Mastering Towing Safety
- Enter your Max Tow Rating from your owner's manual.
- Input the Trailer Curb Weight (plus any cargo inside).
- Set the Tongue Weight % (10-15% is the industry standard).
- Enter your Max Payload and the weight of Passengers/Cargo.
- Review the Load Status bar for safe operation zones and potential warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Towing Capacity and Payload?
Towing Capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can pull. Payload is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry (passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer).
What is Tongue Weight?
Tongue Weight is the static downward force that the trailer coupler exerts on the hitch ball. For safe towing and to prevent trailer sway, it should typically be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight.
Why did my payload limit out before my tow rating?
This is very common. Tongue weight (e.g., 500 lbs) counts toward your vehicle's payload. If you have 4 large passengers and a heavy tongue weight, you will often exceed your Payload capacity long before you reach your Max Tow rating.
What is GVWR?
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo) as specified by the manufacturer.
Towing Safety Benefits
- Integrated Payload and Towing analysis
- Visual Capacity Utilization bar
- Adjustable Tongue Weight force slider
- Safety margin alerts for over-capacity
- 100% private — your vehicle specs stay local
- Mobile-optimized for checking at the hitch