Towing Capacity Calculator
Calculate your remaining towing capacity after accounting for passengers and cargo.
Enter GVWR and curb weight to find safe towing limits.
Remaining Towing Capacity
Towing capacity depends on your vehicle"s ratings minus the weight you are already carrying.
Available Payload = GVWR - Curb Weight
Remaining Payload = Available Payload - Passengers - Cargo
Safe Towing = Min(Max Tow Rating, GCWR - Loaded Vehicle Weight)
Unit conversions:
Imperial: Weights in pounds (lbs)Metric: Weights in kilograms (1 lb = 0.4536 kg)
Key terms:
- GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — max the vehicle can weigh fully loaded
- Curb Weight: Vehicle weight with fluids, no passengers or cargo
- GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating — max vehicle + trailer combined
- Payload: Weight the vehicle can carry (passengers + cargo)
- Tongue Weight: 10–15% of trailer weight rests on the hitch
Average passenger weight:
- US average adult: 200 lbs (90 kg) (conservative estimate including personal items)
Tips:
- Never exceed GVWR or tow rating — both are safety limits
- Tongue weight counts against payload, not towing
- Altitude and steep grades reduce effective towing capacity
- Use weight distribution hitches for trailers over 5,000 lbs
- Check your vehicle"s door jamb sticker for GVWR