Towing Terms Truck Buyers Should Know

If you’re shopping for a truck in Jefferson City, TN, you probably want to take advantage of the body style’s inherent hauling and towing capabilities. Chevrolet trucks like the Silverado 1500 and the Colorado have class-leading max towing capacities. But, if you’re new to the truck world, you might not know what those terms mean. If so, you may have a hard time determining which truck is right for your needs. Not to worry. This guide breaks down the most important terms for every truck shopper to know so you can make an informed purchase decision.

Max Towing Capacity: The maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow, which is determined by the manufacturer and takes into account the engine power, braking capacity, and chassis strength.

Payload Capacity: The total weight your vehicle can carry. That includes passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment, but it does not include the weight of any objects you may be towing.

Tongue Weight: The downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch of the towing vehicle. The ideal tongue weight is usually between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum combined weight of the towing vehicle, the passengers and cargo in it, the trailer, and the load on the trailer. This rating ensures that the vehicle's drivetrain can handle the entire load.

Curb Weight: Curb weight refers to the weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo but includes fuel and other standard equipment. It's a baseline for understanding how much more weight your vehicle can carry or tow.

Tow Bar: A tow bar is a device used to connect a towed vehicle with the towing vehicle. It's particularly useful for TNat towing, where all four wheels of the towed vehicle remain on the ground. Tow bars are popular for towing cars behind RVs or for recovery operations.

Hitch Types

The Hitch is how you connect your vehicle to a trailer, vehicle, or other object you intend to tow. There are several hitch types in use. Below are a few of the most common ones.

• Bolt-On Trailer Hitch: This is a versatile hitch that can be attached to the frame of a vehicle. It can be used for a variety of trailers, making it popular for light to medium towing tasks.
• Fifth-Wheel Hitch: Designed for heavy loads, the fifth-wheel hitch is mounted in the bed of a pickup truck and connects to a fifth-wheel trailer. This setup provides increased stability and towing capacity, ideal for large RVs or heavy trailers.
• Fixed Tongue Hitch: A fixed tongue hitch is a one-piece hitch with a built-in tongue. It's sturdy and reliable but lacks the versatility of adjustable models. It's suitable for towing small—to medium-sized trailers.
• Gooseneck: Similar to a fifth wheel, a gooseneck hitch is mounted in the truck's bed and used for heavy-duty towing. Its design allows for a tighter turn radius and is commonly used for horse trailers and large campers.

Knowing your towing needs will help you choose the right Chevrolet truck for your lifestyle. Use these terms to help you compare models. If you’re shopping for a new Chevrolet truck, check out our guide to Chevy's 2024 truck towing capacities. If you’re still unsure about the best model for your needs, visit the Tarr Chevrolet dealership in Jefferson City, TN, so our knowledgeable representatives can help.