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RV glossary · Weights & towing limits

Tow rating

Also called: Towing capacity, Max trailer weight

The maximum trailer weight a vehicle is rated to pull, as published by its manufacturer. It depends on engine, axle ratio, cab, bed, drivetrain and tow package, so the same model can have very different ratings.

Advertised “up to” tow ratings are for the best-equipped configuration, often with a single driver and no cargo. Your exact rating is in the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s towing guide for your configuration.

Compare the tow rating with the trailer’s GVWR (its maximum loaded weight), not its dry weight. Many RVers keep the trailer’s GVWR at or under 80% of the tow rating. Also check payload, GCWR and rear axle rating: any of them can be the real limit.

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Related terms

GVWR
The maximum an RV (or a truck) is allowed to weigh when fully loaded, including everything inside it: cargo, water, propane, batteries and, for motorhomes, passengers. It is set by the manufacturer and printed on the weight label.
GCWR
The maximum allowed weight of a tow vehicle and its trailer together, both fully loaded. It’s set by the vehicle manufacturer and is often the hidden limit when towing heavy trailers.
Payload capacity
How much weight a truck or SUV can carry: its GVWR minus its curb weight. Passengers, cargo, the hitch itself and the trailer’s tongue or pin weight all count against payload.
80% rule
A common rule of thumb: keep a trailer’s loaded weight (or GVWR) at or below 80% of your vehicle’s tow rating. It leaves a margin for wind, hills, heat and rating optimism. It’s a guideline, not a legal limit.

More weights & towing limits terms

UVW · Dry weight · CCC · OCCC · GAWR · GVW · Hitch weight · Pin weight

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