Views: 3 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2021-05-14 Origin: Site
When you are going to purchase a towing truck, there are two things you need to know which are towing capacity and payload. Many new buyers may be confused by these two numbers and couldn’t make a final decision. Fortunately, this article will help you answer the question - how much weight can the towing trucks tow.
The Content list:
Differences between the towing capacity and payload
How much your tow truck can pull?
Your tow ruck's payload capacity refers to all the cargo weight that you can safely add in addition to your tow truck’s empty weight (also known as curb weight).
Payload capacity is calculated by your vehicle manufacturer and noted in the owner’s manual. When manufacturers determine the numbers for towing capacity and payload, they assume a few things. The first is for determining towing capacity. Many tow truck manufacturers determine the amount a truck can tow by assuming that the person driving is 150 lbs. There are no other passengers and there is nothing extra in the tow truck. If you do have a person in your front seat, keep this in mind if you are towing something heavy. You might need to consider taking two trips so that you do not push your truck too hard. Likewise, if you load up your tow truck with many heavy items, and then add passengers, you risk damaging your tow truck.
But you can calculate your tow ruck’s payload capacity on your own by doing a little math: Start with the maximum total weight your truck can handle, known as its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). GVWR is also determined by the manufacturer and is listed in your owner’s manual. Subtract your tow ruck’s curb weight from its GVWR—that’s your payload capacity!
To break it down simply, the towing capacity is how much a tow truck can tow, and the payload is how much the tow truck can carry inside. The towing capacity does not include payload, but the two do affect each other.
The most important feature of a tow truck is its capacity to tow. It refers to how much weight you can safely pull behind your tow truck with a trailer. Typically, your truck’s towing capacity far exceeds its payload capacity because the majority of the weight is resting on the trailer axles, not your truck’s axles.
Normal trucks have a passenger or maybe a loading capacity which is very different from the towing capacity. The towing capacity of a truck should be more than the vehicle that is to be towed or else both vehicles will be at risk of damages. The towing capacity of a truck is based on the horsepower it carries, the strength of its body, and the torque or driving force it creates while having a suitable radiator and other relevant parts.
Max towing capacity should always be observed in any towing situation. Exceeding this capacity - or towing more weight than your vehicle is rated for - is extremely dangerous.
To determine maximum towing capacity, you will need to know the vehicle manufacturer's weight ratings and compare them against the gross weight of your trailer. Most vehicles have the trailer towing capacity listed in the owner's manual, on the driver-side door jamb, or in a trailer towing capacity guide on their website.
How to determine towing capacity: whether you're looking up SUV towing capacity, pickup truck towing capacity, or car towing capacity, consult the vehicle manufacturer!
If the vehicle's ratings are higher than the total weight of the trailer, the trailer is safe to tow. If the trailer's weight exceeds the vehicle's ratings, the trailer should not be hitched up to the vehicle.
You can find your truck’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual or calculate it on your own. To find your truck's towing capacity, subtract your tow truck’s curb weight from its Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR). The GCVWR is the maximum weight of your loaded truck and the weight of its attached trailer.
