Towing Terms to Know in Morristown, TN

Towing 101 – Terms You Should Know

Hyundai pickup trucks and SUVs are not just modes of transportation. You can also make the most of their towing and payload capacities for heavy-duty tasks. These vehicles can haul boats, travel trailers, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles.

Towing terms and safety guidelines may be included in your owner's manual. However, they may confuse you if you are unfamiliar with towing terms. You should understand the following common towing terms to maximize your vehicle's towing capacity.

Basic Towing Terms

Max Towing Capacity

This is your specific vehicle's maximum towing weight. Several factors must be taken into account when calculating this weight, including all passengers, cargo, and liquids in your tow vehicle and the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating.

Payload Capacity

In a vehicle, the payload comprises the combined weight of cargo and passengers.

Conventional Towing

The conventional method of towing uses the tow ball on the towing vehicle while remaining compliant with its weight limits. These arrangements use towing balls, pintle hooks, receiver hitches, shanks, and receiver hitches.

Tongue Weight

When you connect a trailer for towing, the tongue weight is the force applied at the point of connection between the vehicle and trailer. In a trailer, tongue weight depends on how much weight is distributed inside. It is important to ensure that the tongue weight is correct. In a conventional trailer, this weight should be about 10% of its total weight. The haul should be about 15% of this weight if you are using a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

A vehicle's GCWR is determined by its total weight, including passengers, trailers, and cargo. To avoid damaging your vehicle's drivetrain, you should stay within this weight range when towing.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

GVWR is the maximum weight your truck or SUV can carry when fully loaded (including passengers and cargo).

Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR)

GTWR measures how much a towed trailer can carry fully loaded, including fluids and cargo. The trailer weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the GTWR when coupling.

Curb Weight

Vehicle manuals and documentation usually include curb weight information. Manufacturers measure curb weight as soon as the vehicle leaves the factory without liquids or support accompaniments. Vehicle grading and classifications are based on this information.

Tow Bar

This device can connect two vehicles for towing purposes. It can be used instead of a trailer hitch to tow another vehicle.

Coupler

It goes over the ball to connect the trailer and the vehicle. You can choose from straight tongues, goosenecks, adjustable couplers, or A-frame couplers.

Hitch Types

Hitches attach trailers to vehicles. You use a specific hitch type based on the weight you're towing. A receiver hitch is built into the rear end of most medium and heavy-duty trucks (and some SUVs).

Various towing packages are also available for trucks and SUVs so they can tow trailers and applications. Here are some of the most common hitch types:

• Bolt-on Trailer Hitch: Also known as a permanent undercar trailer hitch, this attaches to the vehicle frame and is ideal for towing light or moderate loads.
• Weight Distribution Hitch: This type of hitch distributes the trailer's weight evenly across the axles of the tow vehicle. Towing heavy trailers requires a combination of this and a rear receiver hitch. This prevents the tow vehicle from sagging at the rear and helps improve steering and braking.
• Rear Receiver Hitch: This is the most common hitch for various vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and SUVs. Typically, the receiver opening measures 1.25 or 2 inches and mounts directly to the vehicle's frame.
• Fifth-Wheel Hitch: This hitch is specifically for towing large and heavy trailers, such as campers and livestock trailers. It mounts directly above the rear axle of a pickup truck, ensuring more stability and security.
• Front-Mount Hitch: In addition to providing additional utility for various applications, a front-mount hitch mounts on the front of your vehicle. It's ideal for mounting cargo carriers, bike racks, and snowplows.
• Gooseneck Hitch: This is common for agricultural or commercial towing. The turning radius is tighter as it mounts in the truck bed. Gooseneck hitches are easier to maneuver and can handle a lot more weight, so they are popular when towing livestock trailers, flatbeds, and large campers.

Find a Vehicle for All Your Towing Needs at Rusty Wallace Hyundai

You'll want a pickup truck or SUV, depending on your regular towing needs. Rusty Wallace Hyundai has the perfect vehicle for you. You can find more information about our tow-ready vehicles and their capabilities by visiting our dealership in Morristown, TN, and talking to a friendly staff member.