An important and essential item to pull any trailer is a
truck hitch. Knowing the type of truck hitch you need is very important for
your safety and that of other drivers on the road. You need the proper equipment for the job,
whether that’s pulling an RV, a backhoe or a livestock trailer. With this post,
we will cover some basic things you need to know for towing. Then, when you are
searching for truck
hitches in St Paul, you can visit us and already have an idea of what you
need.
Before looking at truck hitches or towing anything, you need
to know the towing capacity of your truck. If you exceed the manufacturer’s
rated capacity for your vehicle, you are creating an unsafe driving situation
and are likely to damage your truck. The best way to determine your truck’s
towing capacity is to read the owner’s manual and compare it with the
certification plate on your driver’s door sill.
The information on this sticker will contain several
acronyms that are helpful to understand. Here is a breakdown of what you may
see for your vehicle.
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) – an approximation of your vehicle’s weight making an allowance for a standard amount of luggage, gas and passengers.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – the maximum safe actual weight of your vehicle. If you exceed this, you will be stressing the engine, transmission and brakes.
- Gross Combination Weight (GCW) – the actual weight of your vehicle (GVW) plus the actual total weight of your trailer (excluding the tongue weight).
- Gross Axle Weight (GAW) – these numbers represent the expected weight to be placed on your truck’s front and rear wheels. These two numbers will most likely be different to account for engine weight and other factors.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) – the maximum safe weight that can be placed on your front or rear wheels. Again, if you exceed this, you can harm your vehicle and cause an unsafe driving situation.
The other important factor when choosing truck hitches is
your trailer’s weight. Your trailer should have a plate on it that includes the
serial number as well as the unloaded GVW and maximum GVWR. It will also
include the GAWR for each axle.
Once you know your truck’s towing capacity and the total
weight of your trailer, you can begin selecting truck hitches. When choosing a
hitch, it is usually better to have excess capacity in case your towing needs
increase at some point. Then you don’t need to purchase a heavier hitch later. In
most cases you can tow a lighter trailer with a heavier hitch.
When you know what hitch class you need based on the weight
factors of your truck and trailer, we can discuss different designs of truck
hitches and determine what would work best for your needs. We carry several
brands and styles, so we will be able to find the right hitch for you.
If you would like more information on finding truck hitches
in the St Paul area, give Trailers & More a call at 451-651-1808 or Contact Us. You can also
stop in to visit our showroom in South St Paul on 9th Avenue South.
