • Trailer Hitch Categories
  • How Can I Determine What I’m Able to Tow?
  • Vehicle Classification and Towing Capacity
  • Determining Your Required Towing Capacity
  • Optimizing Towing Capacity
  • Factors Affecting Towing Capacity
  • Trucks Offering Superior Towing Abilities

Understanding Towing Capacity

Your vehicle’s towing capacity represents the maximum weight it can safely haul, subject to variations based on configuration, existing weight load, and how the towing load is distributed and managed.

Although automakers typically provide a single number to estimate towing capacity, it’s not a universal rule applicable in every scenario. Accurate calculation necessitates understanding multiple factors concerning both your towing vehicle and the trailer you intend to tow.

Manufacturers provide published towing capacities for each vehicle they produce. However, these calculations assume that the towing vehicle carries only the driver. If you plan to tow a travel trailer while also accommodating your family and their associated gear for a weekend getaway, the manufacturer’s estimates may not accurately reflect your load requirements.

Determining Towing Capacity: A Comprehensive Guide

Calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity requires several key pieces of information. First, you’ll need to determine the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of both your towing vehicle and the trailer, accounting for all cargo, from passengers to fluids like wiper fluid.

Next, you’ll need to ascertain your tow vehicle’s curb weight, which is its weight when fully fueled and laden with all fluids necessary for operation.

By subtracting the curb weight from the GCWR, you arrive at the vehicle’s towing capacity. It’s imperative to heed manufacturers’ warnings against exceeding your car or truck’s towing capacity. Additionally, for safety considerations, it’s advisable to maintain a buffer of at least 10% below this total.

Loads can shift unexpectedly, people may misjudge, and cars can brake suddenly. Consequently, operating a vehicle at the absolute limits of its capability poses significant safety risks.

What Does GVWR Mean?

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) represents the maximum allowable weight for a vehicle to operate safely, encompassing passengers, fuel, cargo, and the tongue weight of any towed items.

Exceeding your vehicle’s GVWR can lead to costly fines if pulled over by law enforcement. Moreover, an overloaded vehicle surpassing its GVWR could result in accidents, for which you might be held liable for any resulting fatalities. Therefore, refer to your owner’s manual or inspect the driver’s door side panel for your vehicle’s GVWR and additional towing-related information.

GVWR versus Towing Capacity: An Overview

The GVWR and towing capacity of your tow vehicle represent distinct figures. This is because the GVWR denotes the maximum weight the vehicle’s frame can endure pressing down on it, while the towing capacity refers to the total weight it can withstand pulling horizontally via the tow hitch.

Essential Towing Capacity Terminology

Understanding towing terminology may seem daunting initially, but it all boils down to straightforward measurements. There’s no need to memorize them all; you can always refer back to them here whenever necessary.

Towing Capacity: Braked vs. Unbraked

Certain trailers are outfitted with their own braking systems, electronically linked to the tow vehicle. When the vehicle’s brake pedal is pressed, both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s brakes engage simultaneously. This setup allows for greater control when towing heavier loads.

Consequently, the braked towing capacity, indicating the maximum weight the tow vehicle can haul when the trailer has its own brakes, exceeds the unbraked towing capacity, which pertains to the weight limit when the trailer lacks brakes.

Vehicle Curb Weight

Curb weight refers to the total weight of a vehicle along with all necessary fluids for operation, such as a full tank of gas, but excluding any passengers or cargo. This measurement contrasts with GVWR, which denotes the maximum weight capacity of a vehicle.

Locating Your Vehicle’s Weight

The curb weight of your vehicle is typically detailed in the owner’s manual and is often displayed on a sticker located in the driver’s door jamb.

Unladen Weight

Dry weight signifies the weight of a vehicle without any cargo and devoid of the necessary fluids for operation. In the context of your tow vehicle, its dry weight refers to its empty weight, excluding gasoline, oil, wiper fluid, or any other consumables. Typically, you don’t need to consider your vehicle’s dry weight in most towing calculations.

GAWR

GAWR, or gross axle weight rating, refers to the maximum weight that an individual axle can bear. Typically, this value varies between the front and rear axles, which may be composed of different materials or have varying diameters. Achieving a perfect 50-50 weight distribution between the two axles is uncommon in most vehicles.

GCWR

The gross combined weight rating, alternatively referred to as the gross combined vehicle weight rating, represents the maximum weight that your tow vehicle is certified to manage when fully laden with a trailer and all accompanying cargo.

