Manufacturer Tow Guides

[TheSasks]

I am going to start a thread here for all the different manufacturer's tow guides. I think this is necessary as there seems to be an increasing number of members who are having trouble fitting a TV to a trailer and vise versa. I am starting with Dodge's Bodybuilder which has much more than just tow info but it is very complete for data for anything you need to know regarding GVWR, GCWR, GAWR etc for all their tow rated vehicles. Please feel free to add links to any other manufacturer tow guides. One word of caution though, this is not to be used as bashing thread for any manufacturer or to debate what one can do over another. Let's keep to the facts here so we can give members a good reference for any and all TV's.

The Dodge Body Builder.

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/year.pdf

The Ford Guides.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...ng/default.asp

[herk7769]

Since this will be an "informative" Thread. PLEASE refrain from posting comments or questions in it. Links to towing capabilities (manufacturer's web sites; etc) are welcome, but "great idea" and "thank you" posts will be deleted. If you have a question about towing ratings please either start a new thread or find an existing discussion. Thank you.

PS - This is a "stuck" thread for easy reference

Cool link to "How Stuff Works" that not only has all the towing specs but the definitions and how to use the information.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...ty-chart10.htm

[prof_fate]

I strongly advise you read the owners manual associated with any vehicle you are considering purchasing. These manufacturers guides are a good place to start, but the owners manual may contain additional information more specific to your vehicle.

Options can alter the tow rating and GCWR - such as the weight of "luxury" options, tire/rim sizes, AWD/4X4, gear ratio, towing packages, etc.

My expedition is listed in it's guide as capable of towing 1000lbs more than what the owner's manual says with my options, plus the owners manual adds a max frontal area on the trailer, something I'd never seen mentioned anyplace else.

One other tidbit to look for - the SAE now has a tow rating standard and some manufacturers are adopting it, some are not, and so for some years it will apply and others not - so ratings from year to year that cross this adoption cannot be compared and may show significant changes.

[blopreste]

I went to the How Stuff Works site and it only lists the towing capacity of the vehicle without the manufacturers tow package installed. If you install the same items as the manufacturer (hitch, trans/oil cooler) your capacities (as specified in your vehicles actual manual) will differ.

[h20ski]

I would recommend for folks to use this Husky tow weight calculator. When loading a truck or a camper you have to take into account the distance from hitch where items are loaded in relation to axle to get some accurate approximate weights. I used this when looking for a new 5th wheel and it kept me from purchasing a camper to heavy for my truck. Then weight it to verify. I weighed mine Friday and was within 100 pounds.

Husky Tow Weight Demonstrator

Husky Towing Products | Products

[herk7769]

Originally Posted by h20ski

Husky Tow Weight Demonstrator

Husky Towing Products | Products

'The Husky Demonstrator is an Excel spreadsheet. Some may feel uncomfortable using it. These might be more helpful in that case.

Fifth Wheel Weight Calculator

Travel Trailer Weight Calculator


RV Calculators - Adjust GVW Calculator

[boubou]

I gave my numbers all over the boards including this one and every one came back with: plenty of power and truck to tow. I enter my numbers on this and I am short. your are right about being uncomfortable using the tool!

[traveler2955]

Remember to weigh your vehicle AND your RV.

Weigh stations will measure these for you, and they don't mind doing this because you'll be informed which may prevent an accident.

Furthermore, many stations not attended will leave the scale on, which means you can disconnect and check the tow and RV independently.

The advertised weight (dry and wet) are approximate so get on the scale!

And, then, use a tape writer with which you'll print out your exact height plus an inch or two, length of the overall vehicle, and weight. [ALL in feet/inches and metric] Put these on your dash where you don't have to guess.

Mike

[herk7769]

Originally Posted by traveler2955

And, then, use a tape writer with which you'll print out your exact height plus an inch or two, length of the overall vehicle, and weight. [ALL in feet/inches and metric] Put these on your dash where you don't have to guess. Mike

Mike, what is a tape writer?
Could you provide a link to what that is?
It is a new one to me.

I have a fiberglass lineman's pole calibrated in inches that I used to determine the max height of my camper (the radio antenna on the camper was the highest flexible point until fixed it leaning backwards below the AC and the leading edge of my air conditioner is the highest fixed point at 11 feet 10 inches).

[traveler2955]

Good morning Herk,

The writer we have is a Brother, common to any office supply retailer, but other MFGs are available. Some call it a label maker.

This one writes on a Mylar / plastic like film (I'm unsure of it's exact makeup) of different widths and can be adjusted in character height and font.

The tape is cheap and readily available.

Putting the data on one's dash may prevent what we've seen-- stuck under a bridge etc. The height was posted, but calculating from memory at 60 mph may not be one's best idea. The result was a lost roof, air conditioner, etc for these unlucky campers.

BTW, we did this on our sailboat where the height was 62' above the water, not counting wave action, tides, and mis-information on the bridges. And, just how does one calculate meters? Just kidding! There isn't anything like having only 2' to spare between the bridge and your mast, and the current pushing you. ha

Hope this helps,

Mike