How to Calculate Vehicle Tow Ratings
- 1). Find the owners manual for your vehicle or download it from the manufacturer's website.
- 2). Look in the glossary to find the section for towing.
- 3). Find the Gross Combination Weight Rating and write this down on a piece of paper with a pencil. The GCWR is the total weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo and trailer that is being towed.
- 4). Determine the gross vehicle weight by weighing your vehicle on a set of scales. The gross vehicle weight is the total weight of all passengers and cargo in the vehicle.
- 5). Subtract the gross vehicle weight of your vehicle, without the trailer attached, from the GCWR. This will give you the rating for the towing capacity of the vehicle.