If you’re looking to make a move, you may be wondering if you can tow a trailer with all of your belongings inside of it. If you plan to do so, you need to keep in mind that this can lead to significant wear and tear on your car — or even the trailer unhitching from your car — if you’re not careful.
In this article, we’ll help you determine how much weight your vehicle can tow. This means explaining the difference between gross vehicle weight and gross vehicle weight rating, why your trailer hitch is so important, and more. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of how to safely tow your belongings.
Understanding Gross Vehicle Weight and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
When determining how much weight a vehicle can carry, you’ll encounter two numbers: its gross vehicle weight and its gross vehicle weight rating.
The gross vehicle weight refers to how heavy the vehicle is without anything inside of it. The gross vehicle weight rating, on the other hand, refers to how much weight the vehicle can carry in total.
When determining how much weight your vehicle can hold, you need to subtract the gross vehicle weight from the gross vehicle weight rating. This will allow you to know how much extra weight you can put on the vehicle.
Are There Any Other Factors You Need to Pay Attention To?
Along with your car and your trailer, you also need to make sure that your hitch can handle the weight it’s carrying. Trailer brakes are designed to automatically stop a trailer when it disconnects from your car or truck. That said, you don’t want to rely on this, and the stopped trailer can still cause a major accident on the road.
You also want to make sure to put 20-25% of the trailer’s wait near the tongue. This helps stabilize the trailer and prevent it from tipping or flipping.
Need a Professional Moving Company?
Moving can be difficult. Along with making sure you’re ready to start your life at your new home — making sure you understand any necessary working situations, making sure your kids are at the right home, making sure your old home has been sold — you also have to take care of numerous logistical challenges.
If you don’t want to rent a trailer, Interwest Moving is here to help. Please reach out to us to get your free moving estimate.
