Towing FAQ

What is towing capacity?

Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. This includes the weight of the trailer and everything loaded on it. The towing capacity varies by vehicle make, model, engine, transmission, drivetrain, axle ratio, and other factors.

Important: Your vehicle's actual towing capacity may be less than the maximum rated capacity depending on the weight of passengers and cargo in your vehicle.

What is GVWR?

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum total weight your vehicle can safely carry, including the vehicle itself, all passengers, cargo, fuel, and trailer tongue weight.

You can find your vehicle's GVWR on a sticker/placard typically located on the driver's side door jamb.

What is GCWR?

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle AND the trailer (including all cargo, passengers, and fluids in both). This is the absolute maximum your vehicle and trailer can weigh together while moving.

What is tongue weight?

Tongue weight is the downward force that the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch ball. For conventional trailers, tongue weight should typically be 10-15% of the total trailer weight.

Proper tongue weight is critical for safe towing. Too little tongue weight can cause trailer sway, while too much can overload the rear axle and affect steering.

What's the difference between conventional and fifth-wheel towing?

Conventional towing uses a hitch mounted to the rear of the vehicle (bumper-pull or receiver hitch). The trailer connects via a ball mount or similar coupling.

Fifth-wheel towing uses a hitch mounted in the bed of a pickup truck, positioned over or slightly forward of the rear axle. This provides better weight distribution and typically allows for higher towing capacities. Fifth-wheel hitches are commonly used for large RV trailers.

Do I need a weight-distribution hitch?

A weight-distribution hitch (also called weight-distributing hitch or WDH) helps distribute the trailer's tongue weight more evenly across the tow vehicle and trailer axles. This improves stability, steering, and braking.

Weight-distribution hitches are typically recommended when:

• Towing a trailer over 5,000 lbs
• Tongue weight exceeds 10% of your vehicle's rear axle capacity
• You experience sagging at the rear of your tow vehicle

What is a towing package?

A towing package (also called trailer tow package) is a set of factory-installed equipment designed to maximize your vehicle's towing capability. Components typically include:

• Heavy-duty transmission cooler
• Engine oil cooler
• Trailer brake controller or pre-wiring
• Upgraded alternator
• Specific axle ratio for towing
• Trailer sway control
• Receiver hitch

Maximum towing capacities often require a towing package to be installed.

How does axle ratio affect towing?

Axle ratio is the number of times the driveshaft rotates for each rotation of the wheels. A higher numerical ratio (like 4.10:1) provides more torque and better towing capability but may reduce fuel economy. A lower ratio (like 3.31:1) is better for fuel economy but provides less towing power.

Maximum towing capacities are typically achieved with the highest available axle ratio for that vehicle.

Do I need trailer brakes?

Most states require trailer brakes if the trailer weighs more than a certain amount (typically 1,500-3,000 lbs, depending on the state). Even if not legally required, trailer brakes are strongly recommended for safety when towing any significant weight.

A trailer brake controller is needed to operate electric trailer brakes and should be matched to your trailer's braking system.

Why is my vehicle's towing capacity different from what I see here?

Towing capacity can vary significantly based on:

• Engine and transmission type
• Drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD/AWD)
• Axle ratio
• Cab style and bed length (for trucks)
• Installed options and equipment
• Whether a towing package is installed
• Single vs dual rear wheels
• Model year

Always verify your specific vehicle's capacity in the owner's manual or with your dealer.

What is the SAE J2807 standard?

SAE J2807 is a standardized testing protocol established by the Society of Automotive Engineers for determining towing capacity ratings. Most manufacturers now follow this standard, which ensures consistent and realistic towing ratings across different brands. Vehicles rated under SAE J2807 have been tested under controlled conditions including hill climbs, accelerations, and other real-world scenarios.

How do I calculate my actual towing capacity?

To determine how much you can actually tow:

1. Find your vehicle's GVWR (on door jamb sticker)
2. Weigh your vehicle fully loaded (passengers, cargo, fuel) at a truck scale
3. Subtract loaded weight from GVWR = remaining capacity
4. Account for tongue weight (10-15% of trailer weight)
5. Remaining capacity minus tongue weight = maximum trailer weight you can tow

Also verify you don't exceed GCWR (vehicle + trailer combined weight) or any axle weight ratings.