What is towing capacity?
Towing capacity is the heaviest loaded trailer a vehicle is rated to pull. The advertised figure is a best case for one specific configuration with almost nothing in the vehicle, so the limit for your own vehicle is usually lower.
Why the advertised number is a best case
- It belongs to one configuration. Engine, axle ratio, cab, bed, drive and tow package all change the rating. The headline figure is the best of them.
- It assumes a nearly empty vehicle. Makers typically assume only a driver, sometimes one passenger. Every extra person or bag of cargo comes off what you can tow.
- It often needs a factory tow package. Without the required hitch, cooling or axle, the rating drops.
How makers measure it
Most truck makers rate towing with SAE J2807, a common test procedure that covers acceleration, braking, handling and cooling while towing. It lets you compare ratings between brands on similar terms.
The other limits that matter
Towing capacity is only one of five ratings. A trailer under the towing capacity can still overload your payload, hitch or combined-weight rating. GVWR, GCWR and payload, explained.
Check your own tow
Enter your vehicle's ratings and your trailer's weight in the Can I tow it? calculator to see all the limits side by side.