In the RV world, there’s very little worse than not having enough towing capacity. Whether it’s pulling a trailer or hauling a payload, there never seems to be enough for what you need or want to transport.
But what if you could increase your towing capacity? Can you safely do this without damaging your rig? What are the risks involved?
This article focuses on showing you how to increase your towing capacity. We’ll show you how to do this the right way without sacrificing your towing vehicle’s safety.
What Makes Towing Capacity So Important?
Towing capacity is the total weight your vehicle can tow from its hitch system. It’s important to note though that not all towing capacity is equal.
The ability to tow a certain weight is based on the total weight of the vehicle. This means both the towing vehicle and the cargo weight.
For example, let’s say you are towing a boat, a trailer full of material, a boat trailer, or a camper. With each item, you’ll have different towing capacities than towing just a car with the same weight and size.
Why You Might Need Towing Upgrades
When you need to tow something, you want to be sure that the job can be done quickly and efficiently. That is why you need to make the right towing equipment choices to ensure that you get the job done.
Also Read: Best Truck Upgrades for Towing
Towing upgrades have many benefits, most importantly keeping the tow vehicle safe. If you have ever had to push a big tow load uphill, you know that this is a big task, to say the least. Proper braking and hitch accessories ensure you get where you’re going.
Know Your Towing Weight Numbers
If you ever have to tow something that’s not in the tow vehicle, it’s important to remember the weight limits. If you know the limits, you can plan your travel routes and avoid overloading your vehicle. Knowing your towing weight can help you make better decisions while traveling.
How To Increase Towing Capacity
- Get the Right Hitch
Over the years, the hitch has often been the forgotten part of the towing equation. Towing capacities are measured by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR is a measurement of the total weight of everything in the tow vehicle, including the hitch. For example, if your vehicle has a GVWR of 2,000 pounds will tow a vehicle with a GVWR of 2,000 pounds.
This is why it is so important to understand how the GVWR works and the consequences that can arise if the hitch is not properly installed.
When you want to raise your vehicle’s towing capacity, you have a few options:
1. You can buy a hitch rack
2. You can also just buy a couple of extensions.
- Use a Programmer
If you’re not already aware, towing is a whole lot of work. Whether you’re towing a heavy load, you might want to consider using a programmer. It will provide additional options to control the tow vehicle’s engine and transmission.
- Replace Axles
To do a proper evaluation of your vehicle’s towing ability, you first need to take a look at the axle housing that comes standard with your vehicle, or the axles that you are currently using.
The problem is that most people don’t realize that much of a vehicle’s power comes from its axles. Replacing the axles with a stronger version is an option, as long as they are compatible with your vehicle.
- Upgrade the Braking System
Depending on what you’re regularly towing, having the ability to stop the vehicle within a safe distance is always a good thing.
Pulling extra heavy loads in the 10,000 pound range or heavier will require a more robust brake system. This includes going both up and downhill. This will save a lot of time and wear on weaker stock brake pads.
Also Read: Best Brake Pads for Towing in 2021
- Suspension capability
Your tow vehicle’s suspension will be handling most of the tow load and keeping things stable on the road. Always check with your vehicle dealer or vehicle manual to make sure your suspension won’t get torn away from the vehicle due to overloading.
Before You Consider These Upgrades
As you know, there are a ton of options when it comes to improving the towing capacity of your vehicle. But if you’re thinking about buying a towing package, how do you know which option is the best?
Think of These Before You Consider Upgrading Your Towing Package:
- Always consult your vehicle’s operating manual first to see what you can really tow
- Buy more than what you need. For instance, purchasing higher-rated brake pads than stock
- Check your towing vehicle out thoroughly before installing anything. This will ensure there are no underlying problems.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article about how to increase towing capacity. Trust us, you don’t want to be THAT vehicle sitting on the side of the road with the burnt-out transmission. Plan out what you need for towing capacity and your journey will be much easier and safer.