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Whether buying a truck or powerful crossovers and SUVs from the Toyota lineup, you will often read about towing capacity. You can find these terms in the vehicle specs and descriptions. Your owner’s manual also includes towing-related terms and guidelines for safe towing.
Knowing these common towing terms will help you get the most out of your vehicle’s towing capability.
Here are some towing terms you should know before hitching a trailer to your truck or SUV:
A vehicle’s maximum towing capacity is the most weight it can safely tow behind. It varies according to the configuration, weight, and distribution of the load on the vehicle. Knowing how much a truck or SUV can pull is the first step toward determining its ability to tow safely and securely.
Manufacturers publish towing capacities, but it’s important to remember that they are calculated with only the driver in the tow vehicle. Therefore, if you’re planning a weekend getaway, make sure to factor in your passengers and belongings.
Vehicle payload capacity is the amount of cargo, passengers, and additional equipment your vehicle can carry in addition to its weight. Payload affects a vehicle while towing capacity affects the weight pulled behind it. Payload impacts the vehicle, whereas towing capacity affects the weight pulled behind it. Putting too much weight on the truck will affect how it handles and brakes.
This is how much weight a trailer pushes down on the hitch. A trailer’s tongue weight varies according to the load distribution. It’s important to make sure that the tongue weight is correct. A conventional trailer’s tongue weight should be about 10% of its total weight. When hauling fifth wheels or gooseneck trailers, this weight should be about 15%. A lightweight trailer will sway when driven. In the meantime, too much tongue weight will negatively affect your vehicle’s towing abilities.
The GCWR measures the combined weight of the vehicle and its passengers, trailer, and cargo. It is recommended not to exceed this weight when towing to prevent compromising your vehicle’s drivetrain. An engine, transmission, and radiator all play a role in determining the GCWR. A vehicle’s axles, tires, and chassis strength also affect its maximum gross combined weight.
The GVWR is the maximum weight at which your vehicle will remain operable. It considers the weight of the passengers, fluids, cargo, and tongue weight of the trailer. It does not include the weight of the trailer you’re towing. The GVWR is on the ID plate to determine the license type needed to operate a vehicle. Your vehicle’s GVWR will also decide whether it can cross certain bridges and road classes.
Vehicle manuals and documentation often provide the curb weight of the vehicle. The manufacturer weighs the vehicle as it exits the facility. Vehicles are graded and classified based on this information.
The tow bar connects two vehicles to facilitate towing. Unlike a hitch for towing a trailer, you use this for towing another vehicle.
Trailers are connected to vehicles with hitches. Hitches are available for different weights and applications. Common hitch types include the following:
You may find these terms helpful if you are looking for a Toyota vehicle for regular towing. We at Thomasville Toyota are dedicated to helping you find the best tow-ready Toyota for your lifestyle. Let our friendly staff explain the towing capabilities of each vehicle. Swing by our dealership in Thomasville, GA, today.
