Understanding Truck Towing Capabilities for Safe and Confident RVing

When it comes to towing an RV, understanding your truck’s true towing capabilities is critical—not just for safety, but also for protecting your vehicle and your investment. In this week’s Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, Todd breaks down what RVers really need to know before they hook up and hit the road.

1. Start with the Sticker

The first place to look when figuring out what your truck can tow is the manufacturer’s door sticker. This gives you several important ratings:

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum weight your truck can safely weigh with passengers, cargo, and fuel.

• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum total weight of your truck and the trailer when loaded.

• Payload Capacity: The amount of weight your truck can carry in the bed and cab—including hitch weight.

It’s essential to know the difference between these terms, as they all play a part in determining how much trailer your truck can handle.

2. Towing Isn’t Just About the Hitch

A common mistake is assuming that if your truck has a hitch, it can tow anything you throw at it. But hitches are only part of the equation. You need to calculate tongue weight (typically 10-15% of the trailer weight for bumper pulls and 20-25% for fifth wheels) and ensure that this number doesn’t exceed your truck’s payload rating.

Todd also stresses the importance of factoring in passengers, gear, fuel, and even your dog—because it all adds up!

3. Use the Manufacturer's Tow Guides

Most manufacturers publish towing guides that outline exactly what each truck configuration can safely tow. These guides take into account the engine, axle ratio, cab size, and bed length—so don’t go off of a general online search or a sales brochure alone.

4. Real-World Example

In the video, Todd gives a clear example using a 2021 F-250 with a 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel. Even though this truck has a high GCWR, the real limitation came from its payload. With a fifth wheel trailer putting more than 3,000 lbs on the hitch, the truck’s payload was maxed out—even though it “could” tow more.

5. Final Tips

• Always check your numbers before buying a trailer or hitting the road.

• Don’t assume all ¾-ton or 1-ton trucks can pull any RV.

• Match your trailer to your truck—not the other way around.

• Consider upgrades only after understanding the stock limitations.

Power Your RV Life the Right Way

Understanding your truck’s limits is just one piece of the puzzle. When you’re ready to upgrade your RV power system for longer stays, more independence, and better performance, look no further than Big Beard Battery. With expertly built lithium batteries and full solar kits designed by certified RV technicians, Big Beard Battery helps you take charge of your adventure—with power that lasts.

Watch the full video here: Truck Towing Capabilities on YouTube Have questions about towing or power? Leave a comment on the video or reach out to the Big Beard Battery team!