Towing Terms To Know in Hattiesburg, MS

10 Towing Terms You Should Know

If you recently purchased one of Chevrolet’s powerful pickup trucks or SUVs, and you’re eager to hitch a trailer to it, pause for a second and make sure you understand these basic towing terms. Figuring out how much your vehicle can tow, and best practices can be a bit of a puzzle if you're not familiar with the lingo. Understanding the terms can save you a lot of hassle and help you make the right choices. So, let’s break down some of the key towing terms every truck and SUV owner should know.

1. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Let's start with GVWR, which is the maximum weight your vehicle can handle, including its own weight, passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of a trailer. Think of it as your truck's personal limit, and trust me, you don't want to push it. Even though models, like the Chevrolet Silverado HD can handle upwards of 30,000 pounds when equipped properly, surpassing their weight restriction, can strain every part of your vehicle, from the chassis and engine down to the tires.

2. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

GCWR takes everything into account — the weight of your loaded vehicle and the weight of your fully loaded trailer combined. Stay within this limit to keep things safe and sound.

3. Tongue Weight

Tongue weight is a measurement of the downward force that the trailer’s weight puts on the hitch ball. Ideally, this should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Too little, and the trailer could sway. Too much, and you’ll overload the rear of your truck or SUV. Balance is key here.

4. Payload Capacity

Payload capacity is all about what you can carry inside your truck or SUV. This includes passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer. It’s like your vehicle’s internal storage limit. Overloading it can strain your suspension and brakes, leading to a bumpy ride or worse.

5. Curb Weight

Curb weight is the weight of your vehicle with all of the necessary fluids and a full tank of gas. This doesn’t include the weight of passengers or cargo. Basically, how much your vehicle weighs when it’s sitting in the dealership’s showroom or, as the name implies, next to the curb outside your house. Knowing this helps you calculate your payload and towing capacities. You can check the towing capacity of the 2024 Chevrolet lineup here.

6. Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is one of the main terms you should know before you hitch anything to the back of your vehicle. It’s the maximum weight in pounds your vehicle can safely tow. This number is determined by the manufacturer. You can check your owner’s manual to find out how much your car, truck, or SUV can handle.

7. Hitch Class

Every hitch can’t handle the same amount of weight. The hitch class will let you know how much the hitch is rated for.

• Class 1: 2,000 pounds GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
• Class 2: 3,500 pounds GTW
• Class 3: Between 3,500 to 10,000 pounds GTW
• Class 4: 10,000 pounds GTW
• Class 5: Between 16,000 and 20,000 pounds GTW

Knowing which hitch matches your towing needs is essential.

8. Brake Controller

A brake controller connects the trailer’s brakes with your vehicle’s brakes, ensuring both your vehicle and your trailer stop at the same time. If you plan to tow anything substantial, a brake controller is a must-have.

9. Sway Control

Sway control is a feature that prevents the trailer from swaying from side to side while traveling at high speeds.

10. Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch helps distribute the tongue weight evenly across the axles of your towing vehicle and trailer.

Understanding these terms and following these guidelines can help you stay safe on the road. If you need a vehicle that can tow heavy loads, consider the Silverado 1500 or, if an SUV is more your speed, check out the specs of the Chevrolet Subaru, then visit us at Walt Massey Chevrolet to take it for a test drive.