Did you know the manufacturers tow rating does not include the
weight of passengers, cargo or aftermarket add-ons? Any weight
you add to the tow vehicle reduces the tow rating by that amount.
The tow vehicle also has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
This is the maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle and
the trailer combined when fully loaded for travel.
Let’s say for example that your GCWR is 8,500 pounds and your vehicle weighs 4,100 pounds when it’s fully loaded for travel. 8,500 minus 4,100
equals 4,400. This means that the maximum fully loaded trailer
weight you could tow is 4,400 pounds before you exceed the GCWR.
There are numerous other factors to consider such as how much the
hitch receiver is rated for, proper hitch work, trailer brakes
and more.
This tip contributed by Mark Polk at RV Education 101
More info at:
http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/towingregulations.html
