Vehicle Towing Capacity Guide & Lookup 2009-2018

The table below lists manufacturers’ maximum towing capacity ratings based on the year, make, model, trim and engine.

For safety, a towing setup should not exceed the GVWR, GTWR, GCWR, or GAWR as these ratings are absolute maximums that the vehicle can handle. Otherwise, the vehicle’s brakes, tires, hitch, engine and transmission may be overloaded. This may cause them to not perform as expected, be subjected to excessive stress and wear, become damaged or even fail.

Contents

Towing capacity lookup table

Year: 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009

Once you’ve selected the year from the list above, you may search or sort by Make & Model, price, fuel economy and vehicle classification. The source of the data is linked to in the last column (referenced pages may have been updated/moved since this guide was published). To reset a dropdown, click on the link to the previous selection below the dropdown.

What is towing capacity?

Towing capacity is the maximum weight that a vehicle can pull behind it safely.

LabelIncludes the weight of
Dry weightVehicle
Curb weightVehicle + fluids
GVWVehicle curb weight + passengers + cargo + additions/accessories + tongue weight
Tongue weightTrailer weight at tongue/hitch connection point
Payload capacityGVWR – vehicle curb weight – vehicle body additions/accessories – tongue weight
Towing capacityGCWR – vehicle curb weight – passengers – vehicle cargo – vehicle body additions/accessories
GVWR≥ Vehicle curb weight + passengers + cargo + additions/accessories + tongue weight
GTWR≥ Trailer + trailer cargo
GCWR≥ Vehicle curb weight + passengers + cargo + additions/accessories + trailer + trailer cargo + trailer additions/accessories (GVW + GTW)

How is towing capacity determined?

A vehicle’s ability to tow is determined by a number of factors including the make and model’s:

  • engine size
  • transmission type
  • final drive (axle) ratio
  • tire size
  • how the suspension is configured
  • what towing package it has installed
  • hitch/attachment structure

The Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE, has a standard — the SAE J2807, that puts vehicles through a series of tests to determine the maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of a vehicle and trailer. Their tests include how well a vehicle and trailer can:

  • Get moving from a dead stop in forward and reverse on a 12% incline
  • Accelerate from 0-to-30-mph and 0-to-60-mph
  • Stay cool in >100°F weather
  • Handle understeer and sway
  • Come to a stop from 20 mph in 80 feet or less and stay inside a lane
  • Stay stopped on a 12% grade with the parking brake

Since all vehicles tested are subjected to the same tests, this helps to standardize the limits claimed by manufacturers and make it easier for consumers to compare different makes & models.

SAE Tow Weight Rating = GCWR - Total Vehicle Total Weight (TVTW)

TVTW includes the weight of the vehicle, driver and one passenger (150 lbs. each), tow package equipment and 100 lbs. of optional equipment. It also assumes a tongue weight of 10% of the trailer weight.

Where can you find it?

In the US and Canada, the rated capacity can be found in your owner’s manual, on the manufacturer’s website or on the placard inside the driver’s side door frame – typically next to tire pressure recommendations (see below). You can also try calling your local mechanic or dealership as they may be able to help by looking up your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

How to calculate towing capacity?

Ratings are great place to start, but capacity is also determined by the current weight of:

  • passengers
  • cargo
  • fuel level
  • body additions/accessories

Never assume a neighbor’s or friend’s vehicle is the same as your own when it comes to towing ability. If you have more than 2 passengers, they weigh more than 150 lbs. and more than 100 lbs. of cargo and equipment, you have to factor that in as well.

Subtract curb weight and the weight of a vehicle’s passengers and cargo from its GCWR and you get the approximate towing capacity – the maximum number of pounds you can safely pull behind it.

Tow Rating (lbs.) = GCWR - GVW

Tow Rating (lbs.) = GCWR - vehicle curb weight - passengers - vehicle cargo - vehicle body additions/accessories

Example

If a truck’s GCWR is listed at 12,000 lbs, it weighs 4,000 pounds empty, is loaded with 3,000 pounds of cargo and passengers in the bed and cab and has no body additions or accessories, then it can pull a loaded trailer weighing no more than a total of 5,000 lbs:

12,000 – 4,000 – 3,000 – 0 = 5,000 lbs.

What is dry weight?

The dry weight is the measured as-built weight of a vehicle with standard equipment. It does not include any fluids, passengers or cargo.

What is curb weight?

The curb weight is the total measured weight of a vehicle with standard equipment including all fluids and a full tank of fuel but not including the weight of passengers or cargo. In other words, it is the weight while not in use (at the curb).

It is typically provided by the manufacturer, but can also be determined at a weigh station.

