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If You Already Have A Tow
Vehicle
If you already have a
tow vehicle, look up its tow rating—size, maximum loaded
weight, and maximum tongue weight of a trailer that the tow
vehicle is capable of towing. The vehicle owner’s manual
contains these specifications. Most automotive manufacturers and
dealerships have towing specification guides with tow ratings and
detailed information if extra equipment is needed to tow a
trailer. While your vehicle may have certain tow ratings,
remember you must have a matching hitch system that can handle
the same specifications. To ensure safety, you may have to
install extra towing equipment.
Manufacturers’
Tow Vehicle Ratings
Manufacturers’
tow vehicle ratings address tongue weight, as well as the
individual, combined, and fully loaded weights at which a tow
vehicle can safely tow a trailer. They also can be used to guide
the selection of brake and hitching systems, as well as tow
vehicle tires. Together with the hitch system specifications,
these weight considerations will help you purchase a safe tow
vehicle. In general, manufacturers provide tow ratings for the maximum
Amount the
tow vehicle may weigh when fully loaded, or Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Weight a
vehicle can tow. This figure may vary depending on the
vehicle’s equipment, such as a manual or automatic
transmission and whether it is equipped with four-wheel
drive.
Permissible
combined weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, passengers,
equipment, fuel, etc., that the vehicle can handle, or Gross
Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).
Weight a
single axle can carry, or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Measuring the Weight
of a Trailer
Some manufacturers
provide a “dry” or empty weight for trailers; however,
to select a proper tow vehicle and hitching system, you must know
how much your trailer weighs fully loaded. For example, if you
are towing an open trailer that carries a boat or motorcycle, the
fully loaded weight includes the weight of the trailer with the
boat or motorcycle and any additional items being towed, such as
fuel tanks, motors, and safety equipment.
Develop a realistic
estimate of the total weight of your trailer. The time you spend
doing this and getting properly equipped will save you time and
money in preventing unexpected repairs to your tow vehicle and
unanticipated breakdowns while on the road. In addition to
speaking with dealers and other individuals who sell and use
trailers, the best way to know the actual weight of your trailer
is to weigh it at a public scale.
Manufacturers
consider the loaded weight of a trailer when specifying tongue
weight—the amount of the trailer’s weight that
presses down on the trailer hitch. Too little tongue weight can
cause the trailer to sway. Too much tongue weight can cause many
problems, including not enough weight on the front wheels of the
tow vehicle. When this occurs, the tow vehicle will be less
responsive to steering. A weight-distributing hitch can remedy
this problem by transferring weight to the front axle of the tow
vehicle.
Manufacturers also
establish the gross axle weight and provide a rating that denotes
the maximum weight a single axle can carry. Knowing these weights
will help you when it is time to load your trailer. Remember that
the gross axle weight rating listed on the tow vehicle’s
certification label must not be exceeded.
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