Determining what your 4WD SUV or 4x4 pickup truck can tow can be a difficult task. Perhaps you've spent an evening or two sifting through your vehicle owner's manual, only to find the information to be as clear as mud. Add to this the fact that all manufacturers don't use the same formula to determine a vehicle's towing capacity, and it becomes apparent why consumers continue to be confused.
Here are some tips to make your towing trip a success:
Determine Your Tow Vehicle
If your needs are as basic as towing a small boat or transporting horses or 5th wheel trailers, having the right tow vehicle is one of the most important aspects. Before purchasing a tow vehicle, it's best to determine the maximum weight you might tow and then match that weight to a vehicle of your choice.
To fine-tune your choices of which tow vehicle to use, consult a Tow Vehicle Guide like this one or this one first.
Basic Terms
Becoming familiar with the
terminology can lessen the confusion in determining how much your vehicle is capable of towing. Sherline offers a
Trailer Load and Balance Worksheet that will help take some of the guesswork out of the formula.
Hitches
After you have determined how much weight you will be towing and
how much weight your tow vehicle can handle, the
hitch will be the next tough choice. It's often a choice that consumers unwisely spend too little time considering, however, the hitch is perhaps the most important factor in assuring that your tow vehicle and load make it to their destination safely. There are several
types of hitches to choose from. In some cases, the
trailer you are towing will determine the type of hitch you'll need. Perhaps the most popular hitches today are the
Hidden Hitch and
Reese Hitches, but one of the more unique hitch systems is offered by
Advanced Air Hitches. Their one-of-a-kind design improves handling, braking, traction and wear and tear on your equipment. Check out these
videos showing Air Ride hitches in action.
Checklist: What To Do Before You Tow
You need to have a heightened sense of awareness when towing. Before each trip take a few extra minutes to go over this
towing checklist to give yourself peace of mind. And before you even hit the road, make sure to review these
braking basics. You need to make sure you can stop before you even start!
