Everything You Need to Know About Towing Capacity
Towing isn’t as simple as hooking up a trailer and hitting the road. Without a clear understanding of your truck’s towing capacity, you could be putting your safety, cargo, and vehicle at risk.
Whether you’re pulling a boat to the lake or hauling equipment for work, you need to know exactly how much your truck can safely tow. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what towing capacity really means, why it matters, and provide tried and true tips on how to get the most out of your truck no matter what you’re hauling.
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What Is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your truck can safely tow. Knowing exactly what your truck can pull is critical for avoiding vehicle damage and safety risks out on the road.
Why Does Towing Capacity Matter?
Towing Capacity Terms to Know
There is a lot of terminology associated with truck towing capacity. To fully understand how much your vehicle can haul, you’ll need to know what each measurement means.
Below is a table of the most important towing capacity terms and their definitions:
| Towing Capacity Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | The maximum weight a truck can hold, including the weight of the vehicle itself |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | The maximum weight a truck and its trailer are rated to safely handle, including both the vehicle and trailer’s weight |
| Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) | The highest load capacity for each axle |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | The highest weight a vehicle can safely haul in a trailer, also called tow rating |
| Payload Capacity | The maximum weight a truck can carry in its cabin or bed |
| Tongue Weight | The downward force exerted by the trailer’s tongue on the truck’s hitch |
| Curb Weight | The weight of the truck when it is fully equipped with all necessary fluids but without passengers or cargo |
| Dry Weight | The truck’s total weight without fluids or cargo |
How to Calculate Towing Capacity
The most reliable way to find your truck’s towing capacity is to check the owner’s manual or the door jamb sticker. Even if the exact towing capacity isn’t listed, you can usually find the GCWR and curb weight, which are the two values you need to calculate towing capacity.
Towing Capacity Calculation
To calculate your truck’s towing capacity, you can use this equation:
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) – Curb Weight = Towing Capacity
For example, if your truck’s GCWR is 20,000 lbs. and it’s curb weight is 7,000 lbs., your towing capacity would be 13,000 lbs. (20,000 – 7,000 = 13,000)
However, the maximum weight you can tow isn’t always how much you should. To determine the safest towing weight for your vehicle, you’ll need to consider some practical safety guidelines—like the 80% Rule.
What Is the 80% Rule?
To be safe, never haul loads over 80% of your vehicle’s total towing capacity. This buffer accounts for potential miscalculations, so you don’t accidentally go over the limit.
Trailer Hitch Classes and Towing Capacity
No matter what your truck’s towing capacity is, it needs the right kind of trailer hitch to get the job done.
Trailer hitches are classified based on how much weight they can safely handle. Below is a guide to the different trailer hitch classes and how much weight they can typically pull1:
| Trailer Hitch Class | Average Towing Capacity (lbs.) | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Class I Hitch | Up to 2,000 | Compact cars, sedans, small SUVs |
| Class II Hitch | Up to 3,500 | Midsize SUVs, cars |
| Class III Hitch | Up to 5,000 | Half-ton trucks, larger SUVs |
| Class IV Hitch | Up to 10,000 | Heavy-duty pickups |
| Class V Hitch | 17,000+ | One-ton pickups |
The exact weight a hitch can safely pull will vary depending on each product’s specific design and rating, so always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
How to Maximize Truck Towing Capacity
Even if you’re staying within your truck’s towing capacity, towing can put a significant strain on your engine. Upgrading to a bigger radiator can help keep your truck’s engine from overheating while hauling heavier loads. However, if tackling a project of that scale isn’t in the cards right now, there are plenty of simpler ways to enhance your truck’s towing performance.
These tips and accessories can help you get the most out of your truck while hauling safely and efficiently.
Upgrade the Tires
Towing can also put significant strain on your truck’s tires. Upgrading to tires specifically rated for heavier loads can help maximize your overall towing capacity.
Heavy-duty or all-terrain tires usually have better traction and durability to support heavier cargo, reduce the risk of blowouts, and improve overall stability.
Upgrade Your Brakes
Upgrading your brakes is another way to boost your towing efficiency and safety, especially when hauling heavy loads. Better brakes can help manage the added strain on your vehicle, reducing wear and tear on your truck and ensuring the longevity of its towing performance.
Upgrade Your Trailer Hitch Class
No matter how big your truck is, you won’t be able to tow very much with a Class I hitch. Most trucks will need a Class III or above to haul anything more than about 3,500 lbs.
If your vehicle can handle the upgrade, consider going up a hitch class to ensure it’s equipped to haul heavier loads.
Install a Weight Distribution Hitch
A weight distribution hitch helps distribute the tongue weight evenly across the truck and the trailer. This reduces sway and helps improve steering control, braking performance, and overall stability while hauling.
The CURT round bar weight distribution hitch is the ideal solution for smooth, level towing. Made with heavy-duty components and a built-in lubrication system, this durable hitch is the perfect companion for your next outdoor adventure or hauling job.
Your One-Stop Shop for All Your Towing and Hauling Needs
Whether you’re hauling for work or for fun, understanding exactly how much weight your truck can tow is important for staying safe on the road and avoiding costly damage to your truck.
At Campways, we offer a wide range of trailers and towing accessories to help you create the perfect hauling setup. From towing hitches and mounts to trailer parts, we have everything you need to turn your truck into a hauling powerhouse. Shop our online selection today to get your truck geared up for the road.
References
- Lowe’s Editorial Team. (2024, September 9). Types of Trailer Hitches and Classes. Lowe’s. https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/types-of-trailer-hitches-and-classes
