User Manual

Learn the Towing Basics
It sounds easy just hitch up and go but there's a lot more to towing a trailer safely down the
road to your play or work destination. This page will help get you started, but for more in-depth
information, click on Understanding Towing and go through all the chapter titles. There are a
number of towing components to consider, but first you should dive into the alphabet soup of
tow ratings, and determine what your vehicle and trailer can handle together. Whether you're
pulling a fifth wheel, boat trailer, pop up camper, or a utility trailer, the tow rating considers the
size of a trailer or towed vehicle, as well as its maximum loaded weight.
Trailer and vehicle weight codes that you need to know!
GVWR - The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum a vehicle can weigh, fully
loaded with people and cargo.
GCWR - The Gross Combined Weight Rating is the maximum the tow vehicle and a
trailer together can weigh fully loaded.
GTW - The Gross Trailer Weight is the weight
of the trailer and cargo. You can measure this by
putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
You can search for a certified automated truck
scale near you at http://catscale.findlocation.com/
TW - The Tongue Weight is the amount of the
trailer's weight that is placed on the hitch ball by
the trailer coupler. (To measure the tongue
weight, use either a commercial scale or a
bathroom scale with the coupler at towing height.
When using a bathroom scale with heavier
tongue weights, use the method shown and multiply the scale reading by three.
These ratings consider multiple factors, including a vehicle's suspension, frame, and location of
the rear axle in relation to the front end. For example, if your truck is rated for 10,000 pounds
and you try to tow 15,000 pounds, the additional weight can overtax the rear suspension to the
point that you reduce the traction and stability of your front tires. Always refer to your vehicle
manual for information about its capabilities and limitations. Check out the quick reference chart
below for more information. Remember, the chart illustrated below is only a guide. Make sure
you find out the exact towing capacity of both your tow vehicle and your trailer, including all
contents and cargo - AND DON'T OVERLOAD.
How much can you safely tow?

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