Buying A New Tow Vehicle? Here Is What To Look For
Deciding on a new tow vehicle is a complex, involved decision.
When you’re buying a sports car for weekend leisure driving, looks and feel might be your main concern. But when you’re investing in the vehicle that will be in charge of transporting you, your passengers and your hefty cargo from one place to another, safety should be at the top of your list.
What Are You Towing?
You must consider a number of features when deciding on a tow vehicle, but before you begin your search, you have to know what you’ll be asking the vehicle to do. Will you be towing a horse trailer? Jet skis?
Know the weight of the trailer you’ll be towing to get a better idea of what you need your future tow vehicle to do before you start shopping.
Towing Capacity
When shopping for a tow vehicle, the most important thing to know is its overall towing capacity. To help you understand this, take a look at the following terms:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the total manufacturer-recommended weight of the vehicle, including passengers, fuel and cargo.
Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR): This is the total manufacturer-recommended weight of the trailer that the vehicle can tow.
Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR): This is the total manufacturer-recommended weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle and trailer combined.
Keep in mind that the posted tow ratings are often ambitious. You don’t want to regularly max out the recommended GCVWR, or you will wear down the engine components and brakes prematurely.
Drive System
Next, consider the drive system. If you opt for front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, you will enjoy a higher towing capacity, since these systems weigh less. If you decide to get an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll have better control and traction in rough terrain, but you won’t be able to tow as much weight.
Tow Package
Does the vehicle in question have a factory-installed tow package? This is a valuable asset, since installing a towing package after you purchase a vehicle can void the vehicle’s warranty in many cases.
Also, when the manufacturer installs the tow package to your specifications, you will know for sure the system is fitted to your desired tow weight and trailer style. You will be able to fall back on manufacturer assistance if an issue arises.
Wheelbase and Curb Weight
Remember that the wheelbase is an important measurement when considering the safety of any tow vehicle. The wheelbase is the measurement from the front tire to the rear tire. The longer the wheelbase, the more stability you’ll have when you tow.
Also, if you’re considering getting a smaller SUV or truck, be conscious of the curb weight. As a rule, the curb weight — which is the weight of your tow vehicle once its fuel tank is full but before all cargo is loaded — should be heavier than your tow load. When your tow vehicle weighs more than the trailer, you have more control over the trailer you’re pulling.
If you have more questions about selecting the right tow vehicle for your needs, just ask the towing experts at Stauffer’s Towing.
