When you have a vehicle that can tow, it opens up a whole new world. All of a sudden, it isn’t a big deal to take your boat to the lake for the day, or to help a neighbor that is in need of a tow when broken down. However, if you don’t understand some towing basics, it can really ruin your vehicle. Citywide Towing Service is here to talk about the towing capacity of your vehicle and what you need to know about it.
Vehicle Towing Capacity Calculator
Not every vehicle is able to tow, but if yours is, you need to know the specifics. Every vehicle can tow different weights. When someone is referring to the towing capacity of your car, they are talking about the maximum amount of weight that can safely be towed before harming your vehicle. You need to read the manufacturer’s recommendations and then stick to them when towing. If you tow anything heavier than those recommendations, you run the risk of damaging your transmission, axle and any warranty you had on your vehicle will be void at that point.
Refer to Your Vehicle’s Operation Owners Manual
To find the right information, the best place to check is your operation manual that came with the vehicle at the time of purchase. If you have misplaced this manual, you can always find the online version so you are aware of exactly what your vehicle can handle.
Know Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
When you are trying to figure out the gross vehicle weight of your car, you need to factor in more than just the car itself. The passengers riding, luggage, and the tongue weight of the trailer you are towing are all calculated into the equation. You can find your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating on the sticker found on the driver’s door.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTWR)
Don’t just factor in the weight of whatever it is you are towing. The weight of the trailer itself is often forgotten when calculation the amount of weight you are towing. You need to consider the trailer weight so you can be sure you don’t exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle. Another thing to consider is the rating of the hitch attaching the trailer to your vehicle to safely tow your load.
Don’t Push Your Car to its Limit
A General rule to keep your vehicle safe from any damage due to a heavy load when towing, is to only tow 80% of your vehicle’s maximum capacity. This will ensure you don’t run into any problems and make it easier to haul the load you are towing.
Towing Service, Roadside Assistance & More in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
Towing isn’t something that should be taken lightly. The experts towing team at Citywide Towing Service, have the training and expertise to ensure the job is done right. Don’t push your vehicle too far or you may regret it. The damage that can be caused by towing a load that is larger than your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity can be extensive. Call us with any of your towing or roadside assistance needs.
