Ford Towing

GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It represents the maximum weight that a vehicle is designed to safely carry, including its own weight, passengers, cargo, and accessories. Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can safely tow behind it. This weight includes the trailer being towed and any cargo loaded onto the trailer.

While both GVWR and towing capacity relate to a vehicle's ability to carry weight, they are not the same. GVWR is about the total weight the vehicle itself can handle while towing capacity is about the weight the vehicle can pull behind it.

GCVWR stands for Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. It represents the maximum allowable weight of both the tow vehicle and the trailer it is towing, including all cargo, passengers, fuel, and accessories.

To calculate the GCVWR, refer to the specifications shown on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the driver's side door lock facing or the door latch post pillar or in the Ford Owner’s Manual. Once you have the GCVWR, you can determine the maximum weight your combination of tow vehicle and trailer can safely operate at, ensuring that you do not exceed this limit to maintain safe towing conditions.

To calculate your vehicle’s GCVWR and maximum payload rating, locate these key specifications:

• Look for the labels below on the driver’s side B-pillar of the doorjamb. GCVWR is stated here in kilograms and pounds.
• Maximum payload rating is also located on the doorjamb in kilograms and pounds.

GAWR stands for Gross Axle Weight Rating. It is the maximum weight that each axle on a vehicle is designed to support.

To calculate the GAWR, it is listed on a label inside the driver's side door jamb or in the vehicle's owner's manual.

Once you have the GAWR for each axle, you can determine the maximum weight that can be placed on each axle without exceeding its capacity. This helps ensure safe handling and performance of the vehicle, preventing overloading that could lead to mechanical failures or accidents.

When loading cargo or passengers onto a vehicle, it's important to distribute the weight evenly between the axles and ensure that the total weight does not exceed the GAWR for any individual axle.

Curb weight refers to the total weight of a vehicle including all standard equipment, fluids (such as fuel and oil), and a full tank of gas, but excluding any passengers or cargo. It represents the weight of the vehicle in its factory condition, ready for operation on the road.

To calculate the curb weight of a vehicle, you need to refer to the specifications provided by Ford. The curb weight is often listed on a label inside the driver's side door jamb, in the Ford Owner's Manual.

Tongue weight refers to the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. It's an important factor in towing safety as it affects the stability and handling of the tow vehicle and trailer combination.

To calculate tongue weight:

1. Determine the percentage of tongue weight: Generally, tongue weight should be about 10-15% of the trailer's total loaded weight. However, this percentage can vary depending on factors like trailer design, load distribution, and towing conditions.
   
   
2. Measure the trailer's loaded weight: Fully load the trailer as it would be for towing, including all cargo, gear, and fluids. Use a vehicle scale or specialized trailer tongue weight scale to accurately measure the trailer's total weight.
   
   
3. Calculate the tongue weight: Multiply the loaded trailer weight by the desired percentage (10-15%) to determine the recommended tongue weight.