A mistake a lot of folks make is that they base the towing capacity of their vehicle on the numbers stamped on the hitches that has been installed. Hitches are rated in classes with weight ranges and do not indicate the actually towing capability of the vehicle. Basically hitches and vehicle are two independent entities. Is it possible to boost the towing capacity of a vehicle?
Your car manufacturer actually determines the maximum weight that can be towed by your particular vehicle. There are many factors which determine towing capacity: vehicle weight, engine size, rear finish line gearing ratio, transmission type, cooling system, suspension and chassis strength.
It is important to know the exact towing capacity of your vehicle for safety towing, legal and insurance purposes.
What exactly is vehicle towing capacity?
Manufacturers build trucks and car to meet a specific Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). That rating defines the amount of cargo weight inside the vehicles and trailer weight. The wheel axles, suspension, braking system, steering features and other internal controls are constructed in accordance with that GVWR. Trucks and Cars are specially made with set towing capacities, you can't boost the towing capacity of a vehicle without re-engineering the vehicle. Also, some vehicles might not be rated for towing at all. In that case, you certainly couldn't augment their hauling power.
To further understand what's involved in the GVWR, let's look at three primary metrics that determine it:
- Base curb weight: the weight of your empty vehicle
- Cargo weight: the weight of everything you put inside and attach to the outside of the vehicle
- Allowable payload: the extra weight your vehicle can carry, found by subtracting your cargo weight from the GVWR
Not all hope is completely lost for hauling heavier loads. If you own a vehicle with a high towing capacity, you have some options with the hitch and weight distribution. As long as the desired payload doesn't exceed the GVWR, a fifth wheel hitch or gooseneck hitch can improve your hitch load limit. The hitch load rating is the amount of weight that the trailer hitch allows. Weight distribution systems can also shift the weight from the front of the hitch and the back of the towing vehicle to all the vehicle and trailer axles. Remember, this doesn't boost the towing capacityof vehicle; this only relates to the towing equipment that must still comply with the vehicle's towing capacity.
Just remember to stay within your car or truck's GVWR, whatever hitch or weight distribution modifications you decide to make. Increase towing capacity of vehicle is a dangerous gamble because it reduces your braking and steering control. Push the limit too far, and you could finish line up calling a tow truck to take away your totaled car and trailer.
The best means for identifying your vehicle's towing capacity is to read your vehicle owner's manual. The owner's manual will provide detailed instructions and limitations, usually accompanied by methods for safe towing.
The actual, exact and only towing capacity figure that should be used for your vehicle is that which is stamped on the Vehicle Identification Number Plate, VIN Plate. The VIN plate can usually be found under the bonnet or on a door pillar and details of the location will be in the owner’s handbook. The plate will be either an alloy plate riveted to the body or a sticker.
You CANNOT increase the towing capacity of a vehicle more than the maximum your particular vehicle is rated for, irrespective of the hitch installed. Look at the hitch rating and your vehicle’s rating. The lower number is the maximum you can tow with your current set-up.