How To Determine Your Vehicles Max Tow Capacity

Question:

Hello, I am having a difficult time determining the maximum safe towing capacity for a 5th wheel trailer in a truck that I recently purchased. It is a 2017 Ram 2500 6.7L Turbo Deisel Cummings Engine. Attached is a picture taken from the door jam. Based on my calculations the sticker says that the GVWR is 9000lbs, I am assuming the truck weighs a couple of thousand pounds. Given this is it true that I could only tow a 5th wheel weighing approximately between 6000-7000lbs. I do not want to the truck to be overworked as we will be towing the trailer quite frequently sometimes daily. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated as I am getting different answers everywhere I go.

asked by: Kevin

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to find your vehicle's max tow capacity, you must first find the gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR). You must then subtract the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) from the gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR). The result of subtracting the (GVWR) from the (GCWR) will give you your max towing capacity. You can find the (GCWR) by contacting your local manufacture with your VIN.

The (GCWR) will not be consistent across all platforms as it will vary slightly from different cab and bed options.

expert reply by: Conner L