The 80% Towing Rule: How Much Margin You Really Need
The 80% towing rule means keeping trailer weight under 80% of your max tow rating. Where it came from, when it matters most, and its one blind spot.
GVWR vs GCWR vs Payload: Towing Terms Made Simple
GVWR, GCWR, curb weight and payload: what each means, where to find it on your vehicle, and the mistake that overloads trucks. One clear reference.
Payload vs Towing Capacity: The Overload Trap Explained
You can be under your truck’s tow rating and still be dangerously overloaded. Here’s why payload, not towing capacity, is often the real limit.
Tongue Weight Explained: The 10-15% Rule & How to Measure
Tongue weight should be 10-15% of loaded trailer weight. Learn why it matters, how to measure it two ways, and how it quietly eats your payload.
Where to Find Your Real Towing Capacity: 3 Sources Compared
Door jamb, owner’s manual, or VIN tool: each shows different numbers. Here’s exactly what’s on each one and why they can look like they disagree.
Curb Weight Explained: Where Every Towing Calculation Starts
Curb weight is your vehicle empty, fluids and full tank, no people or cargo. Here’s why it isn’t one number per model, and how it feeds your tow math.
GAWR Explained: The Axle Limit That Can Beat GVWR
GAWR caps each axle separately from GVWR’s total. You can be under GVWR and still overload one axle. Here’s how, and where to find your numbers.
Dry Weight vs GVWR vs UVW vs NCC: Trailer Terms Decoded
Dry weight, UVW, GVWR, NCC/CCC: four trailer terms, one clear reference. Learn which one to actually compare against your tow vehicle’s capacity.
Wet Weight vs Dry Weight: Why Loaded Trailers Weigh More
Wet weight is dry weight plus full water, propane, and cargo. Here’s what full tanks actually weigh, and the one number to check instead of either.
Do You Legally Need Trailer Brakes? Check Your State
There’s no single US trailer-brake law. Weight thresholds run from about 1,000 to 10,000+ lbs depending on the state. Here’s how to check yours.