Towing 101

Towing 101 – Terms You Should Know

For work or play, it’s good to have a vehicle that can tow and haul larger loads. Not just any model will do for these jobs. Trucks and larger SUVs typically have a max towing capacity good enough to pull trailers, ATVs, other vehicles, and other equipment.

Before you buy a truck or SUV, make sure it meets the towing and payload capacities for your task at hand. You should also look for towing equipment such as hitches so you can complete the job while keeping safe.

Your shopping trip should start at Garden State Honda in Clifton, NJ. Our experienced sales team is eager to get you behind the wheel of the Honda Ridgeline or the Honda Pilot, both of which can pull and carry medium-sized items for your convenience. Stop by our dealership so you can find out more about the towing capacities of our models and whether they would be a good fit for your needs and budget.

Basic Towing Terms

Max Towing Capacity: There is a limit to how heavy a vehicle can tow. The most weight a vehicle can safely pull is called the max towing capacity. For the Honda Ridgeline, the maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The Honda Pilot SUV can also tow up to 5,000 pounds if you have the TrailSport or Elite trim.
Payload Capacity: If you have a truck, the bed can carry supplies and materials. However, there is a limit to this weight, too, and it’s known as the payload capacity. The Ridgeline Sport trim has a maximum payload of 1,583 pounds.
Tongue Weight: The tongue weight is the amount of force the trailer applies to the towing ball. In most cases, it makes up about 10% to 15% of the trailer’s total weight.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The gross combined weight rating is the max weight of the towing vehicle, trailer, cargo, and passengers combined. If you go over the GCWR, you can damage the drivetrain of the towing vehicle.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The gross vehicle weight rating is the highest safe weight of a vehicle. It comprises the weight of the vehicle plus the weight of the passengers, cargo, and other materials inside.
Curb Weight: The curb weight is how much the vehicle weighs. This includes the vehicle itself and its standard equipment and fluids, such as oil, gas, and coolant. The curb weight does not include the weight of the passengers and cargo.
Tow Bar: The tow bar connects two vehicles. It works like a trailer hitch, which connects one vehicle to the towing vehicle.

Hitch Types

When you need to tow, it’s essential to have the right equipment and accessories for the job. Various towing hitch types are available to purchase and use. It’s important to understand the different types so you choose the one that makes the most sense for you and your towing needs.

Bolt-on Trailer Hitch: A bolt-on trailer hitch is one you will use for moderate towing tasks. It attaches directly to the frame of the vehicle. This hitch is particularly common on trucks such as the Ridgeline and SUVs such as the Honda Pilot.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch: When you have a larger truck, you will typically use a fifth-wheel hitch. This type mounts to a reinforced part of the truck bed. You would ordinarily use it for heavy-duty towing needs.
Gooseneck: A gooseneck hitch has a tight turning radius and is used for commercial and agricultural tasks. It is similar to a fifth-wheel hitch. It is common to see them with trailers that haul farming equipment and livestock.

Find a Honda for All Your Towing Needs in Clifton, NJ

Choosing the right truck or SUV for your towing duties is no task to take lightly. You also need to consider what trailer hitch works properly and effectively with your vehicle. Once you determine how much weight you typically need to pull and carry, you can shop accordingly.

If you aren’t sure which direction to turn, the team at Garden State Honda in Clifton, NJ, is on hand to assist you. Stop by our dealership today so you can purchase a truck or SUV with the towing capacity and maximum payload that makes the most sense.