Know Before You Tow
Trucks vary in terms of weight and towing weight so knowing which hitch is right for you is very important. B&W has rated their Tow & Stow hitches to tow 10,000 lbs. with the 2’’ shank model, 14,500 lbs. with the 2 1/2" shank model, and 21,000 lbs. with the 3" shank model. This is called Gross Towing Weight Rating (GTWR). The Vertical Towing Weight Rating (VTWR) also called Tongue Weight Rating which is 1,000, 1,450, or 2,100 lbs. depending on the shank model you have as seen below. Both your towing vehicle and your trailer ratings are very important. All B&W Tow & Stow hitches are tested for both strength and endurance according to SAE J-684, the latest standard for bumper pulled hitches.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
Max Tow Rating
Vertical Towing Weight Rating (VTWR)
Finding Your Actual Weights
Take your loaded truck and loaded trailer to a scale at a truck stop, quarry or material supply center. For a small fee you can weigh your tow vehicle and trailer on their scale.
Even though you may be under your vehicle’s Max Towing Rating, when your Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) goes up, (more passengers, more cargo) your ability to tow the Max Towing Rating may not be possible, because:
IMPORTANT! THE GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED.