Towing Terms to Know in Logan, WV

Towing 101 – Terms You Should Know

Whether you’re a new driver or have been on the road for quite some time now, it is necessary to understand some common towing terms. Below are some of the important towing terms that the team at Thornhill CDJR has compiled for you. It includes every aspect of towing, from the basic towing capacity to the specifics of hitch types. It’s a useful reference for every towing enthusiast.

Basic Towing Terms

Maximum Towing Capacity

Your vehicle's maximum towing capacity is the heaviest weight it can safely tow, considering factors like engine power, brakes, chassis strength, and transmission. Going over this limit can stress your vehicle, causing handling issues and more wear and tear. Refer to your owner's manual to determine your truck or SUV's towing capacity. If you own a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM, don't hesitate to call us if you have questions about your vehicle's towing capacity.

Payload Capacity

Your vehicle's payload capacity refers to how much stuff it can handle – passengers, gear, and any extra gadgets. Most people confuse this with towing capacity.

Tongue Weight

When you're towing a trailer, tongue weight is very important. It's the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch of your towing vehicle. Getting this right is critical for safe towing because if the tongue weight is off, it can make your trailer sway or mess up how your vehicle handles. Ideally, you want the tongue weight to be around 10-15% of your trailer's overall weight. This balance is crucial for keeping things stable while you're on the road.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The GCWR represents the combined weight limit for your vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer being towed. This overall figure is crucial for maintaining a safe setup. Going beyond the GCWR could pose serious safety hazards and harm your vehicle's drivetrain.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total weight it can carry, which includes the vehicle's weight, passengers, fuel, and cargo. This number, determined by the manufacturer, is there to prevent your vehicle from being overloaded. Most trucks conveniently show their GVWR on the door frame sticker.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the weight limit that each of a vehicle's axles can bear. It varies between the front and rear axles.

Curb Weight

Curb weight is crucial when determining how much your vehicle can carry and tow. It's basically how heavy your ride is with all the standard gear but no people or cargo onboard.

Tow Bar

A tow bar is what links a tow vehicle to the one being towed, ensuring they're securely connected and that the towed vehicle can trail along smoothly. These bars are crucial for flat towing, where all four wheels of the towed vehicle are on the ground.

Hitch Types

Understanding the types of hitches is essential when towing, as it can significantly influence the outcome of the whole process.

• Bolt-On Trailer Hitch: This hitch is very common and connects to the car frame, giving you a safe way of linking the trailer to the car. It is versatile and beneficial for pulling or dragging other items.
• Fifth Wheel Hitch: This hitch is made for serious towing and is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, such as RAM HD models. It creates a pivot point that boosts stability and makes it easier to maneuver big trailers.
• Fixed Tongue Hitch: This hitch is fixed to the back of the towing vehicle with a protruding tongue, making it a straightforward option. However, unlike other types, it lacks versatility because it's not easily detachable or adjustable.
• Gooseneck: Gooseneck hitches, like fifth-wheel hitches, utilize a ball and coupler setup rather than a pin and plate. They are commonly employed for agricultural and industrial trailers due to their ability to offer substantial towing capabilities and versatility.

Find a Chevy for All Your Towing Needs in Logan, WV

Understanding these towing terms is really helpful in improving your towing skills while also protecting yourself, working efficiently, and preserving your car or any other vehicle you are towing. This will be useful when using your vehicle at work or even when pulling a trailer for a weekend getaway.

At Thornhill CDJR, we offer vehicles known for their strong towing prowess. They demonstrate how these terms work in action, showing the right way to tow. Swing by our showroom in Logan, WV, and take any of our tow-ready vehicles for a test drive.