Use our Tow Capacity Calculator to accurately determine how much weight your vehicle can safely tow based on its Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and current payload.
Tow Capacity Calculator
Calculation Breakdown
Tow Capacity Calculator Formula
Source: Kelley Blue Book Towing Guide
Variables Explained
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum allowable weight of your vehicle and the attached trailer combined, as determined by the manufacturer.
- Curb Weight: The weight of your vehicle with standard equipment and all necessary operating consumables (e.g., motor oil and coolant), a full tank of fuel, but without passengers or cargo.
- Passenger & Cargo Weight: The total weight of everyone inside the truck and any gear loaded in the bed or cabin. This reduces your available towing power.
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What is Tow Capacity?
Tow capacity, or towing capacity, refers to the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can pull safely and legally. It is not a static number; it fluctuates based on how much weight you are carrying inside the tow vehicle itself.
Manufacturers provide a “maximum towing capacity,” but this assumes a nearly empty truck with only a driver. As you add family members, luggage, and tools to your vehicle, your remaining capacity to tow a trailer decreases. Exceeding this limit can cause transmission failure, braking issues, and dangerous swaying on the highway.
How to Calculate Tow Capacity (Example)
Let’s say you have a pickup truck and want to know how heavy of a boat you can tow.
- Find your GCWR (e.g., 14,000 lbs) in the owner’s manual.
- Determine your truck’s Curb Weight (e.g., 5,000 lbs).
- Estimate the weight of Passengers (Driver + Spouse + Dog = 450 lbs).
- Estimate Cargo in the truck bed (Cooler + Tools = 150 lbs).
- Calculation: 14,000 – (5,000 + 450 + 150) = 14,000 – 5,600 = 8,400 lbs.
In this scenario, your maximum towing capacity is 8,400 lbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Payload and towing capacity compete for the same overall weight limit (GCWR). The more weight you put inside the truck (payload), the less weight you can tow behind it.
Where can I find my vehicle’s GCWR?The GCWR is typically found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the compliance label located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Can I increase my towing capacity?Generally, no. You can upgrade suspension to reduce sag or add a transmission cooler to prevent overheating, but the legally rated GCWR set by the manufacturer cannot be changed.
What happens if I exceed towing capacity?Exceeding the rated capacity is illegal and dangerous. It increases stopping distance, can cause the trailer to sway uncontrollably, and may void your insurance coverage in the event of an accident.