How To Find Your Truck's Towing Capacity

It may seem like a simple thing, but it's extremely important to know your truck's maximum towing capacity. I wish I could tell you there's a hard and fast answer to the question, but it varies not only with your year, make, and model but also by engine size, gear to axle ratios, and even your transmission. If you don't observe your vehicle's limitations, you may end up operating beyond the design limits which can accelerate vehicle wear, or even cause damage or breaking of components while you're on the road.

Check Your Owner's Manual

As with many things, the first step is always to check the Owner's Manual. When something gets as technically complicated as a truck, and puts as much on the line as towing a trailer does, you want to make sure you do it right to start.

Check the Manufacturer's Website

If the information can't be found in your manual, or proves to be too confusing and muddled, try checking your manufacturer's website. Often important technical details about your make and model will be listed there. If you're looking into buying a new vehicle, it may be a good idea to find the information beforehand to make sure the vehicle you're buying can handle what you need to do.

Call Your Local Dealer

If you are still having trouble, or you just want to be 100% sure, contact your local dealer. They will often have all of that information readily available, even for older vehicles. Make sure you have your VIN number handy. 

You can also check other online sources for corroboration or firsthand information as well. Just remember to double check any information gathered from a third-party source with at least one other source. The link below has pdf copies of Trailer Life magazine issues. Find your vehicle to get all kinds of information, including tow ratings and much more.

http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/ 

Stay tuned for a future blog post on best towing practices, and details on Tongue Weight and more.

Auto Truck Depot

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Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

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