The Big Question: How Much Can My Vehicle Tow?

By: South Thompson RV   |   05 Jul 2017
Trailer in tow

One of the most common questions we receive at South Thompson RV has to do with towing. On a weekly basis, customers will ask, “How much can my vehicle tow?” It’s an important question before you decide on buying a recreational vehicle (RV). RVs come in all shapes and sizes (and weights), and unless you’re looking for a self-propelled motorhome, knowing how much your vehicle can tow is the first step in deciding on what the right travel trailer, fifth wheel, or toy hauler is right for you.

 

South Thompson RV is dedicated to top notch customer service, and we have a simple, three-step process for customers so they can determine how much weight they can tow behind their vehicle. 

So, How Much Can I Tow?

Follow these three steps to figure out how much your car, truck, or SUV can tow.

 

  1. The first step is to find out what the manufacturer of your vehicle has rated it for towing. This information can be found in your owner’s manual, or if you can’t find it, simply contact the manufacturer or the dealership you purchased your vehicle. ​

  2. Next up you need to see what the law says. Each province (or state) has different rules and laws that apply to payloads and gross vehicle weights. The information is readily available on all provincial websites. As an example, in British Columbia, all the information you need can be found here.

  3. Assuming the weight you want to tow is approved by the manufacturer and government, you’re pretty much all set. We highly suggest doing a “test tow” where you hook up the trailer you’re considering and tow it for a short distance. This will help ensure you’re comfortable towing an RV behind your vehicle so there are no surprises when you hit the road on a long road trip.

 

Those are just the basics about towing, but if you need help determining how much you can tow, feel free to contact us anytime - we’re always happy to help.

Contact Us

(250) 374-4949