So, thinking about pulling a pop-up camper behind your SUV? Sounds awesome! But is your SUV equipped to handle the load? That question is a little more complicated than you would probably guess.
Knowing your SUV’s precise tow load is really important in keeping you, your passengers, and others on the roadways safe. Towing more than you should could cause break failure, mechanical breakdown or a ripped off hitch while driving down the interstate!
Here’s how to tell what you can safely tow:
Know your SUV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is located in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This rating gives you how much weight your SUV can handle. The GVWR will depend on what type of SUV you have, be it a compact Jeep Wrangler, or a sprawling Dodge Durango.
Know what counts against the GVWR. Once you have the GVWR, you’ll have to start doing some math. The GVWR is the total weight your vehicle’s motor and braking system can safely handle. So, you’ll need to subtract the weight of your vehicle (found on the driver’s side door column), the weight of what you’re pulling, the weight of your passengers, the weight of any other cargo – be it in the SUV or in what you’re pulling – and finally the weight of any aftermarket hitch that’s not included in the vehicle weight. All of those factors must be considered when determining what your car can safely pull.
Give yourself leeway. You probably won’t be weighing all your luggage and passengers, but you should give yourself at least a window of 500 pounds between the weights of what you actually know you’ll pull and the GVWR in order to allow for your passengers and what not.
Safe towing is an important part of responsible driving. To learn more about this topic, keep reading, or contact a reputable service department at your local car dealership to learn more.
