Towing & Payload Calculator
Work out the maximum trailer you can safely tow from your vehicle’s GVWR and GCWR, curb weight, passengers, cargo, and tongue-weight percentage, and see which limit you hit first. Calculates in your browser.
Max trailer weight
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Show the math
Two limits apply, and the lower one wins:
payload = GVWR − curb weight
available = payload − passengers − cargo
by GCWR = GCWR − curb − passengers − cargo
by payload = available ÷ tongue%
The trailer's tongue weight counts against your payload, so a heavier trailer eats into what the truck itself can carry. Always check your door-jamb sticker and hitch rating too. All math runs locally in your browser.
What this does
A towing and payload calculator works out the maximum trailer you can safely tow from your vehicle’s GVWR and GCWR, curb weight, passengers, cargo, and tongue-weight percentage, and shows which limit you hit first.
How it works
Two limits apply: the GCWR limit (combined rating minus the vehicle and its load) and the payload limit (spare payload divided by the tongue-weight percentage). The lower of the two wins.
How to use it
- Enter your GVWR and GCWR.
- Enter curb weight, passengers, and cargo.
- Enter the tongue-weight percentage.
- Read the maximum trailer weight.
Understanding your result
Tongue weight is usually 10–15% of the trailer’s weight and counts against your payload. This is an estimate, always check your door-jamb sticker, hitch rating, and owner’s manual, and stay within every limit.
Example
A truck with 2,000 lb of spare payload at 12% tongue weight is capped near a 16,600 lb trailer by payload alone.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is max trailer weight found?
Two limits apply: the GCWR limit (combined rating minus the vehicle and its load) and the payload limit (your spare payload divided by the tongue-weight percentage, since the tongue presses down on the truck). The lower of the two wins.
What is tongue weight?
The downward force the trailer puts on the hitch, usually 10–15% of the trailer’s weight. It counts against your payload, so a heavier trailer leaves less for passengers and cargo.
What do GVWR and GCWR mean?
GVWR is the most your loaded vehicle may weigh; GCWR is the most the vehicle and trailer together may weigh. Both are set by the manufacturer and must not be exceeded.
Is this a safety guarantee?
No, it is an estimate. Always check your door-jamb sticker, hitch rating, and owner’s manual, and stay within every limit. All math runs locally in your browser.
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