What is Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)?

GVW is the total measured weight of a vehicle itself and all passengers, cargo and fluids as well as the tongue weight. Put another way, it is the curb weight plus the weight of all passengers, cargo and tongue weight.

For safety, GVW should never be greater than the GVWR.

GVW vs curb weight

GVW is the current measured weight of the vehicle when there are passengers, cargo and fluids inside, while curb weight is the measured weight of the vehicle when empty and not in use (at the curb).

What is Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)?

GTW is the total measured weight of a trailer itself and all cargo and accessories.

For safety, GTW should never be greater than the GTWR.

What is Tongue Weight (TW)?

The portion of a trailer’s weight that the tongue of the trailer pushes downward onto a vehicle’s hitch ball. In other words, the weight of the trailer as measured at the point of trailer coupling.

It is greatly affected by where and how many wheels the trailer has as well as where the cargo is placed relative to the wheels. In the United States and Canada, it is generally recommended to be between 10% to 15% of the GTWR.

How to calculate

Approximately 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).

Example

If a utility trailer weighing 700 lb. is carrying a load of 1300 lbs. the tongue weight is approximately 200 lbs. to 300 lbs.:

(700 + 1300) x 10% = 200 lbs. to (700 + 1300) x 15% = 300 lbs.

What is the Payload Capacity?

Payload Capacity is the maximum weight of passengers, cargo and accessories that a vehicle can safely haul in the cab, bed or cargo area as specified by the manufacturer.

Exceeding the payload capacity may cause damage to the vehicle’s wheels, frame or suspension and operating it this way is a serious safety hazard as it can make the vehicle more difficult to control.

How to calculate

Subtract curb weight from the GVWR and you get the approximate payload capacity – the weight of passengers, cargo and accessories you can safely add to your vehicle.

Payload Capacity = GVWR - vehicle curb weight - vehicle body additions/accessories - tongue weight
Trailer Payload Capacity = GTWR - trailer weight - trailer body additions/accessories

Example

If a truck’s GVWR is listed at 8,000 lbs, it weighs 4,000 lbs empty, has no body additions or accessories and is not connected to a trailer, then its payload capacity is:

8,000 – 4,000 – 0 – 0 = 4,000 lbs.

Payload vs towing capacity

Both payload and towing capacities are an indication of how much available load is remaining before the maximum/limit is reached. They can be calculated once towing safety ratings are known and actual component weights have been found or measured.

Payload capacity indicates how much weight is available in a vehicle for passengers and cargo before the GVWR limit is reached, while towing capacity indicates how much weight is available for a trailer and its load before the GCWR limit is reached.

What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?

GVWR is the maximum weight that a vehicle can safely operate at as determined by the manufacturer. It includes the weight of the vehicle itself and all passengers, cargo and fluids but does not include the weight of a trailer. However, it should take into consideration the tongue weight of a trailer.

Exceeding the GVWR may cause damage to the vehicle’s axles, wheels, frame or suspension and operating it this way is a serious safety hazard as tires and brakes are not designed for weights above the rating.

For safety:

GVWR must be greater or equal to GVW (Vehicle curb weight (incl fluids) + passengers + cargo + tongue weight)

GVWR vs dry weight

GVWR is a safety rating specifying the maximum total weight a vehicle can operate at, while dry weight is the exact weight of a vehicle fresh off the factory floor.

GVWR vs curb weight

GVWR is a safety rating that specifies the maximum total weight a vehicle can operate at, while curb weight is simply the measured weight of the vehicle when empty and not in use (at the curb).

GVWR vs GVW

GVWR is a safety rating that specifies the maximum total weight a vehicle can operate at, while GVW is the current measured weight of the vehicle when there are passengers, cargo and fluids inside.

What is Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR)?

GTWR (or the tow limit/rating) is a safety rating that specifies the maximum total weight of a trailer that a given vehicle can safely tow as determined by the manufacturer. It includes the weight of the trailer itself, plus fluids, and cargo.

What is Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)?

GCWR is a safety rating that specifies the maximum combined weight of a vehicle and trailer that a given vehicle can safely haul as determined by the manufacturer – often calculated with the SAE J2807 method. It includes the weight of the vehicle itself, all passengers, cargo and accessories (GVW) plus the weight of the trailer itself, its cargo, and accessories (GTW).

For safety:

GCWR must be greater or equal to:

GVW (Vehicle curb weight (incl fluids) + passengers + cargo + additions/accessories)
PLUS
GTW (trailer + trailer cargo + trailer additions/accessories)

Exceeding GCWR may cause a reduction in handling and stability due to excess stress on brakes, axles, wheels, tires, and suspension. Operating in this way is a serious safety hazard and in non-ideal driving conditions, the ability to maneuver safely decreases even further.

