I have never towed anything before but me and my bf are looking to buy a travel trailer. Once we buy that we will also have to buy a truck to tow it. When I go to the websites for the auto makers they have different listings and I dont understand the differences. Examples: payload capacity (1590 lbs), towing capacity (2000 lbs), GVWR (6010 lbs) and curb weight (4422 lbs).
Which one of these should I pay attention to in reference to the weight of the travel trailer? (It may be obvious that I need to pay attention to the one that says towing capacity but since I have never done this I want to make sure.)
2006-06-29 09:59:52 · 8 answers · asked by just_rapture 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
The main figure is the GVRW which is the GROSS WEIGHT of BOTH the towing vehicle AND the towed vehicle. A vehicle with a curb weight (empty with a full gas tank) of 4422 lbs could pull a travel trailer of 1588 pounds... and that ain't much of a travel trailer... I have a 10 foot Wells Cargo utility trailer and it weighs 1750 pounds EMPTY.!
It's interesting to note you gave a "payload capacity of 1590 lbs because that compares to my figure of 1588 pounds.
If you are pulling something like a 31 to 33 travel trailer, you will need something like a fullsize Surburban but if it's any bigger than that you need to look seriously at a 3/4 ton, especially if you ever even THINKING about possibly getting a 5th wheel in the future.
2006-07-04 03:34:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
most ANY vehicle can tow easily, what seperates the men from the boys, is to make sure that the vehicle has enough power to pull the boat up the ramp. 4x4's are not needed but, front wheel drive helps on the slippery ramp. Although the "Cool Factor" is ZERO, a mini van is set up very well for towing (get no smaller than a V-6 engine), good on fuel, enough wt. and power, comfortable to drive, A/C, tons of room for boat gear, it also depends on the size of the boat that you are going to be towing.
2006-06-29 22:56:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not only the GVWR or towing cap . youy might want to look into a " 5th wheel" package , they are the type of truck that have the hitch in the truck bed , instead of on the bumper. They are safer, they tow more , and are easyier to drive/park/store cause you can just set the trailer on its legs and drive out from under it .
makes it nice for camp spots /vr parks , you drop the trailer and still have a car to drive around town...
2006-06-29 10:28:59 · answer #3 · answered by helpful 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on what kind of car you have, you may well be able to tow a trailer. Towing capacity is the obvious number you need to pay attention to. Tongue weight is another because if the trailer is tongue heavy it can actually lift your front wheels off the pavement.. not toooo gooood!. You are welcome to email me if you have any other questions.
2006-06-29 10:05:02 · answer #4 · answered by Bullfrog_53 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Payload weight= weight truch will carry. G.V.W.R.=total weight of truck and cargo. Curb weight= weight of truck. Tow capacity=weight truck can tow. This is the number you should be most concerned with.
2006-07-04 14:21:32 · answer #5 · answered by luther 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A load distribution hitch can also help with your towing capacity. It puts the load on both axels of the towing vehicle. Most RV dealers have them available and you can tack it on to the cost of your unit.
2006-06-30 11:41:14 · answer #6 · answered by Dave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WILL A FIAT STILO 1.6 TOW A CARAVAN
2015-07-13 04:41:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't sound like a boat or boating question to me!
2006-07-06 05:39:22 · answer #8 · answered by mikeyb33_66 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