2024 Guide to Towing Terminology at Tempe Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Understanding towing terminology can sometimes be difficult, even for those who have owned and used dependable RAM pickup trucks for a while. Here’s a quick and easy guide from your reliable friends at Tempe RAM!

Common Basic Towing Terms

Towing Capability:

Determine your vehicle's towing capacity before towing heavy loads. Use manufacturer specifications from your vehicle's documentation.

Conventional Towing:

Utilizes the tow ball and adheres to vehicle weight limits. Includes pull-behind towing with a tow ball or similar hitch.

Towing vs. Carrying:

Towing pulls weight behind the vehicle while carrying bears weight within the vehicle itself.

Curb Weight:

Manufacturer-reported weight of a vehicle without additional fluids or passengers. It is important for vehicle classification and clearance.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):

The maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight.

Payload vs. Tow Capacity:

Payload is the weight a vehicle can carry, while tow capacity is the weight it can tow.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR):

Maximum weight of a vehicle, payload, and trailer with cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):

Maximum weight supported by a single axle, affecting road damage and cargo distribution.

Tongue Weight:

The force applied by a trailer to the towing ball is typically 9-15% of the trailer's total weight.

Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR):

Maximum weight of a loaded trailer, including fluids and cargo, determining trailer class.

Making the Right Choice

When you’re making a decision on how much towing capacity you need, there’s nothing like consulting the experts at Tempe Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Tempe, AZ, to find the RAM truck with all the towing power you need.