Tips for Towing a Trailer
Trucks can be great vehicles, but they aren’t always the best for driving in every situation. They may break down, have mechanical issues or get into an accident that prevents them from moving forward on the highway. When this happens, you need a tow truck company to assist you in getting your vehicle to a repair shop or back to where it was parked.
Towing a Trailer
The ability to tow a trailer behind your truck is one of the most useful features available for trucks. It lets you haul items like boats, campers, toys and more.
When you’re ready to tow a trailer, it’s important to understand how much your vehicle can handle. A truck’s payload and towing capacity are the two most important factors in determining how much weight you can haul behind it.
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of a truck is measured in pounds. The higher the number, the more pounds it can tow.
For example, the 2017 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup can tow a fifth-wheel trailer up to 31,210 pounds. The figure comes from a model with a regular cab and two-wheel drive.
There are many things that can affect a tow truck for sem capacity, from its engine and transmission to the type of tires it has on its drive wheels. You can also upgrade and customize your truck to increase its towing capacity.
Adding a Tow Package
Most full-sized pickups offer towing packages that allow you to add a tow hitch, a winch or other equipment to boost your towing capacity. Towing packages can increase your truck’s towing capacity by up to 25%, depending on the model.
It’s a good idea to consult with your local dealer before buying a towing package. They can recommend the best combination for your specific needs.
When you purchase a towing package, you should expect your new truck to come with an ESC (electronic stability control) system and/or ABS (antilock brakes). These systems help reduce the risk of an accident while you’re towing, and they can also give you extra control over your vehicle as it tries to stop on the road.
Towing Ratings
The most common way to determine a truck’s maximum towing capacity is by looking at its GCWR (gross vehicle weight rating). This number is calculated by subtracting the truck’s curb weight from its total cargo weight.
A truck’s GCWR can be found in the owner’s manual or by using the manufacturer’s online towing guide. Some models even display their GCWR on the driver’s-side door jamb.
Towing ratings are based on testing that’s done under strict conditions. Some of these tests include launching on a steep grade, towing in extreme heat and braking under high speeds. You can find more information about how trucks are rated by visiting the SAE International website. These tests are used by most manufacturers to calculate their truck’s towing capacity, and they are more standardized than ever before. These tests are designed to ensure that the truck has a stable performance during the test and is able to handle the load it’s being towed with ease.
