Everyone with a truck that has towed at least once knows the feeling of what it is like to pull something for the first time, but after that passes it is more about how much you can pull then how many times you have pulled it. Diesel sleds can range in weight depending on the class and can get up to 45,000 pounds.

With the help of B&W Trailer Hitches, we wanted to show how you calculate your maximum weight limit. To calculate it you will need to do some slight math, nothing too crazy. You will need to know your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating, (GCWR), max tow rating, and Vertical Towing Weight Rating (VTWR).

Some of these measurements can be found on the truck, or in the owners manual, but you can also take your truck and trailer to a local truck stop, quarry, or material center and use their scale usually for a small fee. The best way to do this would be to follow the diagrams below:

To find your GVW Weigh just your truck with a full tank of gas, all your passengers and items in the cab and truck bed with your trailer loaded and attached, but not on the scale. To find your GCW Weigh your fully loaded truck and trailer including all cargo, a full tank of gas and passengers. For your towing weight subtract your truck weight and GCW.

Find your VTW also known as Tongue Weight, subtract your Truck Weight from your GVW.

Even though you may be under your vehicle’s Max Towing Rating, when
your Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) goes up, (more passengers, more cargo)
your ability to tow the Max Towing Rating may not be possible because the GCWR must not be exceeded.

With the information above you will be able to calculate your maximum weight limit for safely towing. Feel free to print this out and take it with you.