🚛 Towing Capacity Checker
Work out how much your truck can safely tow once its own curb weight, payload, and occupants are counted against the GCWR — with tongue-weight guidance and a clear pass or fail for your load.
🚛 Towing check
A general estimate. Available towing capacity = GCWR − (curb + payload + occupants). Never exceed the lowest of your GCWR, GVWR, axle (GAWR), hitch, and tire ratings — verify against your OEM specs before hauling.
Load the truck before you rate the tow
The tow rating on the brochure assumes an almost-empty truck. Add a crew, a full bed, tools, fuel, and a fifth-wheel, and the weight that GCWR allows for the trailer shrinks fast. Subtracting everything you actually carry gives the honest number to plan a haul around.
Keep tongue weight in the 10–15% band, respect the lowest of your GCWR, GVWR, axle, hitch, and tire ratings, and build in a safety margin for grades, wind, and braking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GCWR and GVWR?
GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the maximum the truck alone may weigh on its own axles — curb weight plus everything loaded on it. GCWR (gross combined weight rating) is the ceiling for the truck plus the trailer it tows. This checker uses GCWR to find how much towing capacity is left after the truck, its payload, and its occupants are accounted for.
How is available towing capacity calculated?
Available towing capacity = GCWR − (truck curb weight + payload in the bed/body + passengers and cab cargo). Whatever weight you add inside or on the truck directly reduces how much you can tow, which is why loading the bed lowers your real-world tow rating.
Why does tongue weight matter?
Tongue (or pin) weight should sit around 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight for a stable, non-swaying tow. Too little and the trailer can fishtail; too much and it overloads the rear axle and hitch. The tool shows the target and the 10–15% range for your load.
Is this a definitive go/no-go?
No — these are general estimates. Never exceed the lowest of your GCWR, GVWR, axle (GAWR), hitch, and tire ratings. Verify every figure against your OEM specs and the ratings on the door-jamb / VIN placard, and consult a qualified mechanic before hauling; this is not professional engineering advice.