Towing Terms to Know in Falls Church, VA

Towing 101 – Terms You Should Know

When you buy a Honda SUV like the Passport and Pilot or the Ridgeline pickup truck, you'll notice in the list of specs that there's towing capacity indicated. Your vehicle's manual will also include the towing capacity and other towing terms related to your model. For many, these technical details are not easily understandable.

However, it is essential to understand the most common towing terms if you have a truck or SUV. These specifications will serve as your guideline on how to stay safe when pulling oversized items behind. It will also help you maximize the use of your tow-ready vehicle.

The following are some of the standard towing terms you need to know to hitch that trailer properly and safely to your Honda:

Basic Towing Terms

Max Towing Capacity

This is the heaviest weight that your vehicle can tow safely. The max towing capacity can change depending on the vehicle’s configuration, load distribution and control, and weight. Knowing how much your vehicle can tow is crucial as it determines its capability to safely and securely tow big items.

Manufacturers publish the vehicle's towing capacity. However, it is important to remember that their calculations only factor in the driver inside the towing vehicle. For example, if you and your family are going on a weekend trip with your boat or RV, you need to consider all the passengers' weight when checking the towing capacity.

Payload Capacity

This is the maximum weight that your vehicle can carry in the truck bed and cabin. In short, it's the vehicle's weight limit as opposed to the towing capacity, which is the weight limit that the vehicle can pull.

Tongue Weight

This is the weight that a trailer puts on the hitch. A trailer's tongue weight changes based on its load distribution. It is essential to make sure that the tongue weight is accurate. The tongue weight should be about 10% of the total trailer weight in conventional trailers. This weight should be about 15% for fifth wheels or gooseneck trailers. A trailer with a tongue weight that is too light will sway when you drive it. Meanwhile, too much tongue weight will negatively affect your vehicle's towing dynamics.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The GCWR is the total maximum weight of the towing vehicle plus its passengers, trailer, and cargo. To avoid compromising your vehicle's drivetrain, you should not exceed this weight when towing. The GCWR is determined by numerous factors, including their engines, transmissions, and radiators. This rating is also affected by the axle and tire limits of the vehicle as well as the strength of the chassis.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the maximum weight your vehicle can handle. This rating considers the weight of the vehicle's passengers, fluids, cargo, and trailer tongue weight. A trailer's weight is not included in the GVWR. GVWR is often stamped on the vehicle's ID plate, which is used to determine the type of license required. Additionally, GVWR determines whether your model can cross certain bridges and roads.

Curb Weight

An official vehicle's curb weight can be found in the vehicle's manual and other documents. It is the vehicle's weight at the end of its production cycle after it has left the manufacturing plant. A vehicle's grade and class are determined based on this information.

Tow Bar

Tow bars connect two vehicles for towing. Unlike a hitch used to connect to a trailer, this is what you use when towing another vehicle.

Hitch Types

The hitch connects the trailer to the towing vehicle. There are several types of hitches, each of which has a specific purpose based on the weight you are hauling.

The following are the common types of hitches:

• Bolt-on Trailer Hitch: This hitch is for light to moderate towing jobs. It attaches to the vehicle's frame.
• Fifth-Wheel Hitch: If you tow a heavier load, you should use this hitch. It mounts on the reinforced section of the truck bed for better stability.
• Gooseneck: The gooseneck is typical for commercial and agricultural towing. The hitch mounts in the truck bed and has a tighter turning radius.

Find a Honda for All Your Towing Needs at Bill Page Honda

Towing terms can help you decide what Honda vehicle to buy based on your towing needs. Find the perfect Honda vehicle for your lifestyle by visiting Bill Page Honda in Falls Church, VA. Our friendly staff will happily explain to you the towing capabilities of each of our vehicles.