Example

For example, the 2020 Ford F-150 4×2 5.0L TiVCT Regular Cab 122″ wheel base and axle ratio of 3.15 has a GCWR of 13,000 lbs. and weighs just over 4,000 lbs. empty.

If it is loaded with 3,000 lbs. of cargo and passengers in the bed and cab and has no body additions or accessories, then it can pull a loaded trailer weighing no more than a total of 6,000 lbs:

13,000 – 4,000 – 3,000 – 0 = 6,000 lbs.

GCWR vs GVWR

Both GCWR and GVWR are safety ratings specifying the maximum total weights a vehicle can operate at and must both be followed individually.

GVWR only considers the vehicle and its payload (GVW) and does not account for a trailer, while GCWR considers both the GVW as well as the GTW (trailer + trailer cargo + trailer additions/accessories).

What is Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)?

GAWR is the maximum weight the front (FR) or rear (RR) axles can safely support as determined by the manufacturer. It takes into account the weight of passengers, cargo as well as tongue weight.

Exceeding the GAWR can cause damage to the vehicle’s axles.

GAWR vs GVWR

Both GAWR and GVWR are safety ratings specifying maximum total weights a vehicle can operate at and must both be followed individually. They both take the weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, additions/accessories and tongue weight into account.

GVWR is the weight limit for the vehicle and its payload (GVW) overall, while GAWR is more specific as it is the per axle limit so weight distribution – or where the load is placed in the bed or cab – must be considered.

Impact on braking

The towing capacity also takes into consideration the vehicles ability to stop the weight. You may think the vehicle is capable of hauling more but it may not be able to slow it down properly if the situation arises.

Trailer brakes can be installed and used with trailers that have electronic braking systems. A trailer brake will not increase your capacity but does greatly improve handling. Again, with trailer brakes, there are factory and aftermarket available so proper installation and programming should be verified.

Calculating trailer weight

When calculating your trailer weight vs. towing capacity always remember to add the weight of passengers (industry standard is 150 lbs. per occupant), gear (tents, coolers, and bikes add up quickly) and how the weight in the trailer is distributed.

The hitch and trailer are designed with a specific tongue weight range – usually between 10 to 15% of the trailer weight. The tongue weight is the amount of downward pressure being put on the exact hitch point.

This is often a round ball on the hitch but may also be a fifth wheel design. A fifth wheel appears as a large plate that is mounted in the bed of the truck and will have a different coupling system than under vehicle mounted hitches. A properly loaded trailer will provide the correct tongue weight and improve the overall handling.

Importance of the hitch

curt_trailer_hitch_III

Your vehicle’s towing capacity assumes the proper hitch is installed. Hitches installed in factory will be mounted properly and will include the proper wiring and transmission and engine cooling system.

On the other hand, aftermarket or universal fit hitches may not have been installed correctly. Whether or not you have a factory installed or aftermarket hitch should be verified when determining towing capacity.

Type of hitch

The most common style of hitch seen on the roads today is a receiver or draw bar type hitch. This means that the ball can be removed by sliding the mounting bar out of the receiver when not in use. There are also fixed draw bar hitches but they have become less common in newer vehicles.

A fifth wheel hitch will be mounted in the bed of a truck and the trailer will have what is known as a king pin that slides into an opening in the hitch and locking jaws will wrap around it. Usually fifth wheels are found are larger trailers owing to the better weight distribution that they offer.

Hitch class

There are four main weight classes for trailer hitch rating. The hitch’s weight rating should be compared against the GTWR.

  • Class I — rated to 2,000 pounds (907 kg)
  • Class II — rated to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg)
  • Class III — rated to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg)
  • Class IV — rated to 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg)

It should be noted that you cannot add a weight distribution kit to a Class I and II hitch. Weight distribution kits help even out the weight that is transferred to all four wheels and reduces vehicle sag and trailer sway.

Type of trailer

Trailers can generally be split into three categories based on size.

Small/utility trailers

These include small personal trailers that might be used to haul small amounts of dirt and gravel or personal recreational vehicles. Typically they would require Class I or II hitches only as towing capacity would seldom be of issue.

Travel and tent trailers

Includes all travel type trailers and all sizes. Although some smaller tent trailers can be compacted and lowered for travel and are not much bigger than some utility trailers, they should be treated the same as any larger trailer because weight of passengers and cargo can vary from trip to trip as well as distance.

