When it comes to towing, guessing isn’t an option. Whether you’re hauling your family RV or helping a friend move, understanding how much your truck can safely tow is crucial. At RVtechcourse.com, we aim to make RV life simpler and safer. Let’s break down exactly how to determine your truck’s towing capacity, step by step.
Why the Confusion?
Search online, and you’ll find countless answers to the question, “How much can my truck tow?” The problem? Every truck is different, and so are the ways we load them. Add in varying advice and conflicting numbers, and it’s easy to see why towing capacity often feels like a guessing game.
But it doesn’t have to be. Let’s simplify.
Step 1: Find the Key Numbers
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)- What it is: The maximum total weight your truck can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
- Where to find it: Check the driver-side door jamb for a sticker with this number.
Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR)
- What it is: The maximum combined weight of your fully loaded truck plus the trailer.
- Where to find it: Consult your truck’s owner’s manual or look up the specifications online.
Step 2: Weigh Your Truck
To get accurate numbers, visit a certified scale at a truck stop. Drive your truck onto the scale fully loaded—that means passengers, pets, gear, and a full tank of gas. This provides the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
Compare your GVW to the GVWR. If your truck’s weight exceeds the GVWR, it’s overloaded before you even hitch a trailer!
Step 3: Calculate Towing Capacity
Trailer Weight
- Know the total weight of your trailer.
- Check the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the maximum weight it can safely carry.
Tongue Weight
Even though trailers have their own axles, some weight transfers to the truck:
- Bumper-pull trailers: Add ~10% of the trailer’s GVWR to your truck’s weight.
- Fifth wheels/goosenecks: Add ~25% of the trailer’s GVWR to your truck’s weight.
For example:
- A bumper-pull trailer with an 8,000-lb GVWR will add about 800 lbs to your truck.
- A fifth wheel with a 10,000-lb GVWR will add about 2,500 lbs to your truck.
Step 4: Check the Numbers
- Add the trailer’s tongue weight to your truck’s GVW.
- Ensure this total is below your truck’s GVWR.
- Verify that the combined weight of the loaded truck and trailer is below your truck’s GCVWR.
If you’re under these limits, you’re good to go!
Why Does This Matter?
Towing beyond your truck’s capacity isn’t just dangerous—it can lead to costly repairs and jeopardize your safety. Knowing these numbers keeps you, your passengers, and your equipment safe on the road.
Simplify RV Life with Confidence
At RVtechcourse.com, we’re here to empower RVers with knowledge and skills. Whether you’re towing an RV or heading on your next adventure, understanding your truck’s towing capacity is a must.
Looking to gain even more confidence? Check out our training programs and resources at RVtechcourse.com to start mastering the art of RV maintenance and safety.