Using Car or Truck to Tow and Haul How do you figure out Tow Rating

fordsum · Sep 9, 2013

What I would like to know is for the ones that use their trucks or cars to tow trailers or haul things not just for cruising. How do you figure out the Tow Rating and stopping. Is there some math formula for a stock vehicle, drum brakes, stock gears vs. a newer motor and disc brakes, new gears?

31Vicky with a hemi · Sep 9, 2013

Not sure of the formula, but here are some easy to see limitations.

Everything is based on weight.

The biggest concern is braking. Some extra electric brakes on the trailer help quite a bit.

Next is your rear axle bearings and axles. They can only support so much weight. Since you should have about 10% tongue weight of the total trailer weight this should be easy to see what the max of your plan would be. Some research will tell you what the max your axle can carry. Enough spring is secondary and easy.

Them its onto your drivetrain. Usually the transmission is the weak link there.

Rodhotz · Sep 9, 2013

You would be better off asking this on one of the towing sites. But it all boils down to the gvw of the tow vehicle.

1967gt · Sep 9, 2013

Wow. I would use my common sense on that one !

Charlie Stephens · Sep 9, 2013

Some cars have it in their owner's manual.

Charlie Stephens

31Vicky with a hemi · Sep 9, 2013

I'm thinking he wants to know how to figure this out on a custom built vehicle. Where most of it is changed an updated. The factory gvw and recommendations become irrelevant and following them could be dangerous.

Maybe I'm wrong about fordsum's post ?

fordsum · Sep 9, 2013

31Vicky with a hemi said: ↑

I'm thinking he wants to know how to figure this out on a custom built vehicle. Where most of it is changed an updated. The factory gvw and recommendations become irrelevant and following them could be dangerous.

Maybe I'm wrong about fordsum's post ?
Click to expand...

You are right a Im thinking of a custom built vehicle.

trulyvintage · Sep 9, 2013

fordsum said: ↑

You are right a Im thinking of a custom built vehicle.
Click to expand...

GVWR is determined by vehicle frame - powertrain - braking system.

You need to have a custom vehicle independently evaluated
by someone familiar with installing hitches and trailer brakes.

Be conservative & don't exceed 80% of capacity.

Jim

Rusty O'Toole · Sep 9, 2013

There are a lot of factors involved. Do you have a really good weight distributing hitch? A transmission cooler? Trailer brakes and a good brake controller? Suitable gearing? Good tires? What kind of trailer? Is it in perfect condition with new tires? Have you gone to the trouble to set it up, and the hitch and brakes properly?

The guys at CanAm RVs routinely haul a full size Airstream with a VW Jetta diesel but they have been working with RVs for over 50 years, build their own hitches, and know trailer hauling inside and out.

Can-Am sway test of Ford Windstar towing an Airstream trailer, with Hensley hitch and custom Can-Am Class IV hitch receiver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAfjFE1cetY

On the other hand if you DON'T know what you are doing, towing a Uhaul with a giant SUV is too dangerous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS5ou40cC7Q

After this guy bites the dust he will be able to tell you with confidence, that you MUST have a dump truck to tow a fold up tent camper.

derbydad276 · Sep 9, 2013

what do you have? what do you want to tow?

Wolfcreek-Steve · Sep 9, 2013

IMO the first thing to look at is your tire capacity! At maximum recommended air pressure, how much weight will each tire carry. If you ruin a bearing you have a problem, (hopefully you will notice and stop) if you blow a tire you got a problem RIGHT FUCKING NOW!
Any time you make changes to your vehicle, take the time to re-learn its habits, (New tires? take it out in a big empty parking lot and do some figure 8s just to see how it feels) this is also true if you add a trailer! Check out how it reacts under hard braking, saw the wheel, how does it react to that? (of course do this at low speed first)
I've hauled a full size 70s Chrysler on a trailer behind a 85 Toyota hilux pick-up. Overloaded, hell yes! Dangerous, didn't kill anyone, didn't hurt the truck or trailer either. I was careful, balanced the load well, allowed lots of braking room, stayed off busy highways, drove 250 miles without any "white knuckle" moments.

1931modela · Sep 9, 2013

One ton dodge diesel with brake controller and a trailer big enough to haull heavy loads. No math just use your head.

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Using Car or Truck to Tow and Haul How do you figure out Tow Rating

fordsum
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31Vicky with a hemi
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Rodhotz
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1967gt
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Charlie Stephens
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31Vicky with a hemi
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fordsum
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trulyvintage
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Rusty O'Toole
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derbydad276
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1931modela
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fordsum Member from SO CA

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from Where the wind never stops!

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from Southern Calfornia

31Vicky with a hemi
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from cleveland ohio

fordsum
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from SO CA

trulyvintage
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from Direct Enclosed Transport

Hardcore Hamber Haulers

HAMB Relays

Rusty O'Toole
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from Ontario Canada

derbydad276
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from canton michigan

Wolfcreek-Steve
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from Central Wisconsin

COE's (Cab Over Engine)

1931modela
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from montana