Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
The sum total of the GAWR for all trailer axles may be less than the GVWR for the
trailer, because some of the trailer load is carried by the tow vehicle, rather than by
the trailer axle(s). The total weight of the cargo and trailer must not exceed the
GVWR, and the load on an axle must not exceed its GAWR.
TIRE SIZE: The tire size and load range for your trailer.
RIM SIZE: The rim size and load range for your trailer.
PSI: The tire air pressure (Kilopascals / Pounds per Square Inch) measured with
tires cold.
VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number.
VEHICLE TYPE: Model or style of trailer.
CERTIFICATION STATEMENT: “This trailer meets all the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards in effect on the date of manufacture shown above”.
TOW VEHICLE
When equipping a new vehicle or an older vehicle to tow your trailer, ask the
vehicle dealer for advice on how to outfit the towing vehicle. Discuss the following
information and equipment with the vehicle dealer.
Overall Carrying and Towing Capacity of Vehicle: Vehicle manufacturers will
provide you with the maximum towing capacities of their various models, as well as
the GCWR. No amount of reinforcement will give a 100 horsepower, 2,500 pound
truck the towing capacity that a 300 horsepower, 5,000 pound truck has.
Towing Hitch: The towing hitch attached to your tow vehicle must have a capacity
equal to or greater than the load rating of the trailer you intend to tow. The hitch
capacity must also be matched to the tow vehicle capacity.
Suspension System: A tow vehicle equipped with a factory installed “Towing
Package” likely comes equipped with heavy duty springs, heavy duty tires and
other suspension components which are able to serve the size and weight of the
trailer that the vehicle is rated to tow. However, the addition of additional
equipment may further improve the tow vehicle performance. These may include
adjustable air shocks, helper springs, etc.
Brake Controller: The brake controller is part of the tow vehicle and is essential
in the operation of the electric brakes on the trailer. If your trailer has electric
brakes, it requires a brake controller be installed at the driver’s position. The brake
controller is not the same as the safety breakaway brake system that is installed on
the trailer.
Side View Mirrors: The size of the trailer that is being towed and your state law
regulations determine the size of the mirrors. However, some states prohibit
extended mirrors on a tow vehicle, except while a trailer is actually being towed. In
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