Selecting the Right Tow Vehicle

Tow vehicles and trailers are like marriages—if they're not well-matched you can expect trouble. What constitutes a good match between your rig and what you're towing? Proper weight is a primary factor.

Weight Up
Tow vehicles come with specific tow ratings or towing capacities. Obviously your trailer and its load should not exceed that weight limit. Sounds simple enough. Not so simple, however, is how those weights are calculated.


Let's begin with the tow vehicle. Be aware that when an auto manufacturer advertises a "maximum" tow rating, it does not necessarily apply to every model. For example, a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup has a MAXIMUM tow rating of 9,200 pounds. But that only applies to a Regular Cab, short-box model equipped with 4-wheel drive, a 4.10 axle ratio and an optional Vortec 5300 V-8.

Match Game
If, however, you were to select a Regular Cab, long-box with a Vortec 4300 V-6, in two-wheel drive with a 3.42 axle ratio, the tow rating is only 3,900 pounds. That's a 5,300-pound difference between one Sierra 1500 and another! The same principle holds true for other manufacturers as well, not just GM.


The point is, if you need a vehicle with a specific towing capacity, you need to investigate a bit to make sure the model you select is up to the task. Obviously, buying on a whim is not a good idea. And if you're buying it used from a private party, you especially need to be careful because the owner may not have good documentation on the vehicle's specific features that determine its tow rating.