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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