Towing capacity explained: trailer, tongue weight, GCWR
Why one truck has a dozen towing ratings, and which limit applies to you.
Max trailer weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is the heaviest loaded trailer the manufacturer approves for a specific configuration. The rating changes with the engine, axle ratio, cab and bed, drive type and towing package, which is why our tables list each configuration with the document it came from.
Tongue weight
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch ball. Most manufacturers ask for roughly 10–15% of the trailer's weight for a conventional trailer; too little makes a trailer sway, too much overloads the rear axle. It counts toward the vehicle's payload.
GCWR
The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum weight of the loaded vehicle plus the loaded trailer. Passengers and cargo in the vehicle use up part of it, so a fully loaded truck may not be able to tow its maximum trailer rating.
Which limit applies
All of them at once: trailer weight, tongue weight, payload, GVWR, rear axle rating (GAWR) and GCWR. Whichever you hit first is your real limit. Your vehicle's door-jamb placards show GVWR, GAWR and payload for that exact truck.
Equipment
Higher ratings often require a factory towing package, a specific axle ratio, a weight-distributing hitch or trailer brakes. The "Required" column on our year pages lists what the source document says the rating needs.
Look it up by vehicle
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 towing capacity
- Ford F-150 towing capacity
- Honda Civic towing capacity
- Jeep Wrangler towing capacity
- Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
Last reviewed 2026-10-14.