Enter your own numbers from the labels and manuals. Fields marked optional can be left blank, and the matching check will be skipped. Nothing is sent anywhere. Entries stay in your browser.
How the checks work
- Trailer weight is the scale reading, or your estimate: unloaded weight plus gear, water and propane.
- Tongue weight is what you measured, or 12 per cent of trailer weight for a bumper-pull and 18 per cent for a fifth wheel or gooseneck when you leave it blank.
- Payload used = passengers and pets + vehicle cargo + hitch hardware + tongue weight.
- Vehicle weight = curb weight + payload used, compared with the vehicle GVWR.
- Combined weight = vehicle weight + trailer weight less tongue weight, compared with GCWR. Tongue weight is already counted in the vehicle.
- Status: the tool shows "Over" above 100 per cent of a limit and "Close" from 90 to 100 per cent. The 90 per cent line is a planning cushion used by this tool, not a legal limit.
Where to find each number
| Figure | Where it is |
|---|---|
| Payload rating | Tire and loading placard on the driver's door jamb |
| Vehicle GVWR, axle ratings | Vehicle certification label on the door jamb |
| Towing capacity, GCWR, hitch limits | Owner's manual, towing guide, and the hitch label |
| Curb weight | Owner's manual or spec sheet; a public scale with a full fuel tank and no load also works |
| Trailer GVWR, unloaded weight | Trailer certification label |
| Loaded trailer and tongue weight | Public scale, or a tongue-weight scale |
Read the full guide, RV weight limits explained, and how to tow a travel trailer. Provincial towing rules vary: see RV towing laws by province.
Common questions
What is the difference between towing capacity and payload?
Towing capacity is the most trailer weight your vehicle may pull. Payload is the most weight the vehicle may carry inside and on it, and that includes passengers, cargo, hitch hardware and the trailer's tongue weight. Many trucks and SUVs reach their payload limit before they reach their towing capacity.
Where do I find the numbers?
Payload is on the yellow and white tire and loading placard on the driver's door jamb. GVWR and the axle ratings are on the vehicle certification label. Towing capacity, GCWR and hitch limits are in the owner's manual or towing guide. The trailer's GVWR and unloaded weight are on its certification label.
How much tongue weight should a travel trailer have?
A common rule of thumb for a conventional bumper-pull trailer is about 10 to 15 per cent of the loaded trailer weight, and 15 to 25 per cent for a fifth-wheel or gooseneck. Too little can cause sway. Too much overloads the tow vehicle's rear axle. Measure it with a tongue-weight scale when you can.
Is this calculator accurate enough to rely on?
It does the arithmetic on the figures you enter, so it is only as good as those figures. Weigh your loaded rig at a public scale and always stay within the lowest rating on any label or in any manual.