What factors Determine Tow Rating

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by Lew Silverman

Tow vehicle weight and axle ratio are two big factors, Dan. What you're looking for is Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the actual maximum weight on each axle and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) with is the total weight of both truck (with fuel AND cargo) and the fully loaded trailer. There are any number of variables the factory uses, but every truck has a recommended GCWR that must be taken into consideration. Are you going to be using a 5th-wheel or tag trailer? Different hook-ups will also effect the weight you can carry. You may also notice that the vehicles with higher tow ratings are equipped with steeper axle-ratio's, which will effect your fuel mileage. Take your trailer to a public scale and get a fully loaded weight as well as a tongue (or 5th-wheel) weight. Then compare those figures with the tow ratings for the Silverado. As long as you don't exceed those numbers you'll be fine!


http://webcontent.goodsam.com/traile...wGuide2018.pdf

Axle ratio turns out to be the biggest variable I have found.

I have a 2wd crew cab dually with 4.10 rear gears.
It has a max tow rating of 10,500 lbs.
Had someone just checked the 4.30 rear gear option when the truck was ordered the tow rating would have jumped to 13,500 lbs.

All other things are the same.
Same engine, trans, suspension springs and brakes.
Just a gear change can make that much difference as to what you can legally pull