GTW

The gross trailer weight refers to the combined weight of your trailer and its cargo. If you were to place the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale, the measurement obtained would represent the GTW. Exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity with the GTW renders safe towing impossible. It’s imperative never to attempt towing a GTW higher than your vehicle’s towing capacity. Although it may seem technically feasible to transport the load, doing so is likely to result in damage to both the tow vehicle and the trailer, compromising control over the vehicle.

GVWR

As previously explained, the gross vehicle weight rating represents the maximum weight capacity of a vehicle, encompassing its own weight. This rating considers factors such as the strength of the frame, suspension, axles, and wheels. Both your tow vehicle and the trailer being towed will have their own GVWR. Each can be overloaded independently.

Cargo Capacity

Payload capacity denotes the maximum weight that a tow vehicle is certified to accommodate in its cabin and bed. It represents the weight limit for both the truck’s bed and cabin. Conversely, towing capacity signifies the weight limit for any trailer that the vehicle can pull.

Trailer Tongue Load

Occasionally denoted as TW, tongue weight represents the downward force exerted on the trailer hitch by the load being transported. This weight can fluctuate depending on how the load is distributed within the trailer.

Tow Rating

The towing capacity of a car, SUV, or truck denotes the maximum weight it can safely tow.

Trailer Hitch Categories

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the different weights and capacities of your tow vehicle and trailer, your task isn’t complete. The next essential step is to comprehend the apparatus that links them together. Tow hitches have their own specific physical constraints.

Trailer hitches are categorized into five classes. Continue reading to explore further.

  • Class I – hitches are typically utilized for small and midsize cars and crossovers. They have a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds and can generally support a tongue weight of 200 pounds. A Class I hitch is suitable for tasks such as transporting a small cargo tray or towing a small tent camper or personal watercraft.
    • Class II – hitches are commonly employed for large cars, crossovers, and minivans. They boast a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and can endure a tongue weight of 350 pounds. A Class II hitch is suitable for tasks such as towing a small boat on a trailer.
    • Class III – hitches are typically employed for full-size vans, trucks, and SUVs. They have a towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds and can endure a tongue weight of 800 pounds. A Class III hitch is suitable for tasks such as towing a medium or midsize camper or boat.
    • Class IV – hitches are typically installed on full-size vans, trucks, and SUVs. They boast a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds and can endure a tongue weight of 1,000 pounds. As the smallest class of hitch suitable for loads heavy enough to necessitate weight distribution, a Class IV hitch is ideal for tasks such as towing a large boat, a larger camper, or a utility trailer loaded with lawn equipment.

    How Can I Determine What I’m Able to Tow?

    Regrettably, determining the towing capacity of certain vehicles can be challenging. The ability of a vehicle to tow weight can be influenced by factors such as its engine, transmission, and suspension. Vehicles robust enough for towing heavy loads often come with a variety of options for each of these components. Additionally, truck manufacturers provide towing packages that may alter axle ratios, tire types, and include factory-installed hitches.

    Fortunately, many truck and SUV manufacturers nowadays affix a sticker to the driver’s door jamb, which contains essential towing details like GVWR and GAWR.

    Vehicle Classification and Towing Capacity

    Subcompact SUV/Crossover

    • 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: Towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds
    • 2024 Jeep Compass: Towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds

    Small SUV/Crossover

    • 2024 Toyota RAV4: Towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds
    • 2024 Ford Escape: Towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds

    Midsize SUV/Crossover

    • 2024 Kia Telluride: Towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds
    • 2024 Nissan Pathfinder: Towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds

    Large SUV/Crossover

    • 2024 GMC Yukon: Towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds
    • 2024 Ford Expedition: Towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds

    Midsize Pickup Truck

    • 2024 Nissan Frontier: Towing capacity of 6,640 pounds
    • 2024 Chevy Colorado: Towing capacity of 7,700 pounds

    Full-Size Pickup Truck

    • 2024 Toyota Tundra: Towing capacity of 12,000 pounds
    • 2024 Chevy Silverado: Towing capacity of 13,300 pounds

    Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

    • 2024 Ford F-350 Super Duty: Towing capacity of 27,000 pounds (conventional), 32,900 pounds (gooseneck)
    • 2024 Ram 3500 HD: Towing capacity of 37,090 pounds (gooseneck)

    Full-Size Van

    • 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Towing capacity of 7,500 pounds
    • 2024 Ford Transit 350: Towing capacity of 6,900 pounds (cargo van)

    Determining Your Required Towing Capacity

    You require a towing capacity greater than the heaviest weight you intend to tow. Your tow vehicle must be able to manage its own weight, the weight of all occupants and cargo inside it, the weight of the trailer being towed, and the weight of all items loaded onto the trailer.

