Important: This calculator provides estimates only. Always consult your vehicle's manual and local regulations.
Vehicle Information
Passengers & Cargo
Include everything loaded in or on the tow vehicle beyond curb weight: people, luggage, tools, pets, roof racks, aftermarket accessories, etc.
Where to Find Vehicle Specs
GVWR & Payload: Driver's door sticker (yellow/white label)
Towing Capacity: Owner's manual - varies by configuration
GCWR: Owner's manual towing section
GAWR (Axle Ratings): Door sticker or certification label
Wheelbase: Specs page or measure between wheel centers
Tip: Take a photo of your door sticker - it has most of what you need!
Hitch Configuration
Receiver Weight Ratings
Weight Carrying: Standard towing without weight distribution. Weight Distributing: Uses spring bars to transfer weight to vehicle's front axle and trailer axles for better handling.
Safety Equipment
WDH Settings
Enter how many pounds of tongue weight your hitch shifts forward. We estimate about 30% of tongue weight, scaled by trailer length and vehicle wheelbase, when enough inputs are provided.
Hitch Safety Tips
Ball Size: Must match coupler exactly
WDH: Recommended for trailers over 5,000 lbs
Safety Chains: Cross under coupler in X pattern
Breakaway: Required in most states for trailers over 3,000 lbs
Always: Use weight distributing ratings when WDH is installed
Trailer Information
Water Tanks
Level: 0%
Level: 0%
Level: 0%
Water Weight:0 lbs (water weighs 8.34 lbs/gallon)
Propane Tanks
Add up to 5 tanks. We account for cylinder tare weight at your selected fill level.
Propane Weight:0 lbs
%
Most propane providers fill cylinders to ~80%.
Cargo in Trailer
Enter the combined weight of everything added to the trailer: camping gear, food, clothing, bikes, firewood, appliances, aftermarket add-ons, etc.
Safety Warning
Proper weight distribution is critical for safe towing!
Tongue weight should be 10-15% of total trailer weight
Never exceed ANY weight rating
Load heavy items low and forward
Secure all cargo to prevent shifting
Check tire pressures before towing
Loading Tips
60/40 Rule: 60% of cargo weight ahead of axles
Water: 8.34 lbs per gallon
Propane: Full 20lb tank = ~37 lbs total
Balance: Keep side-to-side weight even
Safety Analysis
Safety Comes First
This tool provides planning estimates based entirely on the information you enter. It does not inspect your vehicle, hitch, trailer, or driving conditions.
You are fully responsible for confirming every weight, rating, and safety item with manufacturer sources, certified scales, and competent professionals before towing. Using these estimates is at your own risk.
Before You Tow
Read the tow vehicle owner's manual, the trailer manual, and the hitch documentation for exact ratings and setup instructions.
Verify actual weights with a certified scale (GVWR, GAWR, tongue weight, and combined weight) and compare them to the labels on your vehicle, trailer, tires, and hitch.
Check tire pressures, wheel torque, brakes, lights, breakaway switch, safety chains, and weight distribution setup every trip.
Distribute cargo securely, keep tongue weight in the recommended range, and adjust speed for weather, grades, and traffic.
Consult a qualified technician or experienced towing professional if you are unsure about any part of your configuration.
By continuing you acknowledge that these calculations are estimates, that conditions can change, and that you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others on the road.