Before You Buy That RV, Truck or Other Tow Vehicle

Before You Buy That RV, Truck or Other Tow Vehicle

Your guide to matching any tow vehicle to any towable.

by Dave Gray

"It's not rocket science!"

THE SCOOP

“I’m sorry sir, that truck can’t tow this trailer.”

From my personal experience and the comments of others I’ve read on several forums I wonder if you’ll hear those words come from a salesperson - unless you pointed over to a Toyota Tacoma like I did. Of course, I was joking.

Any salesperson’s job is to sell. As a buyer, I believe that it is important to have as much information in-hand as possible before purchasing. In some instances, NOT ALL, a salesperson may say whatever is needed to get you to buy without regard to what tow vehicle you have. After informing the salesman I had a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel, he perked up and assured me my truck was big enough for the 41 foot toy hauler I had my eyes on. “We tow these trailers all the time with 2500s,” the salesman said. To keep a long story short, I’ll tell you this; his untruthful sales pitch was revealed when I saw the bed of my 2500 nearly drop to the axle after raising the landing gear for the first time.

This was my first purchase of any RV. Although I had done some research on towing and RVs, I learned quickly how little I knew. I’ve learned a lot since then. Now I hope to pass along some helpful information to you.

One of the most common questions for RV buyers is something like this, “Can my truck tow that?” I considered developing an online calculator to help with that. Honestly, there isn’t any need for a specific calculator to assist you with knowing how much your vehicle can tow. All the information you need to know you will find below.

Every automotive dealer provides a towing guide. In my experience, I've learned that some automotive sales people don’t understand towing capacity. It is your responsibility to find the towing guide for your specific vehicle model. In most cases, you can use the “Tow Ratings” resource provided at FifthWheelSt.com. The critical information you need to find in the tow ratings guide is your vehicle’s maximum trailer weight.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In order to find the maximum trailer weight for your vehicle you’ll need to know the following information.

	Vehicle make and model
	Body style/drivetrain
	Bed length
	Engine size
	Transmission model
	Axle ratio

For example, if you have a 2008 Dodge 2500, Quad Cab SLT, 4WD, 8.0 Ft. Bed with a 6.7L I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine and 6-Spd Automatic 68RFE Transmission with an axle ratio of 4.10, your maximum trailer weight is 12,750 pounds.

Now you need to look at the certification label on the trailer and find the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). (Note: Do not rely solely on the trailer brochure or an internet listing.) If the trailer’s GVWR is greater than the maximum trailer weight of your vehicle, then the trailer is too heavy. Always ensure that the trailer’s GVWR is less than the maximum trailer weight for your vehicle. Likewise, if you are buying a new vehicle, ensure that the vehicle's maximum trailer weight is greater than the trailer's GVWR.

Another important matter you should know for most vehicle brands is that the maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only a 150 pound driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.

ALTERNATE METHOD

Here is another method of knowing your maximum trailer weight if you're unable to find the published maximum trailer weight. This method takes into account the actual weight of your tow vehicle.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

- (minus)

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

= (equals) Maximum Trailer Weight

The maximum that any trailer should weigh is the difference between GVW and GCWR. If the manufacturer-specified maximum trailer weight is less, then it takes priority.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Some vehicles may have a high GCWR but the hitch (pin) weight of some 5th wheel/gooseneck trailers may exceed the vehicle's rear GAWR. It's best to weigh your rear axle with with all the expected cargo. If you don't have a 5th Wheel hitch installed, add 200 pounds to the rear axle weight. Subtract the weighed rear axle weight from the rear GAWR. The difference will be how much more you can safely place on your rear axle. Also note that adding air bags and/or additional springs to the rear axle or changing the axle ratio will not change your certification label on your vehicle.

Although I spent a few years of my life as a Field Engineer tracking satellites, rockets and the Space Shuttle, clearly you don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out what your towing requirements are.

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RV expert Mark Polk explains the issue mentioned above in the "Important Note" very well in his article, Caution – Why Truck Tow Ratings don’t Add Up.

"Information without application leads to frustration"

Published in GatewayUSA