Towing Capacity Lookup & Calculator

Factory tow ratings by vehicle and year, plus a calculator that turns the sticker numbers into your real-world limit once passengers and cargo are on board.

Real-world towing calculator

Your numbers (from the door jamb sticker and owner's manual)

Results

Max trailer weight
 
GCWR - curb weight - load
Recommended tongue weight
 
10-15% of trailer weight
Minimum hitch class
 

This is the physics-based ceiling. Your manufacturer's published tow rating for your exact configuration is the legal and warranty limit: use whichever number is lower.

Tow ratings by vehicle

Curated ratings by generation and year, with the configuration notes that the headline numbers hide.

Pickup trucks

SUVs & crossovers

Hitch classes at a glance

ClassMax trailer weightTypical use
Class I2,000 lbBike racks, small utility trailers
Class II3,500 lbPop-up campers, jet skis, small boats
Class III8,000 lbMid-size travel trailers, car haulers
Class IV10,000 lbLarge travel trailers, heavy equipment
Class V17,000+ lbCommercial and heavy-duty towing

The four numbers that actually matter

Changing wheels or tires? Larger tires effectively raise your gearing and reduce usable towing grunt. Check diameter changes with the tire size comparison calculator before towing with a lifted or re-tired truck.

Frequently asked questions

How is towing capacity determined?

The manufacturer rates each configuration using the GCWR: the maximum combined weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer. Towing capacity is essentially GCWR minus the weight of the vehicle itself with passengers and cargo. That is why the same truck can have ratings thousands of pounds apart depending on cab, bed, drivetrain and axle ratio.

What does "when properly equipped" mean?

The headline number in ads applies to one specific configuration, usually the lightest cab with the strongest engine, a specific axle ratio and a factory tow package. A different cab or drivetrain on the same lot can be rated several thousand pounds lower. Always check the rating for your exact VIN.

What happens if I tow more than the rated capacity?

Brakes, transmission and frame are engineered around the rating. Exceeding it lengthens braking distance, can overheat the drivetrain, voids warranty coverage for related damage, and can create liability in an accident. The rating is a hard limit, not a suggestion.

Is tongue weight part of towing capacity?

Tongue weight (usually 10-15 percent of trailer weight) counts against your vehicle payload, not the towing rating. A truck can be within its towing capacity and still exceed payload once you add the tongue weight, passengers and gear. Check both numbers.