Tow Guide
Welcome to the comprehensive towing guide, your go-to resource for mastering the art of towing safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re a seasoned tower or a novice, this guide is designed to provide you with valuable insights, tips, and tricks to ensure a smooth towing experience. From choosing the right equipment to mastering driving techniques, we’ve got you covered.
Disclaimer
The tow limits mentioned are meant to be a reference point. Always check your vehicle’s owners manual before purchasing a towable RV or attempting to tow it.
Important: Your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity must account for more than just the RV. It includes passengers, installed accessories, fluids in all tanks, and any cargo you’re carrying, such as food, clothing, chairs, grills, tools, and other gear.
For the “Towing Guide” tool, estimated cargo allowances have been applied to simplify results:
- 1,000 lbs for RVs over 8,000 lbs
- 750 lbs for RVs under 8,000 lbs
- 500 lbs for RVs under 5,000 lbs
These are general estimates only. Always verify your vehicle’s exact towing capacity and payload limits with the manufacturer before purchasing or towing an RV.
You are responsible for ensuring your vehicle is properly equipped and safely operated when towing. If your specific vehicle is not listed, please contact us for assistance.
RV Towing Terms & Definitions
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The maximum allowable weight of an RV or vehicle as determined by the manufacturer. This includes the unit itself, passengers, cargo, fluids, and any added accessories.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
The actual total weight of the RV at any given time, including its dry weight plus all passengers, cargo, and fluids.
Dry Weight (Shipped Weight)
The weight of the RV as it leaves the manufacturer, without any cargo, passengers, water, propane, or dealer-installed options.
Cargo Weight
The combined weight of everything added to the RV, including passengers, food, clothing, water, propane, and personal belongings.
Payload Capacity
For trucks, this is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried in the vehicle, including the truck bed and cabin.
This must account for hitch weight (or pin weight), the hitch itself, and any additional cargo. Always confirm payload capacity with the vehicle manufacturer.
Tongue Weight (Hitch Weight)
The amount of downward force the trailer applies to the hitch ball on a conventional (bumper-pull) towing setup.
Pin Weight
The downward force exerted by a fifth wheel trailer onto the hitch mounted in the bed of a truck (via the king pin).
Maximum Towing Capacity
The maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow, as specified by the manufacturer.
This includes the fully loaded weight of the RV (GVW) plus the weight of passengers, cargo, and fluids in the tow vehicle.