    It must possess the capability to pull the combined weight of all these factors and be equipped with a hitch capable of the same. Moreover, it’s essential to ensure that the load is balanced, taking into account both the horizontal force necessary to move the load and the vertical weight exerted on the hitch and the assembly that secures it to the vehicle’s frame.

    Is It Feasible to Tow a Small Travel Trailer Using My Car?

    In all likelihood, yes, provided the weight of the trailer falls within your vehicle’s towing capacity. Refer to your owner’s manual or utilize your manufacturer’s online resources to ascertain your vehicle’s towing capacity.

    While there isn’t a universal chart that specifies the weight of your particular load, we can offer a general reference to the empty and full weights of common trailer types.

    Trailer ClassificationDry Weight(est.)Standard Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(loaded)Average Tongue Load (loaded)
    Canoe/Kayak Trailer100 to 400 pounds200 to 800 pounds30 to 120 pounds
    Motorcycle Trailer100 to 600 pounds800 to 3,000 pounds120 to 450 pounds
    Dolly for Towing Car400 to 800 pounds3,000 to 5,000 pounds450 to 750 pounds
    Open Utility Trailer400 to 1,200 pounds2,000 to 7,000 pounds300 to 1,050 pounds
    Pop-Up Camper1,500 to 3,200 pounds2,800 to 4,300 pounds420 to 645 pounds
    Large Travel Trailer5,000 to 9,000 pounds6,500 to 11,000 pounds975 to 1,650 pounds
    Fifth-Wheel Camper5,000 to 15,000 pounds17,000 to 20,000 pounds2,550 to 3,000 pounds

    Is it safe to surpass the GVWR?

    Exceeding your vehicle’s GVWR is never safe. Even if you manage to get the vehicle moving with a heavier load than specified, you will struggle to control the vehicle safely or bring it to a halt within a safe distance. Additionally, with every foot you drive, you risk damaging vehicle components.

    Beyond safety concerns, surpassing the GVWR might also be illegal. In some states, vehicle registration entails a commitment not to exceed the GVWR. In others, while there may be no explicit law regarding the weight itself, law enforcement can still issue citations for driving with an improperly secured load. Furthermore, exceeding your vehicle’s GVWR violates most insurance contracts, leaving you unprotected in the event of an accident caused by overloading your vehicle.

    Maximizing Towing Capability

    If you currently possess your tow vehicle and seek enhancements to accommodate heavier loads, explore these potential modifications that could augment its towing capacity. However, it’s worth noting that many of these alterations can be expensive, alter the day-to-day performance of your towing vehicle, and potentially diminish its resale value in the secondary market.

    Review these adjustments that may boost towing capacity:

    1. Enhancing the Hitch

    The same vehicle may be capable of towing more weight with a Class III hitch compared to a Class II hitch. If your tow vehicle can support the upgrade, transitioning to a higher hitch class could provide the additional capacity you require.

    2. Fitting a Weight-Distribution Hitch

    A weight-distribution hitch employs spring bars to distribute the load of a trailer more evenly across your tow vehicle, minimizing sway. This hitch type is frequently the most economical method of enhancing towing capabilities, as it does not necessitate replacing any mechanical components of the vehicle itself.

    3. Enhancing the Braking System

    Braking capacity frequently determines the maximum load a vehicle can handle. Upgrading to larger brake pads and rotors may offer a cost-effective solution to enhance braking power.

    4. Swapping Out the Axles

    Certain RV service centers offer the option to replace the standard axles of your tow vehicle with more robust versions designed specifically to withstand the rigorous demands of hauling an RV.

    5. Installing a Larger Radiator

    Towing places considerable strain on an engine. Enhancing the engine’s cooling capacity by installing a larger radiator can enable it to tow heavier loads without subjecting powertrain components to excessive wear and tear.

    Do Six-Wheel Trucks Offer Significant Advantages for Towing?

    A “dually” six-wheeled truck often boasts significantly higher towing capabilities compared to the same model equipped with a more traditional four-wheeled layout. For instance, in the 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD, the dual-rear-wheel option can tow up to 5,500 pounds more than the single-rear-wheel configuration with the same engine and transmission. Additionally, dually trucks tend to offer enhanced stability in windy conditions.

    However, dually trucks are considerably more challenging to maneuver and park, especially when not used solely for towing purposes. They also come with higher upfront costs and operating expenses due to their inferior fuel economy. Moreover, replacing tires for a dually truck involves purchasing six tires instead of the standard four.

