RV tow calculator: payload, hitch load and combined weight

Use this tool to compare stated trailer loading and tongue or pin assumptions with tow-vehicle payload, GVWR and tow rating. Enter GCWR to add a combined-weight check, and a measured loaded hitch weight to replace the percentage estimate. No result certifies a towing combination safe or legal.

Actual vehicle placard allowance; account for changes since its documented configuration.

Maximum trailer rating for the exact vehicle and required towing equipment.

Vehicle certification-label gross rating.

Documented starting tow-vehicle weight before the separately entered people, gear, hardware and trailer hitch load.

Rated upper-loading planning case, not a measurement of the trailer currently aboard.

Use the actual documented value for the intended operating conditions.

Whole number of occupants whose weight is not already in the starting vehicle weight.

Divide the actual combined weight of the tow-vehicle occupants by their number; replace the illustrative 160 lb value.

All other tow-vehicle cargo absent from the starting weight.

Actual hardware weight not already counted in the starting vehicle weight.

Optional manufacturer rating for the exact configuration. Blank means GCWR is not checked.

Optional actual loaded tongue or pin measurement for this trailer; replaces the percentage estimate.

With JavaScript, the towing checks appear here after Calculate. Without scripts, the submitted vehicle, trailer and loading figures produce the same results on the server.

A percentage is a planning range, not a measurement

Ford’s towing guidance describes 10–15% for conventional trailers and 15–25% for fifth-wheel/gooseneck loading while retaining vehicle and hitch limits. The calculator uses those bands against trailer GVWR when no measurement is entered. Follow the exact vehicle and trailer instructions for an actual match.

GVWR is a rated upper bound, not proof the trailer currently weighs that amount. A high-end estimate above payload calls for a different loading case or actual measurements; it does not establish that every lighter loading exceeds the limit. A low-end pass also does not prove the real hitch load is that low.

Include people, gear and hardware once

Assume 1450 lb payload, two 160-lb adults, 300 lb gear, 80 lb hitch hardware and 7600 lb trailerGVWR. At 15% assumed tongue load, the hitch load is 1140 lb and payload use is 1840 lb: 390 lb over the entered allowance.

Assumed 1840 lb payload usePeople: 320 lb; Gear: 300 lb; Hardware: 80 lb; Tongue: 1,140 lbAssumed 1840 lb payload usePeople: 320 lbGear: 300 lbHardware: 80 lbTongue: 1,140 lb

This is a hypothetical arithmetic case, not a manufacturer specification. Use a starting vehicle weight that excludes those separately added items. Do not add the same hardware or people again if the starting scale ticket already includes them.

Replace uncertain towing inputsRead exact vehicle, trailer and hitch ratingsThen: Measure the intended loaded configurationThen: Check every axle, tire and connection as well as totalsReplace uncertain towing inputsRead exact vehicle, trailer and hitch ratingsMeasure the intended loaded configurationCheck every axle, tire and connection as well as totals

Combined weight must not count tongue load twice

The combined estimate adds the tow vehicle before trailer load, its separate occupants/gear/hardware, and the complete trailer. Tongue weight is part of that complete trailer; adding it again overstates the combination. Without a GCWR input, the tool explicitly leaves that check undone.

A weight-distributing hitch changes forces among axles and requires scale verification; it does not raise manufacturer ratings. This simplified estimate does not solve those forces or check receiver, ball, coupler, axle, tire or braking limits.

FMVSS110 provides placard requirements for applicable vehicles; use your exact labels and documentation. Script calculation stays on the device; fallback submits inputs to this site. Continue with weigh an RV on travel-ready scale passes before treating estimates as measurements.