What is the difference between standard and maximum towing capacity

It can tow up to 20, lbs—almost two adult elephants! Consult your owner's manual before pushing, pulling, or hauling any load. Proper hauling, based in part on the stability of your cargo, can also prevent crashes.

If your truck has sustained damage due to improper hauling, the pros at your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can diagnose any problems, repair the damage, and get you and your truck back to work as soon as possible.

Even if your truck just needs a good ol' pick-me-up or routine maintenance, bring it to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Blog Categories Blog Home. Carry or Pull? The main difference between payload and towing capacity is fairly simple. But you can calculate your truck's payload capacity on your own by doing a little math: Start with the maximum total weight your truck can handle, known as its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR. Here are some common payloads that you might carry with your truck: One-quarter cord of firewood 1, lbs One-half cubic yard of sand 1, to 1, lbs One-half cubic yard of gravel 1, to 1, lbs One-half cubic yard of mulch to lbs One-half cubic yard of dirt 1, lbs Towing Capacity: How Much Your Truck Can Pull Towing capacity refers to how much weight you can safely pull behind your truck with a trailer.

Here are some items you might tow, along with their common weights: Car 2, lbs Car trailer 1, to 2, lbs Motorboat 2, lbs Boat trailer to 1, lbs Camper 5, lbs Payload vs. Of course, you need to choose the right engine to get these kinds of numbers.

One of them has a 6. The other has a 6. You might wonder how much difference that actually makes. Well, the first one has a maximum towing capacity of 8, lbs.

I mean, knowledge for its own sake is always a good thing — the more informed you are, the better you can make a choice and pick the right truck for what you need.

I like the look of the Chevy Colorado, and I see it has a maximum towing capacity of over 7, lbs. I buy this beauty, drive off the lot, head to my local lumber supply store, and pile 5, lbs. That sound I hear? Remember, the Chevy Colorado has a maximum payload of just 1, lbs. If I know I routinely pile 3, lbs. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Towing Capacity.

Vehicle Towing Capacity. As stated by Curt Manufacturing , to wing capacity is the maximum weight that your vehicle will be capable of pulling while towing. Here is some additional terminology related to towing capacity you should know:. There are a few things that you should be aware of when you plan to tow another vehicle.

There are two primary types of trailers that will be used for towing purposes. You will either be towing using an open trailer or an enclosed trailer. An open, or flatbed trailer, refers to a trailer that has no sides and is the ideal choice for objects that may have an unconventional shape. You can also opt to use an enclosed trailer that will be covered on all sides and topped with a roof. This type of trailer is often used for any type of cargo that needs protection, such as livestock or furniture.

Determining the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle is easy, according to AutoList. You simply have to have to know the vehicle manufacturer's weight rating and see how the weight of your trailer compares. You can usually find the manufacturers towing capacity in the owner's manual, the door jam on the driver's side, or on the company website. GVWR, or gross vehicle weight rating is defined by Kelly Blue Book , as the maximum loaded weight of your car that has been determined to be safe by the manufacturer.

It will encompass the weight of the passengers, cargo, and the weight of the vehicle itself.