Archive for the ‘Towing’ Category

This question and answer was originally posted at Forum@FTRV.com

Question:
I’m looking to buy a 27 ft. fifthwheel that has a GVWR of only 5171 lbs. Can I get away with a 1/2 ton truck w/gas engine? Thanks for any information you can supply.

Answer:
The answer to your question is yes, or no, and it depends.

Looking at the 2009 towing guide for Chevorlet Silverado 1500′s, just for an example, depending how a truck is equipped, the max tow rating can be 4,800 lbs up to 9,000 lbs.

Much depends on what engine, transmission and differential gear ratio is built into the truck, and also whether the the truck is equipped with a tow package.

Never rely on or accept a salesmen’s word for whether or not a particular truck on the lot is capable of towing your trailer. Only rely on what is printed in the manufacture’s brochures and other information.

Every dealer should have a brochure that provides tow ratings for all it’s current truck models and what is required equipment. And that’s the only thing you should rely on.

If you’re considering a specific truck, you need to look at the specification plate (decal) on the driver-side door pillar. It will tell you the GVRW and tow rating as well as tire pressures and paint numbers, etc. for that truck.

The dealer may be able to use the VIN to look up the specifications and equipment package for the truck as well.

Information on tow ratings for older trucks may be available from the dealer or manufacturer and can often be found online.
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When shopping for a tow vehicle keep in mind that appearances can be deceiving. For example two pickups sitting side by side on a dealer’s lot may seem to be identical, except perhaps for color, but one of the trucks may have a substantially high tow rating.

Most light truck & SUV manufacturers offer specially designed towing packages that define the equipment necessary to tow different types of trailers depending on their fully loaded weight and size. A towing package may include a heavy-duty radiator, battery, flasher system, alternator, suspension, and brakes, as well as an engine-oil cooler, transmission-oil cooler, wiring harness, specific axle ratio, and special wheels and tires. Newer pickups may even include a trailer brake controller specially fitted into the instrument panel.

Towing packages also may include the trailer hitch receiver, which is mounted to the tow vehicle, but towing packages rarely include the draw bar, or ball mount, and hitch ball.

A manufacturer may offer different towing packages to safely tow various sizes and types of trailers. Towing packages indicate both equipment that must be installed on your tow vehicle and equipment that is optional or recommended. For example, not all trailers require the tow vehicle to be equipped with extended side-view mirrors. But if you plan to tow a trailer wider than your tow vehicle, you will need extended side-view mirrors to see rear- and side-approaching traffic.

If you already have a tow vehicle, look up its tow rating—size, maximum loaded weight, and maximum tongue weight of a trailer that the tow vehicle is capable of towing. The vehicle owner’s manual contains these specifications.

Most automotive manufacturers and dealerships have towing specification guides with tow ratings and detailed information if extra equipment is needed to tow a trailer. Always insist on seeing the printed specification. Never rely on a salesman. service manager or mechanic for proper information.

While your vehicle may have certain tow ratings, remember you must have a matching hitch system that can handle the same specifications. To ensure safety, you may have to install extra towing equipment.
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