Tow Rating Lookup

Understanding Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

Know Before You Tow

Your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity includes everything—passengers, accessories, fluids in tanks, and any cargo you’ve added such as food, clothing, chairs, grills, games, or tools.

To make things easier, our Find an RV I Can Tow tool automatically factors in average cargo weight based on RV size:

  • 1,000 lbs for RVs over 8,000 lbs
  • 750 lbs for RVs under 8,000 lbs
  • 500 lbs for RVs under 5,000 lbs

Always confirm your vehicle’s specific towing capacity directly with the manufacturer before purchasing or towing any RV. You are responsible for ensuring your vehicle and RV are operated safely and within their limits.

If your vehicle isn’t listed, please contact McKenzie RV for assistance.

RV Weight Terms & Definitions

Understanding the key towing terms helps you make informed and safe towing decisions.

Dry Weight / Shipping Weight

The weight of the RV as it leaves the manufacturer — no passengers, cargo, liquids, or dealer-installed options included.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

The current total weight of the RV, including the dry weight plus passengers, cargo, and liquids.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The maximum allowable weight of the RV or vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and fluids.

Cargo Weight

The total weight of everything added to the RV — passengers, food, clothing, liquids, and accessories.

Tongue / Hitch Weight

The downward pressure the trailer’s coupler applies to the hitch on your tow vehicle.

Pin Weight

For fifth-wheel trailers, this is the weight the king pin applies to the hitch installed in your truck bed.

Payload Capacity

For trucks, this is the amount of weight that can safely be added to the truck bed.

This includes your fifth wheel’s pin weight, the hitch itself, and any other accessories or gear. Always confirm your vehicle’s payload capacity with the manufacturer.

Max Towing Capacity

The maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. This includes the RV’s GVW plus the total weight of passengers, cargo, and liquids inside your tow vehicle.