Know Before You Tow: Free Towing Guide

Thinking about taking to the open road with a camper, trailer or other equipment hitched behind your car or truck? First make sure you know what you can tow. Use this towing guide to learn about the various hitches available, protect your vehicle and stay safe.

Towing guide rule #1: Use the proper vehicle for hitch towing.

Know the tow capacity of your vehicle and make sure it's sufficient for safe hitch towing. Check the weight of the trailer being towed and then add the weight of the items you're towing. To be on the safe side, add an additional 10 to 15%. This total number your gross trailer weight (GTW). Make sure your vehicle can handle that GTW.

Learn the lingo of hitch towing.

Other than GTW, there are several additional terms to know for safe hitch towing:

• Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the combined weight of a vehicle including passengers and cargo. • Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable combined weight of the trailer and its contents plus the tow vehicle and its contents. This number is key; too much weight means risking an accident or damaging your vehicle. • Tongue weight (TW) is the amount of weight your trailer presses down on the towing hitch. Consult your owner's manual and the RK Chevrolet experts.

Cars tend to have lower tow rating than trucks, with light-duty trucks lower than heavy-duty models. Vehicle manufacturers provide a tow rating in their owners' manuals; if you're unsure of your vehicle's tow rating or your state's towing laws Choosing the right towing hitch for your GTW.

The three most common types of hitches:

• A weight-carrying towing hitch -- used for up to 3,500 pounds GTW and 300 pounds of tongue weight. • Weight-distributing hitches - used for loads over 5,000 pounds GTW. • The fifth-wheel hitch - similar to those used by 18-wheelers (but much smaller). Used for towing RVs or large horse trailers. How to mount the towing hitch.

Hitches differ in how they mount. One type of towing hitch is "invisible," while others mount in the bed of a pickup truck or flatbed. RK Chevrolet or your dealer can advise you about the types of hitches and mountings available. Check towing laws in your state.

The truck experts at RK Chevrolet want you to be safe, so feel free to contact them for further information about hitch towing. Towing laws vary from state to state, so contact your state motor vehicle department for information about towing laws related to recreational towing in addition to this Towing Guide.