    Ways to Reduce Towing Capability

    1. Fitting Larger Wheels

    Upgrading to larger aftermarket wheels can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle and may even increase its ground clearance. However, this modification nullifies the manufacturer’s specified towing capacity calculations. Larger tires necessitate additional engine torque and alter the transmission’s shift points. While these effects may not be apparent when the vehicle is unladen, they can significantly reduce its towing capacity when towing a load.

    2. Tire Replacement

    Throughout the lifespan of your tow vehicle, you’ll probably require multiple sets of tires. Ensure that the tire provider is aware that these tires will be used on a tow vehicle. While low-resistance tires designed to enhance fuel efficiency may seem appealing, they can diminish the vehicle’s towing capacity.

    What Other Technological Advancements Enhance Towing Safety?

    Truck manufacturers have engaged in a competitive drive to introduce innovative technologies aimed at enhancing towing safety. In recent years, they have rolled out unique and valuable features designed to make towing safer.

    When contemplating a new tow vehicle or a used truck from a private seller, consider features such as:

    • Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Ram Trailer Reverse Steering Control: These systems function like a secondary steering wheel for the trailer, providing a knob that allows you to steer the trailer while reversing. Given that backing up is often the most challenging aspect of towing, with the trailer maneuvering in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle, these aids can significantly reduce frustration.

    Full-Size Trucks Boasting the Greatest Towing Capacities

    Pickup TruckTowing Capacity
    1. 2024 Ford F-150Up to 14,000 pounds
    2. 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500Up to 13,300 pounds
    3. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500Up to 13,300 pounds
    4. 2024 Ram 1500Up to 12,750 pounds
    5. 2024 Toyota TundraUp to 12,000 pounds
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    Five critical towing issues

    Towing vehicles and trailers comes with its own set of challenges and potential issues. Here are five critical towing issues that people should be aware of and address when towing:

    1. Towing Capacity Exceedance: One of the most crucial issues is exceeding the towing capacity of the towing vehicle. This can lead to instability, decreased control, and potential damage to the vehicle’s transmission, engine, and brakes. Always ensure that the weight of the trailer and its contents is within the towing capacity specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
    2. Improper Weight Distribution: Incorrect weight distribution in a trailer can lead to swaying, poor braking performance, and decreased control of both the towing vehicle and the trailer. Properly distributing weight, ensuring that the tongue weight is within the recommended range, and using weight distribution hitches if necessary can help mitigate this issue.
    3. Inadequate Braking Systems: Trailers that are significantly heavier than the towing vehicle may require their own braking systems. Neglecting to install or properly maintain trailer brakes can result in extended stopping distances and increased risk of accidents, especially on steep inclines.
    4. Tire Maintenance: Tires on both the towing vehicle and the trailer need to be properly maintained, including inflation, tread depth, and overall condition. Underinflated or worn-out tires can lead to blowouts, reduced control, and even accidents.
    5. Driver Skill and Knowledge: Towing requires specific driving techniques and increased awareness due to factors such as longer braking distances, wider turns, and potential blind spots. Lack of experience or knowledge about towing can result in accidents, difficulty maneuvering, and poor decision-making on the road.

    To avoid these critical towing issues, it’s recommended to:

    • Thoroughly read the towing capacity and weight distribution guidelines in the vehicle’s manual.
    • Invest in quality towing equipment, including hitches, brake controllers, and safety chains.
    • Perform regular maintenance on both the towing vehicle and the trailer.
    • Practice towing in a controlled environment before embarking on long trips.
    • Drive attentively, allowing for increased stopping distances and taking caution when changing lanes or making turns.
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    Metro Tow & Transport, A Towing And Wrecker Service

    Towing and wrecker services are indispensable when it comes to keeping our roads clear. As the name implies, they’re responsible for removing disabled or damaged vehicles from roadways and transport them safely and securely. Here at Metro Tow & Transport, we specialize in towing and wrecker services for any incident that may occur. At Metro Tow & Transport, we understand that your vehicle is a major investment, and we take every precaution to ensure that it’s being treated with the utmost care. That’s why we use only the latest and most reliable towing and recovery equipment to ensure the safe transport of vehicles in any situation. From flatbeds to heavy-duty tow trucks, our fleet of vehicles is designed to make sure your vehicle arrives safely and on-time. If your vehicle requires road service, you can rest easy that our experienced and knowledgeable technicians are always on call to provide timely and professional service. Whether it’s a flat tire, empty fuel tank, broken down engine, or anything in between, you can trust us to diagnose the problem and provide a solution as soon as possible. We understand the importance of staying mobile, and our road service team is second to none when it comes to getting you back on the road with a minimum of fuss.

