Towing Capacity Checker
Do not find out on the on-ramp — check the numbers before you hitch up.
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Your results
Planning guidance only. Also check payload, tongue weight, and the combined gross weight rating (GCWR) in your owner's manual.
How to use this calculator
Enter your vehicle's maximum tow rating (from the door sticker or owner's manual) and the trailer's loaded weight — including cargo, water, and gear. The checker instantly shows what percentage of your rating the trailer uses and a safety-margin verdict.
Example: a 5,000 lb rating towing a 4,200 lb loaded trailer uses 84% of capacity — within the rating but tight, with 800 lb of margin.
How it works
Capacity used = trailer weight ÷ tow rating. Under 80% is a comfortable margin; 80–100% is within the rating but tight; over 100% is over capacity — do not tow.
The 80% guideline is common expert advice, not a legal limit. This checker compares trailer weight against tow rating only — payload, tongue weight, and the combined gross weight rating (GCWR) also matter, and passengers and cargo in the vehicle eat into those limits. Treat this as planning guidance, not a substitute for your owner's manual.
Frequently asked questions
What does a tow rating mean?
It is the manufacturer's maximum trailer weight your vehicle can pull — found on the driver's door sticker or in the owner's manual.
Should I tow at 100% of my vehicle's capacity?
Most experts suggest staying near 80% of the rating for hills, wind, and braking margin, even though the vehicle is rated higher.
Does cargo in the truck matter?
Yes — passengers and cargo eat into your payload and combined weight ratings. This checker focuses on trailer weight vs tow rating; check payload separately.
What is tongue weight?
The downward force the trailer puts on the hitch — ideally 10-15% of the trailer weight. Too little tongue weight can cause dangerous sway.