How Much Can My Vehicle Tow?
Towing a trailer is not as simple as making sure its curb weight does not exceed your vehicle’s tow rating and calling it a day. There are a number of factors to take into account when towing and determining whether your vehicle can handle your trailer, as well as a few important rules of thumb to follow.
Find your vehicle’s tow capabilities
Brands tend to advertise their pickup trucks by showing off their maximum towing capabilities. But if you want to know what your specific model can handle, you may have to dig a little deeper than just the front page of an OEM website.
For example, the towing capacity of your pickup can be affected by its engine, its bed size, its cab size and whether it has a towing package installed. Before you decide to tow, make sure you’ve double-checked what your vehicle can handle.
Understand weight ratings
To find out whether or not your vehicle can tow a trailer, it’s important to understand different weight ratings. You need to know your unit’s gross vehicle weight rating, gross axle weight rating, tongue weight, net carrying capacity and various other terms. Refer to our guide about RV weight ratings for more information on the subject.
Keep add-ons in mind
Everything you pack in either of your vehicles has an effect on towing. If you have water in your freshwater tank and other tanks, that’s a lot of extra weight to take into account. It also makes your trailer tougher to handle on the road.
All of your gear should be taken into account as well. Food, batteries, tools, electronics, chairs, camping gear, propane tanks and other belongings really add up. Whether they’re in your tow vehicle or the trailer you’re towing, they need to be factored in.
Towing a trailer with your vehicle is no simple task. That’s why at RVs of West Texas in Baird, Texas, our associates will help you determine which trailers your vehicle can tow.