Trailer Tow Ratings

Choosing the right tow vehicle is very important if considering a travel trailer or fifth wheel. My Dad always said "Don't put the horse before the cart". Meaning don't limit your RV purchase based on the truck you just bought. We often see people purchase too light duty a truck to pull the unit they like. To avoid this we recommend choosing your RV first then matching up the proper tow vehicle. There are a variety of terms you should know like GCWR, GVWR, GAWR. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) The total allowable weight of the tow vehicle, the trailer, the cargo in each, fluids and occupants. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) The total allowable weight for the vehicle, including occupants, fluids, options, hitch hardware, cargo and trailer-hitch weight. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) The total allowable weight on an individual axle. This includes the weight of the tires, wheels, brakes and the axle itself. The maximum tow ratings for individual tow vehicles can be hard to determine. The easiest method and the one we use is Trailer Life Magazines Tow Rating Guide. Look up your vehicles tow rating by going to their main page at www.trailerlife.com and finding their Towing Guide.