Towing Capacity Calculator
Check whether your vehicle can safely tow a trailer by comparing trailer weight to tow capacity.
How to use this tool
- Enter the fully loaded trailer weight in pounds.
- Enter your vehicle's tow capacity from the owner's manual.
- Enter the tongue weight and your vehicle's tongue weight limit.
- Stay under 80% capacity for safe towing; 100%+ is over the limit.
Verify your vehicle can safely handle your trailer before you hitch up.
Formula
Tow capacity used (%) = Trailer weight (lbs) ÷ Tow capacity (lbs) × 100
Tongue weight used (%) = Tongue weight (lbs) ÷ Tongue weight limit (lbs) × 100
How it works
This calculator checks towing safety by expressing the trailer's gross weight as a percentage of the vehicle's rated tow capacity, and the tongue weight as a percentage of the vehicle's tongue weight limit, both of which must remain at or below 100% for safe operation.
These are minimum safety checks; real-world towing also requires verifying payload capacity, trailer brake requirements, and hitch class ratings — always consult the vehicle owner's manual before towing.
Worked example
Worked example
- Tow capacity used: 5,000 lbs ÷ 7,500 lbs × 100 = 66.67%
- Tongue weight used: 500 lbs ÷ 750 lbs × 100 = 66.67%
A 5,000 lb trailer with 500 lb tongue weight uses 66.67% of tow capacity and 66.67% of tongue weight limit — within safe limits.
Key terms
- Tow capacity
- The maximum gross trailer weight a vehicle is rated to tow, as specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding it risks drivetrain damage and loss of control.
- Tongue weight
- The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler, typically 10–15% of the trailer's gross weight for proper handling.
- Tongue weight limit
- The maximum tongue weight the vehicle's hitch and rear suspension are rated to handle; exceeding it can cause trailer sway and steering instability.
- Load percentage
- The ratio of actual trailer weight or tongue weight to the vehicle's rated limit, expressed as a percentage. Values over 100% indicate an unsafe condition.
- Hitch class
- A standardized rating system (Class I through V) that defines the maximum tow capacity and tongue weight a hitch receiver is designed to handle.
Frequently asked questions
- What percentage of tow capacity is safe?
- Stay under 80% of your vehicle's maximum tow rating for a comfortable safety margin. At 90–100% the vehicle is stressed and braking distance increases significantly.
- What is tongue weight?
- Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer coupler exerts on the hitch ball. It should be 10–15% of gross trailer weight. Too little causes trailer sway; too much stresses the vehicle's rear suspension.