Get to Know These Towing Terms

If your ride has towing capabilities, or you are shopping around for a vehicle to tow items, getting to know some key towing terms could be of benefit to you. Doug Henry Buick GMC has created this guide to assist you with understanding towing terms. Let’s take a look at some of the key terms below:

Towing Capacity: Your vehicle’s towing capacity is listed on the specs of the vehicle you are interested in or in your owner’s manual. This number is the amount of weight your vehicle can safely and successfully tow. You should take into consideration the weight ratings for both your vehicle and trailer.

Payload Capacity: This is essentially the amount of weight that a vehicle can carry inside its own body. You can think of it as a loading capacity. So, this is focused on what is inside, not what is pulled behind.

Tongue Weight: This is the amount of weight that the trailer is bearing on the hitch of the vehicle. With a conventional trailer, this weight should be at most 10% of the total weight towed. However, a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer can go up to 15%. This number is important to avoid swaying while driving and other negative effects. You want to always ensure that weight is evenly distributed when towing.

Gross Vehicle and Trailer Weight:

• Gross Vehicle Weight: the maximum weight of a fully loaded vehicle.
• Gross Trailer Weight: The full weight capacity of the trailer and cargo.

Gross Combined Weight: Maximum weight of the vehicle and loaded trailer, including cargo, passengers, etc.

Visit Doug Henry Buick GMC For All Things Towing

When you’re ready to explore the finer details of towing terms, head over to Doug Henry Buick GMC here in Goldsboro, North Carolina. We can take a look at some excellent vehicles equipped for towing and talsearchnew.aspxk about your towing needs to find the right vehicle for you. We have the GMC and Buick models you want for your towing needs.

We’re here whenever you need us!