Tow Guide
Find Your Towing Capacity by VIN, Make, or Model
Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
The importance of knowing your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity
When diving into the world of trailers, whether for camping adventures, hauling equipment, or any other purpose, the excitement can often lead to overlooking one critical factor: your vehicle's towing capacity. Understanding the limits of what your vehicle can safely tow is not just a precaution; it's a necessity.
Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity, a figure that this tow guide helps you retrieve. Note that the maximum towing capacity can usually be found in your vehicle’s manual.
The maximum towing capacity represents the total weight your vehicle can handle, which includes both the trailer and its loaded weight. Ignoring these limits and opting for a trailer with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity can lead to accidents. The consequences of mismatched towing capacities and trailer weights are not trivial. Exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity can strain your vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes. It can also compromise your vehicle’s structural integrity and overall performance. This strain not only increases the risk of mechanical failure but also jeopardizes your safety and that of others on the road.
Moreover, a trailer that's too heavy for your vehicle affects handling and stability. It can make your vehicle more difficult to control, especially when braking or maneuvering in emergencies. The additional weight can cause longer stopping distances, reduced acceleration, and increased wear on your tires and brakes, leading to higher maintenance costs and potential road hazards.
Matching your trailer to your vehicle
Before buying a trailer listed on TrailerTrader, please check your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity using the tool below. You will want to check your maximum towing capacity against the GVWR of the trailer you buy.
Load check before towing your trailer
Normal: Before driving away with a loaded trailer, you must ensure that your Total Weight is smaller than your vehicles maximum towing capacity. Your Total Weight is the sum of:
trailer weight + passenger weight + cargo on the trailer + cargo in the car + liquids (oil, petrol,…)
Total weight must not exceed towing capacity.
CALCULATE YOUR MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY
Disclaimer: We receive vehicle year, make, model, and trim data from third parties and, therefore, we make no representation, guarantee or warranty, either express or implied, with respect to the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the vehicle year, make, model, and trim data displayed. WE DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY RESULTING FROM ERRORS IN VEHICLE YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, AND TRIM DATA.
Select your vehicle below to check that it has the capacity to tow this trailer.
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