When there are so many different trucks available today with the ability tow a different amount of weight, how do you calculate your trucks towing capacity? You never want to tow more than your trucks maximum capacity for the safety of you and other drivers on the road. Many of us truck owners don't know the proper way to figure out our safe load limits of our pickup trucks. Here are some items to get familiar with when you're ready for your next towing job.
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, for example, 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, is 1,000, 1,450, or 2,100 lbs. depending on the shank model you have as seen below.
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.
1. Find your GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
2. Find your GCW (Gross Combined Weight)
3. Find your Towing Weight
4. Find your VTW (Vertical Tow Weight)
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 the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) must not be exceeded.
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