Vehicles have evolved over the years. With modern technology and features, the usage has also evolved from means of transportation. People look for various features when purchasing a vehicle. The design and aesthetics hold value but performance is another notable component people seek in a vehicle. Speaking of performance, the towing capacity is another aspect that car enthusiasts consider before purchasing a vehicle. The towing capacity can come in handy in several ways such as moving heavy stuff or another vehicle. Let’s go through a detailed overview of the towing capacity of vehicles and how it is determined.
What Does Towing Capacity Mean?
The towing capacity of a vehicle is the maximum weight it can pull. It varies from vehicle to vehicle. Bigger vehicles tend to have a higher towing capacity while smaller ones have it slightly lower. Even electric cars, which were once under scrutiny for failing to compete with petrol cars, now come with higher towing capacity. Ford F 150 Lightning and Hummer GMC EV come with a towing capacity of about 4536 kilograms and 3402 kilograms respectively.
A vehicle’s towing capacity can be useful in several ways. People can use it for towing boats, trailers and other vehicles if need be. It is important to be aware of the vehicle’s towing capacity before putting it to the test. Towing more than the vehicle’s capacity can cause premature wear and tear of car components such as brakes. Additionally, there is the possibility of losing control over the vehicle.
Towing capacity should also not be mixed with a vehicle payload capacity. Payload capacity is the amount of weight a vehicle can carry while towing capacity is the weight a vehicle can pull. The total capacities are specified by the manufacturers in the vehicle’s manual and it is advised to adhere to the requirements. This can prevent premature wear and increase your vehicle’s running life.
Types of Towing Capacity
The towing capacity can depend on several factors such as the size of the vehicle and engine configuration. The SUV towing capacity will likely be higher than that of a coupe or sedan. There are two types of towing capacities which are listed as follows:
BRAKED TOWING CAPACITY
It refers to the amount of weight a vehicle can pull when the towed trailer has its braking system. In this scenario, the pulled trailer’s braking system is connected to your vehicle through a cable.
UNBRAKED TOWING CAPACITY
The unbraked towing capacity describes the pulling capacity of a vehicle when the towed trailer is not equipped with an independent braking system. Unbraked towing capacity is generally less than braked towing capacity.
Vehicle Components Used for Determining Towing Capacity
Auto manufacturers define the maximum gross vehicle mass when they introduce a vehicle. It is the combination of the vehicle’s weight along with the maximum permitted weight for towing. For instance, if your vehicle has a gross combination of 1000 kilograms and the vehicle weighs 500 kilograms along with the passengers, this leaves 500 kilograms of towing capacity. The major car components that come into play for towing are listed as follows:
- Brakes – should be capable of stopping the towed trailer in case the trailer does not have its braking system
- Axle – the rear axle bears 10% of the towed vehicle’s weight
- Tyres – should be able to bear the extra weight without heating or delaminating
- Drivetrain – the torque converter should be able to withstand the additional strain put on by the added weight
- Suspension – the rear suspension should be able to bear the trailer tongue load
Towing Capacity of My Car
You can figure out the towing capacity of your vehicle in the owner’s manual, the company’s website or the driver’s side. Once you are aware of the vehicle manufacturer’s weight rating, compare the weight of the trailer. Being aware of the limitations can help you avoid putting excessive weight on your vehicle. Additionally, you can avoid putting your safety at risk by not carrying extra weight.
How to Increase Towing Capacity
While the towing capacity is predetermined, some accessories can help increase the vehicle’s towing capacity. You can opt for a higher-quality ball mount and hitch. Additionally, you can upgrade the car components that come into play when towing a trailer or any other vehicle. It is advised to hire professional help for any modification to ensure a safe ride.
This was everything you needed to know about vehicle towing capacity and how it is determined. Vehicles with high towing capacities can help carry extra luggage for your trips. They can also come in handy should you need to move your house or assist in moving another vehicle. You must keep your vehicle’s towing capacity in mind and not go beyond the designated weight. Additionally, follow these car towing tips to ensure a safe and sound towing experience.
Vehicles with high towing capacity can be a blessing if you need to carry extra luggage or a trailer. They can also be ideal for beach trips to tow boats. Check out these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of vehicles with high towing capacity.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more details about car features.
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