Maximum towing capacity should not be taken lightly. Exceeding what the vehicle is designed to tow can strain the engine and transmission, accelerate brake wear, damage tires and even deform the chassis. This can lead to a catastrophic failure while driving, resulting in material damage or serious injury. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a much-needed fishing trip with the boys and forget that your truck has its limits.
But it's important to remember that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), also known as truck towing capacity or vehicle towing capacity, is based on the maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for which the vehicle is designed. Overcoming it can not only damage your vehicle, but it also endangers your life and that of others. Towing is no easy task, and often a special beast is required to do the job properly. Among other things, towing vehicles need stronger frames, suspension systems, engines and axles to support larger loads.
Just as you wouldn't dare cross a bridge made of Lego pieces for fear that it would collapse under your weight, you shouldn't force your 1992 Ford Ranger to carry a boat that exceeds the towing capacity of your truck. If you're simply not satisfied with the simple version of not exceeding the GVWR under any circumstances, you should know that doing so can have serious consequences. While you may not notice the effects of exceeding towing capacity at first, gradual wear and tear will cause a final failure. The best-case scenario is repeated trips to the repair shop; the worst-case scenario is a major accident.
Of course, if you insist on pulling an overweight load, you may not even live to see the effects of this wear and tear. This is because the additional weight exerted on the rear of the vehicle significantly hinders braking capacity and steering control. When the back of the truck is loaded, the front tires lift up, causing them to lose some traction with the road. Without the front tires firmly resting on the ground, you'll undoubtedly see a negative impact on your stability and maneuverability.
Your truck's brakes, which were designed to stop a limited amount of weight, will take much longer to slow the vehicle down in the event of an emergency or simply won't work at all. These penalties may not be very noticeable when unloaded, but they can dramatically reduce a vehicle's towing capacity when towing. While manufacturers will publish the maximum safe towing capacity for each vehicle they build, it's important to note that these calculations assume that only one driver is in the vehicle. Some trailers are equipped with their own brakes, electrically connected to the towing vehicle so that pressing the vehicle's brake pedal activates both sets of brakes at once.
To calculate your vehicle's maximum safe towing capacity, you'll need several pieces of information about your tow vehicle and trailer: The total combined gross weight rating of both vehicles; The empty weight of your tow vehicle; The amount of weight each one will carry; And how you distribute and control your load. In Queensland, it's illegal and unsafe to tow a trailer that exceeds your car's maximum towing capacity. As a tow vehicle driver, it's your responsibility to ensure that you don't exceed this limit. Unlike towing capacity, it does not provide information on how much weight can be pulled or towed behind the truck.
Exceeding your car's maximum safe towing capacity can have serious consequences for both you and your car. It can cause engine strain, accelerate brake wear, damage tires and even deform the chassis - all leading up to a catastrophic failure while driving which could result in material damage or serious injury. It's important for drivers to understand their car's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) or truck/vehicle towing capacity before attempting any kind of tow job - no matter how exciting it may seem! Knowing this information will help keep you safe on the road and prevent any unnecessary damage or repairs down the line.
