Towing Calculator & Guide
How much can my current or future tow vehicle and trailer combination tow?
We have created this simple towing calculator to help you stay within your load ratings and maintain a safe environment on the road.
We take the guessing out of safe hauling!
Tow Vehicle Trailer Secure Load
I’m ready to hit the road…. Not so quick. Knowing how to tow a trailer safely is more than proper driving techniques, load securement, and maintenance. All of that won’t matter if you have exceeded the maximum weight ratings of your tow vehicle, trailer or both!
Exceeding the weight ratings can add additional stress on your tow vehicle’s engine and drive-train, including your brakes and tires. Not only can this add to the chance of serious maintenance issues, not following the recommended weight ratings can lead to severe malfunctions, which can result in injury or even death.
Can your tow vehicle handle the trailer you want? What’s the maximum load your tow rig can handle?
We have created this interactive towing calculator & guide, so you never have to wonder if your tow vehicle is underrated or will that load exceed the maximum rating for your trailer.
Need to brush up on your Weight Rating Terminology?
GVWR, GCWR, GCVW Hitched, Payload Capacity, Cargo Weight, Curb Weight??? Don’t let all of this jargon confuse you, we have a complete Terminology section to keep you in the know.
Trailer Safety Resources
Proper hauling, driving, and loading practices are all a part of keeping you and others safe on the road. Check out our collection of resources, including a checklist and a series of safety videos.
Tow Vehicle & Trailer Weights
Weight Ratings & Towing Capacities
Vehicle & Trailer Towing Capacities
21,500 lbs. | - | 10,261 lbs. | = | 11,239 lbs. |
GCWR Tow Vehicle | GCVW Hitched | GCWR Remaining | ||
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable weight for the combination of your tow vehicle and trailer. | The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCVW) is the combination of the tow vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight (Curb + Cargo + Passenger Weight) plus the Gross Trailer Weight (Curb + Cargo Weight). | Exceeding the GCWR (negative number above) can result in unsafe hauling practices. It may cause premature mechanical failure, including failure to stop within a safe distance resulting in severe injury or death. |
DISCLAIMER: We believe that all information on this website is accurate, the calculations provide only estimates dependent upon the numbers you provide. You will be responsible for checking all formulas and entered weights for accuracy. PJ Trailers is not liable for any inaccuracies, and this calculator is not intended to replace or override the input of professionals.
NOTE: This calculator and guide does not include Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), the load capacity of your tires or coupler rating. It will be your responsibility to verify the weight ratings of those items. The suggested weight ratings and towing capacities are intended for open-air trailers only, not for enclosed trailers or RV’s.
Tow Vehicle Ratings
10,000 lbs. | 21,500 lbs. | 5,999 lbs. |
GVWR | GCWR | Curb Weight |
4,010 lbs. | - | 1,496 lbs. | = | 1,860 lbs. |
Payload Capacity | Combined Payload | Remaing Load Capacity |
Trailer Ratings
10,000 lbs. | 2,271 lbs. | 1,250 lbs. |
GVWR | Curb Weight | Hitched Weight (estimated) |
7,729 lbs. | - | 2,000 lbs. | = | 5,729 lbs. |
Load Capacity | Cargo Payload | Remaining Load Capacity |
Hauling Terminology
Payload Capacity is the maximum amount of weight you can safely add to a tow vehicle’s cargo area in addition to its curb weight.
The Passenger Weight is the total combined weight of all passengers (People and or Pets) you are traveling within the tow vehicle.
Hitch or Tongue Weight is the total weight that the trailer’s tongue places at the coupling point or hitch of the tow vehicle. For safe towing, the recommended amount of tongue weight is 10% – 15% of your loaded trailer’s weight.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is maximum total weight of the fully loaded trailer including cargo. This weight rating must never be exceeded.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable weight for the combination of your tow vehicle and trailer.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating is maximum total weight to be carried by a single axle. This weight rating must never be exceeded.
The Curb Weight is the total weight of your empty tow vehicle/trailer as it sits resting on the “curb”. This generally provided by the manufacture and does not include any additional loaded items, such as passengers, cargo, fuel, or accessories.
The tow vehicle Cargo Weight is the total combined weight of all cargo (electronics, car seats, aftermarket speakers, gas cans, supplies, equipment, etc.) inside the cab or in the bed of the tow vehicle. This may need to include fuel depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.
The trailer Cargo Weight is the total combined weight of all trailer cargo (equipment, vehicles, winches, strapping, supplies, etc.) on the trailer.