Towing Terms to Know in Roanoke, VA

Guide to Towing Terminology

Before you ever hitch a trailer to your vehicle, it makes sense to know what your vehicle is capable of. Planning ahead and knowing the basics can ensure successful towing trips for years to come, and at Berglund CDJR, we want to help you make informed decisions about your towing goals and the vehicle you need to meet them. Take a look at these basic towing terms and definitions to prepare for the road ahead.

Common Towing Terms

Towing Capability:

The manufacturer provides this number to indicate how much a vehicle can tow. It’s important to know your vehicle’s towing capacity before attempting to pull a heavy trailer.

Conventional Towing:

This standard pull-behind towing via tow ball or other hitch remains within the vehicle’s manufacturer-provided weight limits.

Towing vs. Carrying:

Towing is the act of pulling an object behind a vehicle. Carrying refers to hauling cargo inside the vehicle or in its truck bed.

Tow Capacity vs. Payload Capacity:

Towing capacity refers to how much a model can tow, while payload capacity is the top weight a vehicle can carry.

Curb Weight:

This is the vehicle’s weight minus the weight of any passengers or cargo.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):

This is the maximum weight that a vehicle can move, including the trailer tongue weight and the weight of passengers and cargo.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR):

This is the combined weight of a vehicle, its payload, and trailer with cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):

This is the maximum weight that a vehicle’s single axle can support, influencing cargo distribution.

Tongue Weight:

This number represents the force that the trailer applies to the tow hitch. It’s usually 9 to 15 percent of the trailer’s total weight.

Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR):

This rating is used to determine a trailer’s class. It represents the maximum weight of a loaded trailer, including fluid and cargo.

Find Your Tow-Ready Vehicle in Roanoke, VA

When it’s time to tow, you can count on us to help you find the right vehicle for the job. At Berglund CDJR, we’ll work with the specifics of your needs and goals to help you find a model with the specs and gear that make the difference for you. Our dealership is conveniently located in Roanoke, Virginia, and we hope to see you on the lot soon.