The short answer
A truck can tow a trailer only if all four limits hold: the trailer is under the tow rating, people plus cargo plus tongue weight are under payload, the whole rig is under the GCWR, and the trailer is within the hitch receiver's rating. Payload is usually the first limit people hit.
Use numbers for the exact truck: the window sticker, the door-jamb Tire and Loading placard (payload), the trailering label, and the manufacturer's towing guide for that model year.
The calculator
Towing check: four limits at once
Enter numbers for the exact truck from its window sticker, door-jamb labels and the manufacturer's towing guide. Arithmetic only; it doesn't approve a setup.
Estimated tongue weight: — (it counts against payload)
OK = under 85%, Close = 85–100%, Over = above the rating. Ford's and Chevrolet's towing guides use 10% (Ford) and 10–15% (Chevrolet) tongue weight for conventional trailers and 15% or more for fifth-wheel/gooseneck.
Where to find each number
| Number | Where it is |
|---|---|
| Tow rating | Manufacturer towing guide for the model year and configuration; ask us for the VIN |
| Payload | Yellow Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's door jamb |
| GCWR | Towing guide or trailering label; varies with axle ratio |
| Hitch receiver rating | Label on the receiver |
| Curb weight | Towing guide, or weigh the truck at a CAT scale |
Manufacturer figures we cite
| Truck | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Super Duty | Up to 8,000 lb gas payload (6.8L gas V8); 40,000 lb gooseneck (6.7L HO Power Stroke, 535 package) | Ford 2026 Super Duty Towing Guide |
| 2026 Ford Ranger | 7,500 lb hitch receiver with Trailer Tow Package; payload up to 1,767 lb (ford.com specs, archived Sept 29, 2026) | Ford 2026 RV & Trailer Towing Guide; ford.com |
Tow packages on real stickers
| Package | Truck | Listed on | Sticker price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer Tow Group II | Ram 1500 | 5 of 13 stickers | $1,095 |
| 5th Wheel / Gooseneck Towing Prep Group | Ram 2500/3500 | 7 of 7 stickers | $745 |
| Max Tow Package | Ram 3500 | 1 of 7 HD stickers | $2,530 |
Short answer
Get your trailer's loaded weight, then check it against the tow rating for the exact truck, not the brochure maximum. Tongue weight counts against payload.
Chevrolet's 2026 Trailering Guide says conventional-trailer tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of loaded trailer weight (15% to 25% for fifth-wheel/gooseneck), without exceeding the rear axle rating, GVWR or max tongue load.
Start with the trailer as you use it
Use the loaded weight: water, gear, cargo. A scale ticket is best. Note the trailer type and hitch.
Run the numbers
Trailer vs. rating check
Type the loaded trailer weight and the tow rating for the exact truck (from the window sticker, the manufacturer's towing guide, or the doorjamb trailering label). This is arithmetic only; it doesn't approve a setup.
Chevrolet's 2026 Trailering Guide says conventional-trailer tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of loaded trailer weight (15% to 25% for gooseneck/fifth-wheel), and must not push the truck past its rear axle rating, GVWR or max tongue load.
Check more than one rating
Tow rating, payload, GVWR, GCWR, front and rear axle ratings (GAWR) and hitch limits all apply. The certification label on the door jamb lists GVWR and GAWR; the trailering label on equipped Chevrolets lists vehicle-specific trailering info.
Ask for a configuration review
Send the truck's VIN and your trailer's numbers. We'll check engine, axle, equipment and hitch requirements against the manufacturer's towing guide. This worksheet organizes the conversation; it doesn't approve a setup.
Before you start
Bring or confirm
6 itemsYour ticks are saved only in this browser. Print or screenshot the list to bring it along.
Sources: https://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/chevrolet/na/us/english/index/trucks/trail · https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/trailering-and-towing-guide · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-567 · https://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/chevrolet/na/us/english/index/trucks/trail · https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/trailering-and-towing-guide · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-567
More questions
How much tongue weight should my trailer have?
Chevrolet's 2026 Trailering Guide says 10% to 15% of loaded trailer weight for conventional trailers and 15% to 25% for fifth-wheel or gooseneck, unless the trailer's manual says otherwise.
Is the max tow rating what my truck can tow?
Not necessarily. Max ratings apply to specific configurations. Check the rating for the exact truck and stay within payload, axle and GVWR limits.
Questions
What's the most common towing mistake?
Ignoring payload. Tongue weight, passengers and cargo all count against the payload on the door-jamb placard.
How much tongue weight should a trailer have?
Ford's guide uses 10% for conventional trailers and 15% for fifth-wheel/gooseneck; Chevrolet's says 10–15% conventional and 15–25% fifth-wheel/gooseneck.
Can you tell me the exact rating for a truck on your lot?
Yes. Send the stock number or VIN and we'll pull the window sticker and the manufacturer towing figures for that configuration.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
