For those who are currently in the market looking for a new car, towing is one of the most confusing topics. Many manufacturers boast about their vehicles’ impressive towing capacities. But finding the right number isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Instead of being a single value represented in pounds, towing capacity is the result of numerous calculations and a large safety margin. If you are interested in learning more about towing capacity and how to calculate it, we will explain it in detail.
What Is Towing Capacity?
Car owners must know not to overload their vehicle above its towing capacity if they intend to use it for towing. The term “towing capacity” refers to the maximum load that a given vehicle is capable of pulling.
Although it may seem straightforward, there are several other factors besides the number on your car that contribute to establishing your towing capacity. We’ll break down how towing capacity works so you know how much you can pull.
How Does Towing Capacity Work?
The total weight that your vehicle is capable of safely towing will vary depending on its configuration, the weight that it is already transporting, and how you distribute and manage the load that you need to tow.
Car manufacturers often use a single number to determine towing capacity. However, this number isn’t a golden rule that applies to all circumstances. To determine the exact weight, you’ll need specifics about your towing vehicle and trailer.
Manufacturers will mention the towing capacity for each car they make, but it’s important to keep in mind that these numbers assume the tow vehicle has just a driver inside. If you want to take a group of people and all their camping gear on a weekend vacation in a travel trailer, you should know that the manufacturer’s figures won’t reflect your actual load.
How Is Towing Capacity Determined?
To calculate your vehicle’s towing capacity, you must know the total GCVWR — Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating — of the vehicle you intend to tow with and the trailer you intend to pull, as well as all the cargo each will transport, from passengers to liquids.
Then you’ll need to know the curb weight of your tow vehicle, which is the total weight of the car when it’s been fueled up and has all the fluids it needs for the trip.
The towing capacity of a vehicle is calculated by deducting the curb weight from the GCVWR. Never haul more than your car can handle, as this is a common warning from manufacturers. We’d also say that it’s advisable to never come close to that total—10% is the absolute limit for safety—ever.
How to Know the Towing Capacity of a Vehicle
It can be difficult to determine a vehicle’s towing capacity. How much weight a car can tow depends on many factors, including its engine, transmission, and suspension. Additionally, truck manufacturers provide towing packages that include factory-installed hitches and can alter axle ratios and tire types.
Fortunately, many truck and SUV manufacturers today place a sticker on the driver’s door jamb that details important towing information including the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross axle weight rating (GAWR).
In almost every case, the owner’s manual for your car has similar information. However, it might be difficult to decipher which equipment package your vehicle has been fitted with if you bought it used.
Do You Need Your Car Towed?
Bronx Tow Truck Service is a 24-hour emergency towing and roadside assistance company that serves the Bronx, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and the entirety of Westchester County. You can count on us to take excellent care of you and your car, van, motorcycle, or light-duty truck. We are here to serve you.
