Towing 101 – Terms You Should Know

Understanding towing terminologies is important if you want to transport your goods or haul RVs safely and efficiently. Knowing these terms will give you confidence when towing.

Here are some basic towing terms that every truck or SUV driver should be familiar with. The following list was compiled by the experts at Doug Henry Chevrolet GMC in Farmville, NC.

Basic Towing Terms

Payload Capacity

Payload capacity is the maximum weight of passengers, cargo, and extra gear that your vehicle can haul on top of its own weight. It's important to differentiate this from towing capacity because payload impacts the vehicle directly, whereas towing capacity relates to the weight being towed. Going over your vehicle's payload limit can mess with how it handles and brakes.

Max Towing Capacity

Your vehicle's max towing capacity is the most weight it can safely tow. The manufacturer determined this figure by considering the engine size, brakes, chassis, and transmission. Going over this limit could cause damage or accidents, so checking your vehicle's manual for the exact towing capacity is crucial. If you own a GMC truck, refer to our website to know the towing limits of the different GMC models.

Tongue Weight

The tongue weight is the pressure pushed down by the trailer tongue onto the tow vehicle's hitch. For a smooth and steady tow, aiming for 10-15% of the overall trailer weight is best. If the tongue weight is off, it could lead to the trailer swaying, making it tough for the tow vehicle to manage.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The GCWR is your towing setup's total weight, including the vehicle, passengers, item you're hauling, and the trailer itself. It's essential to stick within this limit for safety reasons. Going over the GCWR could put a lot of strain on your vehicle’s engine and brakes, which isn't safe.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR of your vehicle is the maximum weight that it can carry, including its own curb weight and the combined weight of the passengers, cargo, and other accessories. The automaker sets this rating.

Hitch Types

The hitch links the trailer to your towing vehicle. There are various types of hitches. Knowing your options is crucial for picking the right one:

• Bolt-on Trailer Hitch: This hitch is fixed onto the vehicle's frame and works well for light to moderate towing duties. It is simple to set up and remove.
• Fifth Wheel Hitch: Tailored for heavy-duty towing like big trailers or campers, this hitch goes in the bed of a pickup truck and provides extra stability.
• Fixed Tongue Hitch: This hitch is permanent and has a set ball mount. It offers limited flexibility but is good for consistent towing of the same trailer.
• Gooseneck: A gooseneck is comparable to a fifth-wheel hitch but used more for commercial or agricultural towing. It allows tighter turns and is mounted in a pickup truck's bed.

Curb Weight

Curb weight refers to your vehicle's weight, including all standard gear, oil, coolant, and a full gas tank minus passengers or cargo. It is a base measure that helps determine how much you can carry and tow efficiently.

Tow Bar

A tow bar is a contraption that links a towed car to the towing vehicle. It is handy for flat towing when all four wheels of the towed vehicle touch the ground. The key is ensuring the tow bar matches both the towing capacity of the vehicle and the weight of the vehicle being towed.

Axle Ratio

The axle ratio shows how the gears in a truck's differential link up the rear axle, driveshaft, and engine. It's a way to tell how well the truck can tow stuff and how fuel-efficient it is.

Find a Chevy for All Your Towing Needs in Farmville, NC

Familiarize yourself with the above towing terms for safe and efficient towing. You should also read your vehicle's manual to learn about the towing guidelines and restrictions concerning your truck or SUV.

If you're unsure about your vehicle's towing capacity or the right hitch type, the best thing to do is seek professional advice. Don't hesitate to call the team at Doug Henry Chevrolet GMC in Farmville, NC, if you have towing-related questions. We also invite you to browse our selection of tow-ready GMC trucks and SUVs.