lbs
From your owner's manual or door jamb stickerEnter towing capacitylbs
Max loaded weight of trailer — from VIN stickerEnter trailer GVWRlbs
Typically 10–15% of GVWRlbs
From door jamb sticker (passengers + cargo + tongue)mi
$
Per gallonTowing Safety Status
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Towing Safety Rules
Two ratings limit what you can tow: towing capacity (max trailer weight) and payload capacity (max weight in/on the vehicle, including tongue weight, passengers, and cargo). Exceeding either is dangerous and can void your warranty.
Towing Safe: Trailer GVWR ≤ Vehicle Towing Capacity × 0.80 (80% rule)
Payload Safe: Tongue Weight + Passengers + Cargo ≤ Payload Capacity
Towing MPG ≈ Normal MPG × 0.70 (approx. 30% reduction)
The 80% rule is a safety buffer — towing at 100% capacity stresses drivetrain, brakes, and tires. Most manufacturers and safety experts recommend staying under 80%.
💡 Tongue weight rule: Keep tongue weight at 10–15% of total trailer weight. Too little tongue weight (under 10%) causes trailer sway; too much (over 15%) lifts the rear of the tow vehicle.
FAQ
Check your owner's manual (usually in the towing or trailering section), the manufacturer's towing guide for your specific trim/engine/axle combo, or the door jamb sticker for payload. Note that towing capacity varies significantly by engine, transmission, and axle ratio — the base trim often has lower capacity than higher trims.
Most states require trailer brakes when the loaded trailer weight exceeds 1,500–3,000 lbs (varies by state). Electric trailer brakes are standard for trailers over 3,000 lbs. A brake controller in your tow vehicle is required to operate electric trailer brakes. Check your state's specific requirements.
Towing typically reduces MPG by 20–40% depending on trailer weight, aerodynamics, terrain, and speed. A heavy trailer at highway speed on a hilly route can cut MPG nearly in half. Budget for significantly higher fuel costs on any towing trip vs. driving unloaded.
Hitch classes by capacity: Class I (up to 2,000 lbs) for small trailers and bike racks; Class II (up to 3,500 lbs) for small utility and boat trailers; Class III (up to 8,000 lbs) — most common for trucks and SUVs; Class IV (up to 14,000 lbs) for heavy loads; Class V (up to 20,000 lbs) for commercial towing. Always match the hitch class to both your vehicle's towing capacity AND the trailer's GVWR.
A weight distribution hitch (WDH) redistributes tongue weight from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to all four wheels, restoring level ride height and steering control. Most manufacturers require a WDH when tongue weight exceeds 10–15% of the tow vehicle's curb weight (typically 350–500+ lbs). Operating without a required WDH causes rear sag, reduced front-wheel traction, and dangerous handling.
Place 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer (ahead of the axle) to achieve proper tongue weight of 10–15% of GVWR. Heavy items should be low and centered. Uneven side-to-side loading causes sway. Never overload the trailer beyond its GVWR — weight ratings are safety limits, not suggestions. Periodically check tire pressure and load tie-downs during long trips.
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