Towing something? Do you know you know your GCWR, or, Gross Combination Weight Rating?

GCWR, or, Gross Combination Weight Rating is something every weekender or commercial operator towing something should know, but few do and this is something we get asked a lot at FooteWork after our customers have purchased a vehicle or RV and completed their necessary title and registration work with us.

Understanding how much you can tow or GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is more than just combining your truck, car, or SUV's maximum towing weight with the vehicle being towed.  "According to Ford Motor Company, the GCWR is calculated by adding the following weights together: The vehicle's listed curb weight, allowable payload, driver and passenger weight and trailer weight 
[source: Ford Motor Company]." 
-source: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/gcwr.htm 


"The primary reason for setting a GCWR for any vehicle is safety. Overloading a tow vehicle or a trailer is dangerous enough. Overload both and you've really got a problem. Not only is a heavy load difficult to control on the road, but several other components could also be at risk. For example, the braking systems may overheat and fail, reducing or even eliminating the possibility of safely slowing or stopping your vehicle. The tires may not be able to handle the extra load, potentially causing a blow out situation. The engine and transmission in the tow vehicle may overheat due to the added strain, causing a mechanical failure. Components within the tow vehicle or trailer's suspension system could bend or even break, causing you to lose control on the road. The truth is that a variety of problems could result from overloading. Again, you should never surpass your vehicle's GCWR."
-source: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/gcwr.htm 


How do you know what your GCWR of your vehicle?  Typically, it is found inside of the door frame of the driver's door.  Most vehicle manufacturers also publish this information on the web.  It is also most likely found within the vehicle manual that you may have received if you purchased the vehicle new.


RELATED LINKS:


Info on GCWR:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/gcwr.htm 

http://onlinetowingguide.com/guidelines/gvwr.html

Glossary of terms on GCWR:

http://onlinetowingguide.com/glossary.html