tomaTow

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Your vehicle

Auto-estimated from GVWR + max tow. Type here to enter the real value from your owner's manual.
This estimate may be optimistic. GCWR is often less than GVWR + max tow — your engine and transmission may not handle both at full capacity simultaneously.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is set by the manufacturer and accounts for engine power, transmission, cooling, and braking — not just adding the sticker numbers together. Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's tow guide for the official figure. Using the real number could show you have less headroom than this estimate suggests.
Tongue limit
—
10% of max tow
Payload avail.
—
after tongue + load
GCWR headroom
—
GCWR − combined wt

Your trailer

Cargo capacity
—
GVWR − curb wt.
Current weight
—
curb + cargo
GVWR used
—
of trailer GVWR

Load configuration

Trailer cargo 0 lb
Tongue weightTongue Weight — the downward force the trailer exerts on your hitch. Typically 10–15% of total trailer weight.

How to measure: The most reliable method is a certified truck-stop scale (CAT scale, ~$12). Weigh the tow vehicle alone, then again with the trailer coupled — the difference is your tongue weight. Tongue weight scales (~$50–100) also work for lighter trailers.

Load placement matters: Place 60% of cargo weight in front of the trailer axle, 40% behind. Learn more → 0 lb
% of trailer 10.0%
Vehicle cargo 0 lb
PassengersPassenger Weight — estimated at 190 lb (86 kg) per person, the FAA standard average adult weight. Switch to manual entry if you prefer an exact total. 0 lb
0
Tongue weight
—
Eff. vehicle wt.
—
Combined (GCWR)
—
Trailer load / trailer GVWR—
Trailer weight / vehicle tow rating—
Tongue weight / tongue limit—
Payload used / payload limit—
Combined weight / GCWR—
To check all limits, enter: GVWR, payload, max tow, trailer curb weight, trailer GVWR

Select a state or province to see towing rules.

Reference values only — towing laws change. Always verify with your state DMV or provincial authority before towing. Federal CDL required at 26,001+ lb (11,794+ kg) GCWR.

Open the driver's door and look at the vertical frame the door closes against — that's the door jamb. You'll find a white or yellow sticker somewhere on it, often near the latch. It may also be on the door edge itself (the narrow strip facing you when the door is open).

① Look for "GVWR"
A line labeled GVWR followed by a weight — e.g. 7000 LB or 3200 kg. Enter this in the GVWR field above.
② Look for the payload / cargo line
A line reading something like "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should not exceed X." That number is your payload limit. Enter it in the Max payload field above.
Ignore GAWR lines
The sticker also shows GAWR Front and GAWR Rear (per-axle ratings). You don't need those for this calculator.

Trailer curb weight and GVWR can be found in several places. Check these in order:

① VIN plate
Look for a metal plate riveted to the trailer tongue or A-frame, near the coupler. It lists the trailer's GVWR (sometimes labeled "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating" or just "Max Weight") and may include curb weight. This is the most authoritative source.
② Tongue sticker / certification label
Many trailers also have a paper or adhesive label on the tongue or driver-side frame rail. It often lists GVWR, curb weight (sometimes called "empty weight" or "shipping weight"), and axle ratings.
③ Manufacturer documentation
Check your bill of sale, the manufacturer's website (search by model number), or the original spec sheet. Useful if the VIN plate is weathered or missing.
If labels are unreadable or missing
Weigh the trailer empty at a certified scale (CAT scale, ~$12). That gives you curb weight directly. For GVWR, contact the trailer manufacturer with your VIN — they can look it up.
Auto insurance risk: Exceeding manufacturer ratings can void your coverage in an accident. An overloaded vehicle can give your insurer grounds to deny the claim.
Trailer brake laws: Most jurisdictions require trailer brakes above a weight threshold. Check the rules section above for your state or province.
CDL threshold: In the US, a commercial driver's license (CDL) may be required at 26,001 lb (11,794 kg) GCWR. This calculator flags when you approach or exceed that number.
Aftermarket mods: Lifts, airbag suspension, and sway bars affect real-world capability but don't change your manufacturer ratings — those are sticker specs for stock vehicles.
Weigh your load: This tool gives estimates. Certified scales (CAT scales at truck stops, ~$12) give actual axle weights — the only reliable way to know your tongue weight and total trailer weight.