    Metro Tow & Transport
    Metro Tow & Transport

    When it comes to roadside assistance and towing, no one knows the roads better than Metro Tow & Transport. Our experienced team members are familiar with every emergency situation that could occur, and they’ll do their best to ensure you get back on the road quickly and safely. Thanks to our 24/7 roadside assistance, you’ll never have to worry about being stranded in an unfamiliar location. For more extensive services, our tow truck operators and wrecker service professionals can provide assistance in the event of an accident, vehicle rollover, or any other situation that requires the transport of a vehicle back to a safe location. We understand the importance of safety and security when it comes to transporting a vehicle, and with our team at your side, you can be sure that you and your vehicle will be taken care of. When it comes to towing and recovery services, you can trust the professionals at Metro Tow & Transport. Our team of experienced operators and technicians are dedicated to providing timely and quality service that meets your needs, no matter the situation. So if you or someone you know ever needs assistance on the road, don’t hesitate to call us and let us provide the help you need.

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    The Difference Between Security Towing and Unauthorized Towing

    Security towing and unauthorized towing are two different types of services that provide tows for vehicles. Security towing is used for towing vehicles that have been parked illegally or that are a safety hazard or potential traffic hazard. Unauthorized towing is used in a variety of circumstances and is often illegal. Security towing is a type of service provided by police officers or other law enforcement authorities. This type of towing is used when a vehicle is parked illegally, when a vehicle is a danger to pedestrians and other drivers on the road, or when a vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic. Security towing is used to remove the vehicle from the scene and to prevent further disruption of traffic flow. Security towing is always done in accordance with local law and is conducted in a safe manner. This type of towing is also conducted with the consent of the vehicle owner when possible. The owner usually pays for the cost of the tow, as well as any resulting fines or tickets. However, this type of towing is free of charge in some cases, such as when the vehicle is an abandoned vehicle or is a potential hazard to public health and safety.

    Security Towing and Unauthorized Towing
    Security Towing and Unauthorized Towing

    Unauthorized towing is a towing service that is not conducted by or authorized by law enforcement. This type of towing is typically conducted either without the owner’s consent or in violation of local laws. Common examples of unauthorized towing include illegally towing vehicles from private parking lots, towing vehicles from public streets, or even towing vehicles from residential or apartment complexes without permission. Unauthorized towing can also be done for other reasons, such as the attempts to defraud or extort the vehicle owner. In addition to being illegal, unauthorized towing can be dangerous. This is especially true when the towing company does not take appropriate safety measures in tow the vehicle. These safety measures include ensuring that the vehicle is towed in accordance with local laws, that all safety components of the vehicle are secured, and that the vehicle is not damaged during the process. Security towing and unauthorized towing are two very different services. Security towing is a safe and legal form of towing a vehicle, while unauthorized towing is illegal and potentially dangerous. It is important to make sure that you understand both services and the differences between them, in order to make an informed decision about which type of tow service is right for your needs.

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    Towing Company Settles Lawsuit for illegally Selling Troops’ Cars

    In 2015, the Boathouse Towing and Recovery company of El Centro, California was sued for illegally towing the cars of active duty military personnel. The suit alleged the company would send letters to military personnel informing them that their vehicle was being towed for abandoned, and then charge them fees in order to have their car returned. The Department of Justice, on behalf of military personnel, argued in their lawsuit that Boathouse had violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The SCRA prevents towing companies from towing military members’ vehicles without a court order, and from charging them fees for their return. Additionally, the company violated the California Business and Professions Code by failing to obtain authorization before towing vehicles. The company has now agreed to a settlement with the Department of Justice, which includes paying $1.3 million to over 1,400 victims.

    Troops' cars
    Troops’ cars

    They have also agreed to forgive any fees or fines collected from military personnel, and to comply with state and federal regulations. Additionally, the Boathouse Towing Company will be subject to court scrutiny and enforcement by the Department of Justice for a three-year period. This settlement should serve as a reminder that laws exist to protect military personnel, and that companies cannot take advantage of service members. Companies must respect the laws concerning the SCRA and other laws related to military service. Companies must also comply with state and federal regulations regarding the towing and recovery of vehicles. Failure to do so could result in significant fines or criminal punishment. The settlement in this case is an important reminder that companies must take necessary precautions and respect laws that protect the military. It also demonstrates that the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring veterans and military service members are protected from unjust treatment.

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