Towing Terms to Know in Okarche, OK
Getting to Know Your Towing Lingo
When you’re shopping for a new truck, there’s more to consider than just the advanced infotainment system and premium sound system (both of which you’ll find in Chevy’s lineup of impressive trucks). In addition to knowing that the latest Chevrolet Silverado features a long list of safety and driver assistance features, you’ll also want to know how its towing and hauling capabilities compare to other trucks in the segment. To make an accurate comparison, you’ll need a general understanding of a few key towing terms. Use this guide to help you analyze the specs and capabilities of Chevrolet’s truck lineup.
- Max Towing Capacity: This is the heaviest weight that your truck can tow safely.
- Curb Weight: This refers to how much your vehicle weighs on its own.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the total weight limit for your vehicle, including everything inside it, like passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of any trailer you're towing.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This rating differs from GVWR as it represents the total allowable weight of both your vehicle and a fully loaded trailer combined.
- Payload Capacity: This is how much weight your vehicle can carry in its cabin and bed, covering everything from passengers to cargo, but it doesn't include the vehicle's own weight.
- Tongue Weight: This is the amount of pressure a trailer's hitch places on your vehicle. It should be about 10% of the trailer’s weight for standard trailers and about 15% for gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers.
- Hitch: This is where your truck connects to a trailer.
- Gooseneck Hitch: A hitch design that connects to a point in the middle of your truck's bed, offering a secure attachment for towing.
- Fifth-Wheel Hitch: Similar to a gooseneck hitch but typically positioned higher in the truck bed, this hitch is especially used for towing RV trailers and offers a stable towing experience.
- Wheelbase: Measured from the middle of the front wheels to the middle of the back wheels, this length affects your vehicle's stability while towing; longer wheelbases usually provide better stability.
Find Your Truck at Carter Chevrolet
If you need additional guidance comparing truck models, visit the Carter Chevrolet showroom in Okarche, OK. One of our representatives will walk you through the specs and capabilities of the latest lineup of Chevrolet trucks, helping you decide which is right for you. If you’re shopping for a 2024 model, check out this year’s Chevy towing capacities to get started.
