Towing capacity calculator
The heaviest loaded trailer a truck can pull today: the room left under its gross combined weight rating, checked against the maker’s tow rating and the hitch’s rating.
Your numbers
The truckThe hitch and trailer See your resultResult
Most you can tow 8,400 lblimited by GCWR Your trailer 7,000 lb1,400 lb to spare (83% of the limit) Room under GCWR 8,400 lbGCWR − curb − load in the truck Stop working this out by handDrivers scan the QR label on a truck or trailer to do the pre-trip check on their phone; a failed item opens a repair work order.
See FleetZap Dispatch · Try the demoThe formula
Most you can tow = The lowest of (GCWR − Curb weight − Load in the truck), Tow rating, Hitch rating
A tow rating assumes a lightly loaded truck; every pound of people and tools in the cab comes off what you can pull. With the example: 16,000 − 6,000 − 1,600 = 8,400 lb, below the 10,000 lb tow and hitch ratings, so a 7,000 lb trailer fits. Also check the truck’s payload and rear axle rating with the trailer’s tongue weight on it; the GVWR calculator does that. Use the ratings for your exact truck from the door sticker and the owner’s manual.
Using the numberWhat to do with it
- Many drivers keep the trailer at or under about 80% of the limit for hills, wind and braking room.
- Weigh the loaded truck and trailer at a scale before a heavy tow; guesses run light.
- Trailer brakes, breakaway and lights belong on every pre-trip; the trailer inspection checklist covers them.
Guides behind this calculator
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Good to know
How do you calculate towing capacity?Take the GCWR, subtract the truck's curb weight and everything in it, and compare the result with the maker's tow rating and the hitch rating. The lowest of the three is your limit.
Why can I tow less than the advertised rating?Tow ratings assume a lightly loaded truck. Passengers, tools and cargo come off what you can tow under the GCWR.
Where do I find GCWR and tow rating?On the door sticker and in the owner's manual or the maker's towing guide for your exact model, engine and axle ratio.
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