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To have a safe and efficient transportation of goods or recreational vehicles, one should have a good understanding of common towing terms. If you are planning a camping trip with a trailer, haul heavy loads regularly, or are simply interested in your vehicle’s capabilities, this knowledge will boost your confidence in towing.
Here are some basic terms about towing:
Maximum Towing Capacity
The maximum towing capacity is the highest weight your vehicle can tow safely. Determined by the manufacturer, it considers the engine, brakes, chassis, and transmission. Going above this limit can cause damage or accidents. Always check your vehicle’s manual for its towing capacity.
Payload Capacity
Payload capacity is the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and extra equipment your vehicle can carry, not including its own weight. You must know the difference between payload capacity and towing capacity, which is the weight your vehicle can pull. Overloading the payload can impact your vehicle’s handling and braking.
Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward pressure the trailer exerts on the towing vehicle’s hitch. It should be 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight for optimal stability. Incorrect tongue weight can lead to trailer sway or poor handling of the tow vehicle.
Gross Combined Weight Rating
GCWR, or gross combined weight rating, is the total weight limit for the towing vehicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer. Knowing this is essential for maintaining safe operation. Going over the GCWR can overburden your vehicle’s drivetrain and brakes, posing safety risks.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GVWR, or gross vehicle weight rating, is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely handle, including its own weight, passengers, cargo, and any added accessories. The manufacturer determines this rating, which is vital for ensuring vehicle safety and integrity.
Gross Axle Weight Rating
The gross axle weight rating is the highest weight one axle can handle. It’s crucial because weight doesn’t always spread evenly between axles.
Axle Ratio
Axle ratio refers to how the driveshaft revolutions per minute are related to the axle’s revolutions per minute. It’s essential to align the driveshaft’s speed with the rear axle’s rotations. Every vehicle achieves optimal power and efficiency depending on its travel frequency and usual load.
Curb Weight
Curb weight is the weight of your vehicle with all standard equipment, including oil, coolant, and a full fuel tank, but without passengers or cargo. This baseline measurement is essential for calculating payload capacity and towing capabilities.
Tow Bar
A tow bar is used for flat towing, which is when all four wheels of the towed vehicle are on the ground. You must ensure that the tow bar matches the capacity of the towing vehicle and the weight of what is being towed.
Hitches are hardware pieces attaching a trailer to the towing vehicle. Knowing the different types of hitches can help you choose the one that meets your needs. Below are the common types of hitches:
Knowing these terms is essential for a secure and effective towing. Remember to look at your vehicle’s manual to get towing instructions and seek help from an expert if you are not sure about the towing capabilities of your vehicle. Secure towing not only protects your car and load but also ensures safety on roads for all road users.
If you want to learn more about towing, don’t hesitate to call Johnny Londoff Chevrolet. You’re also welcome to swing by our Florissant, MO, dealership. We have a wide selection of Chevrolet trucks with excellent towing capabilities.