Tow Ratings: They’re Not As Straightforward As You Think

We’ve all seen the glowing advertisements of gnarly, American pickups towing everything from flashy fifth wheel trailers to big flatbeds full of landscaping equipment. Just reference RAM’s 2018 Super Bowl commercial. Quite tongue in cheek, it showed modern-day Icelandic Vikings towing a warship with their new 1500, as the crew and all their equipment chill in the bed. And while no one actually expects this kind of performance from their real-life pickup, the subliminal message implies that you could, if you wanted to.

That’s why we have SAE standards, you might say. And yes, you’re right. Before SAE J2807, vehicle manufacturers could essentially claim whatever tow ratings they wanted, since they were performing their own in-house testing. But the startling truth is, that even with these standards, tow ratings are wildly inaccurate.

Aside from assuming a tongue weight of 10% of trailer weight (which is on the lower end of the 9-15% recommended by experts), SAE testing parameters account for a driver and passenger who only weigh 150 pounds each. 150 pounds! Clearly, no self-respecting American who understands his country’s obsession with deep-fried fast food would set an estimated human weight at that number. Besides, who takes a family vacation with only two people in the cab? And what about the dog(s)? My pup alone adds 65 pounds to the ride.

Furthermore, J2807 requires OEs to use a vehicle equipped with the popular options found on roughly a third of those models sold. A third? How is that an accurate representation of what’s on the road? And where does that leave all the customers driving higher-end (and therefore heavier) trims, as well as those who opt for aftermarket parts, accessories, or even point-of-sale towing package upgrades?

So, what’s a hopeful RVer to do?

Well, suffice it to say: RESEARCH. You have to do some detailed, research-driven homework. “Having worked in the tech and warranty department, I can tell you: Do not take someone else’s words of ‘Yes, your truck will tow that,’” advises Lisa McCrory, Product Manager for all private label RV lines at NTP-STAG and Keystone Automotive. “At the end of the day, you are responsible for knowing what your vehicle can handle. The dealer or salesperson isn’t there to educate—they’re there to sell. So, look out for yourself and be sure to get all the facts before you go shopping.”

This kind of advice isn’t meant to discourage you from joining the 25 million Americans who go RVing every year. Just the opposite, in fact. It’s meant to inspire prospective enthusiasts not to settle for the first camper or tow vehicle that catches their eye.

Industry professionals like McCrory have seen first-hand the results of being over the tow rating. “We had a customer driving a Tahoe and pulling a travel trailer. They were over the limit and kind of knew it, but it didn’t slap them in the face until after they took a turn and flipped. Thankfully, everyone was okay, but they’re lucky to be alive.”

Do the math, get the official specs, and read plenty of reviews. Call up a manufacturer and speak to someone in their tech and warranty department, if you have to. Keep a notebook or Word doc with all the relevant information in one place. And brush up on the industry lingo, so you’re not left nodding like a bobblehead and muttering “uh huh” at the dealership.

Overwhelmed?

We thought you might be. That’s why we’re dedicating an entire series of articles to understanding tow ratings, sourcing reputable guides, choosing a hitch, and pinpointing quality aftermarket suppliers. Not to mention, spec’ing your next new tow vehicle or determining if the one you’ve already got at home is up to the task.

And, really, you’ve already taken the first step! Now you know not to believe all the eye-popping tow ratings you see in marketing materials. So, what’s the next? That would be learning the ABCs of Towing Terminology.

Don’t panic. No one says you have to memorize all these acronyms, but being familiar with them will definitely make your life easier. We’ve broken things down below, and highlighted what we think is most important, but consider checking out this guide by CURT Manufacturing as well. CURT is a premier name in towing accessories, with over 25 years in the business. The company’s online resources are a useful addition as you learn more about safe towing.

Additionally, as you meet the terms below, note the difference between weights and ratings. Simply put, ratings don’t change. These numbers represent the maximum allowable limit of something—such as what a vehicle can hold or what an axle can carry—and are determined by manufacturers.

Towing Terms 101

Curb Weight or Base Curb Weight. The weight of your vehicle with a full tank of gas and all its fluids, as well as all factory equipment. This number does not include any cargo or passengers.

Tongue Weight (TW). This is a measurement of the downward force that a trailer or camper exerts on your vehicle. It’s affected by where you position cargo in the trailer.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). This is the curb weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of all your passengers and cargo.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is a number set by the manufacturer that determines the most your vehicle can weigh and still be operable. For obvious reasons, you cannot have your GVW exceeding your GVWR or your vacation is over before it even started.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The most weight that can be placed on your axles. Keep in mind, this number includes the weight of your tires, wheels, and brakes, as well as the axle itself.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). The curb weight of your trailer or camper, plus all its on-board cargo.

Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR). The maximum permissible weight of your trailer or camper when fully loaded. This number is set by the manufacturer.

Gross Combination Weight (GCW). This number includes the weight of your fully-loaded vehicle, plus the weight of your fully loaded trailer, plus the tongue weight. It’s the whole shebang that you plan on moving from Point A to Point B.

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The manufacturer-set maximum weight of your vehicle with a hitched-up trailer attached. It’s vital that your GCW does exceed this number. Overloading your vehicle(s) can cause mechanical failures, braking problems, and loss of control, among other things.

Baby Steps

Now that you have the proper vocabulary, it’s easier to approach manufacturer tow ratings. Remember, many of those marketable numbers are only possible with very specific engine configurations and towing packages, so check an online guide, your owner’s manual, or someone at the manufacturer’s customer service center for the proper weight ratings and capacities for YOUR setup.

Got more questions? Click here to find out if the truck or SUV you’ve already got sitting in the driveway is up to the task of towing a new trailer or camper.