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Besides being suitable for everyday driving, Toyota pickup trucks and SUVs can haul large toys, such as boats, trailers, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles. Toyota trucks and SUVs have their towing capacity in their descriptions or specifications. In addition, you can find guidelines and terms related to towing in your model's owner's manual. However, you might find these terms confusing if you aren't knowledgeable about vehicles.
Many drivers (especially new ones) are unaware of the meaning of towing terms in their manual, such as payload and towing capacity. If you want to maximize the towing performance of your Toyota, you must understand common towing terms.
The maximum towing capacity of a vehicle determines how much weight it can safely tow. Manufacturers determine it based on engine size, brakes, chassis, and transmission. Vehicle damage or accidents may result from exceeding this capacity.
Vehicle payload capacity is the weight of cargo, passengers, and additional equipment your vehicle can carry in addition to its weight. Overloading your vehicle will affect handling and braking.
The conventional method of towing relies on the vehicle's tow ball. Conventional towing limits are much lower than the vehicle's actual towing capacity.
Tongue weight is the downward force the tongue exerts onto a hitch when a vehicle is towing. The tongue weight should be 10-15% of the trailer's total weight for stable towing.
GCWR is the maximum weight of the towing vehicle, trailer, passenger, and cargo. It is crucial not to exceed this weight for safe towing.
GVWR refers to your vehicle’s maximum weight, including its curb weight, passengers, cargo, and accessories. The safety and integrity of the vehicle depend on following this limit.
The GTWR is the total weight of your trailer when everything is loaded onto or into it. It includes the weight of the trailer itself. Knowing your trailer's gross weight rating is imperative to avoid exceeding its maximum weight.
The GAWR is a measure of the maximum weight that can be supported on a single axle. Drivers use the GAWR to determine how to evenly distribute cargo between the front and rear axles to reduce road damage from fully loaded vehicles.
You can tow a much heavier load by having a trailer with its own brakes. Thus, braked towing capacity exceeds unbraked towing capacity or a tow vehicle's ability to tow without brakes.
Curb weight includes the weight of your vehicle, plus standard equipment, oil, coolant, and fuel, but excludes passengers and cargo. The measurement determines the towing and payload capacity.
Towed vehicles connect to towing vehicles via tow bars. The tow bar must be compatible with the vehicle's towing capacity and towing weight.
Trailer hitches attach to tow vehicles with this device. Various trailer coupler types and sizes are available, but the coupler tongue must match your trailer's tongue size.
A hitch connects a trailer to a towing vehicle. Knowing the different types of hitches will help you choose the right one for your needs:
It is important to consider towing capacity if you plan to buy a truck or SUV for regular towing needs. Whether you are looking for a pickup or SUV, Toyota of Meridian in Meridian, MS, has the right Toyota for you. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to provide you with more information on the vehicle you are considering, including its towing capacity.
