Looking to buy a trailer but not sure how much your vehicle can tow? Well here’s a simple guide to finding your tow rating. The tow rating is basically your towing capacity. There are various abbreviations you may want to know when calculating your tow rating.
G.V.W.R.
GVWR stands for gross vehicle weight rating. Essentially it is the maximum weight of your vehicle or trailer while loading. This number includes the weight of the vehicle/trailer.
G.C.W.R.
GCWR stands for gross combined weight rating. Essentially it is the maximum weight of your vehicle when a trailer is attached and loaded.
G.A.W.R.
GAWR stands for gross axle weight rating. Essentially is it the maximum weight that can be loaded on any of your axles, for both trailers and vehicles. Typically your front axle will have a different rating than your rear axle.
G.T.W.
GTW stands for gross trailer weight. Essentially this is the total weight of a fully loaded trailer.
T.W.
TW stands for tongue weight. Essentially your tongue weight is how much total force can be put on the tongue/trailer hitch of the vehicle safely. Often the weight depends on where/how you load cargo in your trailer.
Payload Capacity
Your payload capacity is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can tow. This includes cargo and passengers. Payload capacity is only applicable to your vehicle, not your trailer.
How do I find my towing capacity?
- Look at your VIN sticker to find your curb weight.
- Add weight of passengers and anything else that may be inside your vehicle.
- Subtract this number from your vehicles GCWR(Gross Combined Weight Rating).
- Make sure your tongue, axles and hitch can handle the weight.
Why Do I Need to Know My Tow Rating?
This information is vitally important because if you ignore your tow limit, you may cause frame, transmission, engine or tire damage. Keeping your tow capacity in mind will help ensure the longevity of both your vehicle and trailer in the long run.
Still need help finding your towing capacity?
Try out this handy online tool How Much Can My Vehicle Tow? from Explore USA RV Supercenter.
