Towing Terms to Know in Myrtle Beach, SC
Commonly Used Towing Terms
Towing 101 – Terms You Should Know
Heavy-duty Toyota vehicles like pickup trucks or SUVs provide plenty of power without sacrificing features and efficiency. They are great for everyday driving and even better for hauling cargo and big toys such as boats, trailers, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles.
When buying a Toyota pickup or SUV, you will find the towing capacity mentioned in the vehicle description or specs. The owner's manual will also contain towing-related terms and guidelines on how to tow safely and efficiently. However, these terms may sound strange if you're not vehicle-savvy.
In most cases, drivers (especially new ones) do not understand towing terms in their manual, such as payload capacity and tongue weight. Understanding common towing terms is crucial to picking the right vehicle and maximizing its towing capabilities.
Basic Towing Terms
Max Towing Capacity
Your vehicle can tow a maximum weight according to its towing capacity. A vehicle's maximum towing capacity depends on its configuration, weight, and load distribution.
Payload Capacity
Your Toyota truck or SUV's payload capacity is the maximum weight the vehicle can carry in the cabin and the truck bed.
Conventional Towing
A conventional tow vehicle uses the vehicle's tow ball, adhering to the weight limit of the truck or SUV you are towing.
Tongue Weight
It is the trailer's weight that pushes down on the hitch. Tongue weight varies according to the distribution of weight inside a trailer. It is essential to check the tongue's weight. Towing experts recommend that the tongue weight of a conventional trailer be about 10% of its total weight. For fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers, the haul should be about 15% of the trailer's total weight.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
A vehicle's GCWR is determined by its total weight, including its passengers, trailers, and cargo. You should stay within this weight whenever you tow to avoid damaging your vehicle's drivetrain.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the maximum weight at which your vehicle will remain functional. A vehicle's GVWR considers the vehicle's weight, fuel, cargo, passengers, and the tongue weight of the trailer.
Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR)
The GTWR indicates how much trailers can carry, including fluids and cargo. The trailer weight should be between 10 and 15 percent of the GTWR at coupling.
Braked vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
Trailer brakes are connected to the tow vehicle's brakes, so when the tow vehicle brakes are activated, so are trailer brakes. When the trailer has brakes, a much heavier load can be hauled safely.
Curb Weight
This measure of a vehicle's mass is in the manuals and documentation. In most cases, the weighing of the vehicle happens when it leaves the factory. The vehicle’s grade and classification are based on this information.
Tow Bar
The device connects two vehicles for towing. If you want to tow another vehicle, use a tow bar instead of a trailer hitch.
Coupler
Connecting the trailer to the vehicle is done by going over the ball with the coupler. Various couplers are available, including straight tongues, goosenecks, adjustable, and A-frames.
Hitch Types
When attaching a trailer to a pickup or SUV, you must use a hitch. There are various types of hitches, and choosing one depends on how much weight you're carrying.
Here are the most common types you will encounter when towing:
- Bolt-on Trailer Hitch: This type of hitch is perfect for light to moderate towing tasks. This attaches to the vehicle's frame and is easy to install and remove.
- Fifth-Wheel Hitch: Specifically designed for heavy-duty towing, this is the best hitch to use when towing large trailers or campers. You need to mount this in the truck bed for better stability.
- Gooseneck: This is similar to a fifth-wheel hitch but better suited for commercial and agricultural towing needs. It is mounted in the truck bed and perfect for towing areas with many tight turns.
- Fixed Tongue Hitch : The fixed tongue is ideal if you are always towing the same type of trailer. However, this is a permanent hitch with a fixed ball mount, so there is little flexibility.
Find a Toyota for All Your Towing Needs at Sparks Toyota
It is important to know the towing capacity of the truck or SUV you plan to buy, especially if you need it for regular towing. To find the best Toyota pickup or SUV for your lifestyle, drop by the Sparks Toyota in Myrtle Beach, SC. One of our friendly staff will help you learn more about the vehicle you are trying to buy and its towing capabilities.