Towing Capacity: What You Should Know

Understanding towing capacity is critical because a mismatched tow vehicle and trailer can put you and your loved ones’ safety in jeopardy. It can also result in expensive repair bills for damage and premature wear to major components on your tow vehicle. It is the least understood issue because most buyers are not aware of weight concerns until it is too late. I’m hoping this article helps explain the terminology and technical details of safe towing in an easy to understand guide.

Let's start with the tow vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer determines tow vehicle ratings. Extensive testing is done and many factors are considered such as; engine size, transmission, axle ratio, chassis, suspension, brakes, tires, cooling system, and tow packages. Any time a vehicle or trailer is given a rating it is based on the weakest link in the chain. For example, the axle on a trailer may be capable of supporting 5,000 pounds, but if the tires on the axle can only support 3,000 pounds the axle is rated for 3,000 pounds. This is why it is crucial that you never exceed a manufacturers rating. 

You can take five ½ ton trucks with the same engine, and tow ratings for each different vehicle can vary by 4,000 pounds. One of the major factors affecting tow ratings is the rear axle ratio. Very basically, the axle ratio is a comparison of how many times the drive shaft rotates versus the wheels. If you have a 3.73:1 axle ratio it means the drive shaft rotates 3.73 times for each rotation of the wheels. The higher the numeric value of the rear axle the better it tows, but you compromise gas mileage. The key to selecting the tow vehicle is to figure out what your requirements are and to know exactly how it is equipped so you can determine the correct tow rating. Tow ratings are extremely important, but there are other weight issues concerning the tow vehicle that are often overlooked.

There's a very simple formula we can use to determine how much we can safely tow, but first there are a couple of weight ratings you need to understand:

Armed with this information, let's look at a typical buying scenario. We know for a fact that our tow vehicle is rated to tow 8,800 pounds and it has a GCWR of 15,000 pounds. When I account for the cargo in the truck, three additional passengers, and aftermarket accessories my actual tow rating is 8,040 pounds. Keep in mind that any weight you load in or on the truck reduces the tow rating by that amount. For example:

Now let's look at our towing formula: Tow Vehicle GCWR - Tow Vehicle GVW = the Maximum GVWR for a trailer we can purchase.

 

The GCWR for my truck is 15,000 pounds. Now I subtract the GVW of my truck when it's fully loaded for travel and this equals the maximum GVWR of a trailer I can consider purchasing. The only way to determine the actual GVW of the tow vehicle is to take the fully loaded vehicle to a set of scales and have it weighed. The GVWR can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification label, located on the exterior left front of the trailer.

So let's say we found a trailer with a floor plan we like that has a GVWR of 8,000 lbs. The UVW or Dry Weight of the trailer is 6,350 pounds. Keep in mind we have to add:

·       Any dealer installed options

·       Cargo loaded in the trailer

·       Any water we add to the fresh water holding tank, and

·       LP gas

This gives us a gross trailer weight of 7,075 pounds. Ask the RV dealer to show you the weight label that is inside the trailer for accurate trailer weights. Unloaded Vehicle Weights found in a manufacturer's brochure are normally for the base model of the trailer and do not include options the dealer may have ordered on the unit. In the majority of cases there is a significant difference between the GVWR and the UVW of the trailer.

Let's see if this will work: Remember our GCWR is 15,000 pounds. When we subtract the weight of our fully loaded tow vehicle and our fully loaded trailer we still have 1,093 pounds to spare before we exceed our GCWR.

 

This method will almost always works, unless you have the tow vehicle and the trailer loaded to their maximum GVWR, which when added together can exceed the GCWR. This is more likely to happen when the tow vehicle is a light duty vehicle like a minivan, small SUV or light duty truck. In this situation you simply add the GVWR of the tow vehicle to the GVWR of the trailer then select a tow vehicle that is rated for the combined weight.

If your original calculations are based on estimates you need to verify all weights by going to a set of scales and properly weighing the vehicle and trailer. Keep in mind this article only covered towing basics! My advice is to also check additional weight factors and considerations such as Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), tires, tire inflation, proper hitch work, and trailer brakes. I hope this helped to clear up some of the issues concerning matching your tow vehicle and trailer to ensure a safe towing system.

If you’d like to calculate your towing vehicle’s dealer-listed towing capacity, go to: http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml
 

Happy and Safe Travels!

Helpful Links:

Connie's Campers

Budget RVs of Texas

FAQ's About RV Living Answered by Real RV'ers!

Before you sell it all and jump into RV Living, it’s understandable if you have questions about the lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, we all think it’s great – but if you’re still unsure, here are six of the top most frequently asked questions, answered by real life RV’ers!

Q. What type of RV is best for me?

A. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an RV. Are you planning to live in it permanently, such as a means of retirement? Or is it for the occasional vacation trip with the family? A Class A is the largest RV unit and can be quite luxurious, perfect as a replacement for your current home. A 5^th wheel can be suitable for full-time living, depending on construction and warranty details of the unit. A travel trailer is great for camping trips, road trips or other vacation destinations. 

Q.  Are Pets allowed at RV parks?

A.  Generally, small pets are allowed at most RV parks, but if you are visiting one for the first time it’s best to call ahead and make sure before you make your reservations. Above all, make sure if you bring Fido along that you are prepared to pick up all pet waste to be considerate of other RV’ers. 

Q. What about doing laundry on the road?

A. Most RV parks have coin-operated laundry machines on site, or you may need to travel to a laundromat in a nearby town. Some RV’s contain their own compact washer and dryers, usually stackable or combo units to save space, such as Class A, 5^th wheels, motor homes and travel trailers. 

Q. How safe are RV parks from crime?

A. Most RV parks actually have lower crime rates than most American neighborhoods. That being said, there is still the occasional theft so it is wise to put away your valuables and lock your RV when you leave it.

Q. Where can I refill my large Propane cylinders for my RV?

A. There are several places that will fill a large capacity Propane tank:

• Licensed RV Dealerships
• U-Haul Facilities, located Nationwide
• RV Service Departments 
• Gas Stations
• Campgrounds

Q. How do I get power (amperage) to my RV?

A. Whatever you do, never just plug your RV into a 120v plug! This can fry your electrical system, resulting in costly repairs and (the worst!) possibly being stranded. Most RV parks have 30 amp (aka 120v) connections but if your RV is a 50 amp (aka 240v) there is a converter you should use so that a safe amperage is delivered to your model of RV. Please note: 120/240 volt in RV terms ARE NOT the same as 120/240 volt readings in a HOUSE. This is why you must NEVER make the mistake of plugging your RV into an outlet not specifically rated for RV needs. Still have questions? Check out this helpful link.

The cost of living in an RV is not much different than living in a concrete permanent house. However, the experience is a little different in that an RV is a smaller space and continuously stopping at “temporary” arrangements can take some getting used to. However, for those of us who love to travel, RV living truly is little piece of paradise!

Happy Campers December 2016

What is a Snowbird, Exactly?

In RV terms, a Snowbird is someone who travels to warmer southern locations during the cold winter months and back north (or wherever home may be) during the summer. It’s so common that many RV campsites advertise that they are “Snowbird Friendly!” There are some places such as Quartzsite, Arizona that have been nicknamed “white cities,” because from the air during peak Snowbird season the ground appears white, whereas after the Snowbirds head back north, the view from the air appears normal again. This is because of the thousands of RVs that canvas the areas so thoroughly during the winter months. Typically, this demographic is made up mostly of retirees, but in reality, Snowbirds of all ages flock to where the weather is best!