What Is My Towing Capacity?

Find Your Towing Capacity by your vehicle info or VIN.

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RV Terms

The weight of the RV without any liquids, passengers, or cargo.

The weight of your RV with liquids, passengers, and cargo.

The maximum allowable capacity of your RV when fully loaded with liquids, passengers, and cargo. (Use this number—not dry weight or GVW—when comparing to your vehicle’s towing capacity.)

The weight of all liquids, passengers, and cargo your RV can carry. CCC = GVWR – UVW

The maximum weight your axle(s) is rated to accept. This number comes into play when loading up your RV.

The suggested safe weight of your tow vehicle and trailer, fully loaded with liquids, passengers, and cargo.

A vehicle towed behind a motorhome.

Tow Vehicle

The vehicle used to pull a towable RV.

The weight of your tow vehicle without liquids, passengers, or cargo.

The maximum weight that your tow vehicle is rated to tow.

The maximum vertical weight your tow vehicle’s hitch can support.

The weight of all passengers, cargo, and other equipment your tow vehicle can safely carry.

The weight loaded onto your tow vehicle’s hitch ball.

The weight loaded onto your tow vehicle’s fifth wheel hitch in the truck bed.

Essential RV Towing Tips

Control Your Speed

Keep your speed between 55 and 65 mph when towing to maintain control and reduce sway. High speeds increase stopping distances and make braking more hazardous when towing heavy loads.

Driving Tips

Make wide turns to avoid hitting curbs, and leave extra room for braking. Plan your route ahead of time to steer clear of low bridges, tight turns, and weight-restricted roads. When backing into a site, go slow and use mirrors, a rear camera, and a spotter if available.

How To Load

When loading your trailer, follow the 60/40 rule: Position 60% of the weight on or in front of the axle(s) and 40% behind. Always load the front first to help maintain balance and reduce the chance of trailer sway.

Avoid Overloading

Do not exceed the weight limit of your trailer or tow vehicle. Overloading can cause damage to your vehicle and make it difficult to control.Towing more than your RV or vehicle can handle puts excessive stress on your engine, brakes, and suspension—raising the risk of breakdowns or accidents. Even when you're technically under the limit, leave a safety margin for better performance and control.

Learn More
RV Towing Tips
RV Towing Tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find the weight of my tow vehicle?
To find your tow vehicle’s weight, check the certification label inside the driver’s side door frame or door edge. This label typically lists the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating), and curb weight. The curb weight is the empty vehicle weight with standard equipment, fluids, and a full fuel tank. You can also check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer using your VIN.
Your RV should include a manufacturer's weight label. On towables, this is often located on the driver’s side exterior wall. On motorized RVs, you’ll find it on the driver’s side door or interior wall. This label includes GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight), and CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity). For the RV's most accurate total weight, visit a certified scale and weigh it fully loaded, including passengers, gear, fluids, and equipment. The actual weight (GVW) should never exceed the maximum weight rating (GVWR).
Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is your best resource for region-specific licensing laws. In most states, you only need a standard driver’s license to tow a travel trailer or fifth wheel. However, if the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds or the combined weight of your tow vehicle and trailer exceeds 26,000 pounds, some states may require a commercial or non-commercial Class A license. Likewise, most motorhomes can be driven with a regular license, but some states require a special license for motorhomes over 26,000 pounds.
Exceeding your tow vehicle’s towing capacity puts serious strain on the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, frame, and other components. It can lead to overheating, poor handling, increased stopping distances, and tire blowouts. Further, you may void your warranty or insurance coverage. Additionally, it increases your risk of accidents and puts you and others on the road in danger. You may also be cited for operating an unsafe vehicle. Always verify your vehicle’s towing capacity and ensure your fully loaded trailer stays within safe limits.
Hitch classes define the strength and towing capability of hitch components, ranging from Class I to Class V. Each class is rated for a specific maximum tongue weight and gross trailer weight. For example, Class I hitches tow up to 2,000 lbs, while Class V hitches handle over 10,000 lbs. The correct hitch class depends on your trailer’s weight and your vehicle’s towing capacity. Always match the hitch, ball mount, and receiver to your towing setup. Please note that increasing the hitch's rating never increases the tow vehicle's GVWR capability beyond the limits stated on the VIN tag. Learn more about hitch classes.
Yes, many vans and SUVs can tow an RV, but it depends on the vehicle’s towing capacity and the RV’s weight. Midsize and full-size SUVs can often tow small to mid-sized travel trailers or pop-up campers. Always check your vehicle’s tow rating in the owner’s manual or driver-side door label, and ensure it exceeds your RV’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Using a properly rated hitch and trailer brake controller is also essential for safe towing.
Some half-ton trucks can tow a lightweight fifth wheel, but it depends on the truck’s exact towing capacity, payload rating, and whether it’s equipped with a fifth wheel hitch. Many fifth wheels exceed the towing limits of half-ton pickups, especially when fully loaded. "Half-ton towable" fifth wheels are specifically designed to stay within these limits, but you must verify your truck’s capabilities against the RV’s GVWR and pin weight. Plus, any modifications to your truck—like lift kits, oversized tires, bed toppers, or toolboxes—can alter towing performance or reduce rated capacity. To avoid surprises, especially at delivery, always confirm your truck’s setup is capable of safely towing your selected RV. Consult your owner’s manual, manufacturer specs, and hitch requirements before you buy.
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