How big of a trailer can I tow?

Before you buy your new vehicle or purchase your new trailer, you need to know a few things.

Vehicles big and small have different towing capabilities. Trailer hitches big and small have maximum limits. Trailer towing balls have maximum strength ratings as well. Body mounted hitches, vs. frame mounted hitches have different ratings. TONGUE WEIGHT and GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT can be used in a formula with your vehicles maximum trailer towing limits. Your vehicles owners manual or you dealer will be able to tell you what your safe maximum towing capabilities are. For instance on a mini van that is listed as having a maximum trailer towing capacity of 3500 lbs., might have that capacity cut in half if you have 4 passengers. Read your manual with earnest, not rose colored glasses. Do not overload the cargo area of your SUV or mini van, as that will effect the maximum tongue weight your vehicle has. The older your vehicle the less likely you can still tow to it’s original maximum specifications. If your tow vehicle does not have a transmission cooler on it, you should look into this affordable modification.

Use the correct tow vehicle with the correct trailer and have a great summer.