When you’re first getting into RVing, there’s a lot to learn, and one of the biggest questions that first-timers have is about towing. For many, their dreams of RV ownership can be cut short if they don’t realize their current vehicle’s towing capabilities. There’s often too much focus on the big “tows up to X pounds” number, while other details that matter much more are often overlooked.
At Wilkins RV, we see this every season. That’s why we help match the right tow vehicle to the right RV, which keeps you safer and opens up your options when you’re shopping for your new RV. Understanding what your vehicle can tow can help you better appreciate this incredible lifestyle and give you peace of mind while traveling. Here’s a practical guide to getting the numbers right.
Tow Rating vs. Payload: Why Both Matter
The first thing you want to know about your vehicle is its maximum tow rating. That’s the highest weight your vehicle can pull under ideal conditions. Next is your vehicle’s payload; that’s the total weight it can carry (which includes cargo, passengers, hitch equipment, and the tongue or pin weight of the trailer).
Important Vocab to Know
- Curb Weight – The total weight of a vehicle and all the fluids it requires to function. Includes a full tank of gas, but not people or any cargo.
- GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum weight a vehicle can hold safely, including itself.
- Payload – The total weight of everything your vehicle is carrying, including any passengers, cargo, your gym bag in the backseat, and yep, even the junk in the center console.
- Tongue / Pin Weight – The measure of the downward force a trailer’s tongue applies to the vehicle’s tow hitch while towing. It’s about 10% of the combined weight of the trailer and its load.
- GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating is the maximum safe weight limit of a loaded tow vehicle, including cargo, passengers, and an attached trailer.
The truth is, most people run out of payload way before they hit the advertised tow rating. Most manufacturers advertise a figure that’s only based on the very basic version of that vehicle. A half-ton truck, for example, that claims to have 11,000+ lbs of towing capacity may only have 1,400 – 1,800 lbs of payload once you consider things like four-wheel drive, heavier tires, bed liners, tow packages, sunroof, etc. That number disappears even faster when you start including putting people in the cab, gear in the bed, and the trailer’s tongue weight on the hitch.
Payload is calculated by taking GVWR – actual curb weight of that specific truck, so every extra pound of equipment leaves less room for other things like cargo and passengers.
If you don’t know your vehicle’s information, you can always check the yellow Tire and Loading information sticker on the driver’s door jamb. That number is the actual payload capacity for your specific vehicle. It’s also worth noting that new tires can change your truck’s payload capacity.
Tongue Weight and Pin Weight Explained
- Travel trailers typically place around 10-15% of their total loaded weight on the hitch (tongue weight).
- Fifth wheels place roughly 15-25% of their weight on the truck bed (pin weight).
These numbers count against your vehicle’s payload. A travel trailer with a 7,500 lb GVWR can easily put 900-1000 lbs on the hitch when it’s loaded with supplies, water tanks, camping gear, etc.
Matching Vehicle Class to Trailer Type
Half-Ton Trucks and Capable SUVs
When properly equipped, a lot of modern, half-ton trucks, like the Ford F-150, Silverado 1500, or Ram 1500, and larger SUVs, like the Chevrolet Suburban or Tahoe, can handle lightweight travel trailers. If you have one of these vehicles, consider RV brands like Travel Lite, which makes durable, lightweight travel trailers that offer all the amenities RVers love.
Three-Quarter-Ton Trucks
These trucks hit a sweet spot for a lot of New York families who want a larger travel trailer or a mid-sized fifth wheel to accommodate their family. The extra payload and stronger frame give you more breathing room. Consider a mid-size fifth wheel by Grand Design or Keystone Cougar if you have this type of vehicle.
One-Ton Trucks
If you have a big family and want a regular-sized fifth wheel or large toy hauler, a one-ton (single or dual rear wheel) truck is the most practical choice. The higher payload capacity can handle the pin weights that would easily overload a lighter truck.
Real-World Variables to Consider for New York Towing
Towing an RV in New York involves several factors you need to consider. Hills in the Southern Tier and Adirondacks, for example, wind on the Thruway, and winter weather all require a degree of margin for safe maneuvering. Towing at or near max capacity will leave very little room for error in these conditions. Many experienced RVers aim to stay around 80% of their vehicle’s rated capacity to allow for error and outside variables.
Remember that other factors, like cold weather, will affect your tire pressure, battery performance, and braking. All good reasons to not have your vehicle stretched to its limits, but safely within its suggested weight.
Ready to Find the Right Match for Your Vehicle?
Want to know what your current vehicle can tow? Check out our interactive tow guides – just enter your vehicle’s information, and it will generate a list of RVs in our inventory that your vehicle can tow.
