Towing Capacity Calculator
Estimate your available payload, tongue-weight allowance and safe trailer weight from your vehicle's weight ratings.
Enter your GVWR and curb weight (GVWR must be greater than curb weight) to begin.
How to use this calculator
Enter the GVWR and curb weight from your door-jamb sticker, then the weight of passengers and cargo you'll carry. The calculator shows your payload, what's left for the trailer's tongue weight, and an estimated safe trailer weight (using a 12% tongue ratio). Add your GCWR for a tighter limit.
Always follow the manufacturer's official ratings — this is an estimate, not a substitute for your owner's manual.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate my truck’s available towing capacity?
- Start with payload: GVWR minus curb weight. Subtract passengers and cargo to get the payload left for trailer tongue weight. Since tongue weight is about 10–15% of the trailer, your tongue-limited trailer weight is roughly the available payload divided by 0.12. Your true limit is the lower of this and the manufacturer’s tow rating (from GCWR).
- What is tongue weight?
- Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch — typically 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight for a conventional trailer. It counts against your payload, so heavy passengers and cargo reduce how much trailer you can safely pull.
- Where do I find GVWR and GCWR?
- GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is on the door-jamb sticker. GCWR (gross combined weight rating) and the official tow rating are in your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s towing guide. Never exceed the manufacturer’s ratings — this tool is an estimate only.
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