Large or commercial trailers

This includes all large semi truck trailers, industrial and commercial trailers. These may be used to transport goods for industrial needs or commercial equipment requirements. Usually these require specialized hitches or coupling systems and may require special licenses or permits

Vehicle considerations

Tires

It is important to have the proper tires for both the tow vehicle and trailer. Manufacturer’s weight ratings assume the recommended tire is being used as well as correct tire pressures are set because it can affect the weight capacity and handling characteristics.

A passenger (P rated) has considerably less weight rating than a light truck (LT rating) tire. You must make sure that the tires being used are rated for the weight being towed.

Trailer towing will increase tire wear so when pricing replacement tires be sure price the correct model. Passenger rated tires are cheaper because they are not made as sturdy as light truck models.

Mirrors

Although they will not increase or decrease towing capacity, the importance of having the correct mirrors, both size and setting, will greatly improve your overall towing experience.

They must be mounted wide enough to allow a proper visual down both sides of the trailer. They must be adjusted correctly to limit blind spots and allow for easier backing maneuvers.

There are some aftermarket add ons for some lighter duty towing that include convex mirrors or extension that mount to the factory mirrors. Some vehicles will have electronic devices like blind spot detectors, power adjustable glass and power folding options. Some of these options cannot be added unless ordered from factory so explore all options.

Drivetrain

A common misconception is that a 4×4 truck is better for towing than a 4×2. The truth is that a 4×2 offers more towing capacity because it is lighter and transfers that weight saving to towing capacity. A 4×4 vehicle will give better traction in adverse weather conditions or where traction may be limited such as boat ramps.

Overall towing safety

The variables involved when towing trailers can change frequently and a solid understanding of all systems is crucial to continued success with towing. You should not leave anything to chance when it comes to following recommended towing capacities.

This summer, many families this will be loading themselves – and their gear – into a vehicle and hitting the open road for the campground, cottage, shoreline, or anywhere in between.

If your plans also include hooking a trailer to that vehicle then you need to make sure you are using the correct vehicle/trailer combination to make your vacation as safe as possible.

Let us know your thoughts

18 thoughts on “Vehicle Towing Capacity Guide & Lookup 2009-2018

  1. 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD CrewMax SR5
    Vin lookup says tow limit is 6700. We are looking at buying a bumper pull rv. Weight is confusing by looking at the tag. GVWR, GAWR, etc is confusing.

    We were looking at trailers with GVWR under 6700. We were told to pay more attention to other weight specifications then just the GVWR. Can you explain this?

    Reply
  2. Nearly a great resource.
    The sort function on towing capacity sorts by digit (left-to-right) rather than by value. In other words: 1, 10, 11, 12, 2, 3, 4…etc. If it’s possible, please adjust this behaviour!

    Reply
  3. I’m retiring a 2012 Silverado 1500. Want a midsize SUV able to tow 20′ RV and 6000# utility trailer. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  4. I have a rv trailer that weights about 5000 lbs. what mid size suv would you suggest to pull it. We don’t go but a few times a year. But wants to pull it easy. Thanks

    Reply
    • I have a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL that pulls a WolfPup 22BP trailer at 3600 dry weight. We’ve pulled it through Eagle Pass in Colorado and the Adirondacks with no problems.

      Reply
  5. Can a 2007 Ford F-150 with a 5000lbs towing capacity pull a Coleman lantern with a dry weight of 5800lbs? The sticker on the door says maximum weight of the truck 6700lbs. Help please lol

    Reply
  6. Marc- Please Help, If you were to purchase a mid-size SUV (see list to follow) Please rank the best ones to consider. We want a 6 cylinder vehicle with a dependable drive train. We will be towing a light weight travel trailer -3000 lbs GTWR 10% of the time. The remaining 90% will be city and highway use. Estimated GVWR is 1250 lbs.
    Considering: Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagon Atlas OR any other suggestion you might have ! Thanks for your help. Ray

    Reply
    • Hi Richard, the 2016-2018 Dodge Durango RWD equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine (SXT, SXT Plus, GT & Citadel) offer a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds which is enough to tow that camping trailer.

      Reply
  7. Can a 2018 Kia Sorento tow a class 3 18′ utility trailer with a total weight of 5000lbs. Through mountain roads of VA & Penn??

    Reply
    • I have towed a 3500 lbs trailer (plus bikes, food, etc, probably another 1000 lbs) with my 2016 Kia Sorento SX AWD (5000 lbs max towing capacity) over 6000 miles at this point. It does a reasonably good job. The main weakness is the suspension. The back of the car sags quite a bit.

      I’d say if you already have the Kia and don’t need to tow very far or often and won’t have anything else in the vehicle, then it might work. But you’d be really maxing it out.

      Reply