Common Towing Terminology: What You Need to Know

Pickup trucks and SUVs are more than just modes of transportation. With their towing and payload capacities, you can easily take on heavy-duty tasks. It is possible to haul boats, travel trailers, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles depending on the vehicle's size and powertrain.

Buying a GMC likely means taking advantage of this vehicle’s advantages in hauling and towing. GMC trucks and SUVs' payload and towing capacities are among the best in the class. However, if you don't understand these terms, finding the right model for you may be difficult.

Throughout this guide, we take a closer look at some of the most important towing terms everyone should know, covering their definitions and applications so you can make educated buying decisions.

The Basics of Towing

Max Towing Capacity

It is the maximum weight your vehicle can tow safely. Manufacturers determine this based on the engine power, braking capacity, and chassis strength. Exceeding this limit can cause vehicle damage or accidents. Consider the GMC Sierra 1500 or HD for a truck with excellent towing capability.

Payload Capacity

It is the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can carry. This can be calculated based on the vehicle's total weight, including people, objects, and equipment. When you overload your vehicle beyond its payload capacity, it can cause handling problems, increased braking distances, and tire failure.

Tongue Weight

Tongue weight is the force applied at the point of connection when connecting a trailer for towing. It depends on the weight distribution inside a trailer. It is vital to have accurate tongue weights. Generally, this component shouldn't exceed 10% of the trailer's total weight. The haul should be around 15% of this weight for fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

GCWR refers to a vehicle's total weight, which includes both passengers and cargo. In order to avoid damaging your vehicle's drivetrain, stay within this weight range when towing.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

GVWR measures how much weight a truck or SUV can carry when fully loaded (including passengers and cargo). In this figure, while the trailer itself is not included, passengers, personal effects, and cargo are included, along with the truck's curb weight and the tongue weight of the trailer.

Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR)

The GTWR determines how much weight, fluids, and cargo a trailer can carry on a full load. It is recommended that the trailer weight should be 10%-15% of the GTWR when coupling.

Curb Weight

A curb weight is the weight of an empty vehicle without a payload or driver and with standard equipment, fuel, coolant, and oil. Alternatively, it is known as the vehicle's weight.

Tow Bar

The device connects two vehicles for towing purposes. With it, you can tow another vehicle much more easily than with a trailer hitch.

Tow Hitch

Attaching trailers to vehicles requires a hitch. There are different types of hitches for different weights. The receiver hitch is built into the rear end in most medium and heavy-duty trucks (and some SUVs). A variety of trailer-towing packages are also available for trucks and SUVs. Hitches come in a variety of types, including:

• Bolt-on Trailer Hitch: As its name implies, this hitch attaches to the vehicle's frame and can handle light to moderate loads.
• Weight Distribution Hitch: With this type of hitch, the trailer's weight is evenly distributed across the axles of the towing vehicle. You must combine the tow hitch with a rear receiver hitch to tow heavy trailers. This also improves steering and braking and prevents sagging at the tow vehicle's rear.
• Rear Receiver Hitch: Almost all cars, trucks, and SUVs come with rear receiver hitches. The receiver opening measures 1.25 inches or 2 inches and mounts directly to the vehicle's frame.
• Fifth-Wheel Hitch: Trailers weighing more than 10,000 pounds, such as campers and livestock trailers, can be accommodated by this hitch. Designed to attach directly to the rear axle of a pickup truck, it provides added stability.
• Gooseneck Hitch: This type of hitch typically tows commercial or agricultural equipment. Due to the fact that it mounts in the truck bed, it has a smaller turning radius. Towing livestock trailers, flatbeds, or large campers with gooseneck hitches is easier since they can handle much more weight.

Find a Vehicle for All Your Towing Needs at Briggs Buick GMC

Depending on what you need to tow regularly, you'll need either a pickup truck or an SUV. Briggs Buick GMC has exactly what you're looking for. Speak to a sales team member about our tow-ready vehicles and see them in the metal when you visit our showroom in Manhattan, KS.