From loaded weight to the parts list
Work out the towing kit you actually need
Most towing pages give you a number. You cannot bolt a number to your truck. Pick your loaded trailer weight and get the actual list of parts — hitch class, ball, ball mount, brakes, weight distribution — each one with the published rule it comes from.
Or start with what you are towing
Trailer type changes the braking and stability hardware. Loaded weight decides the rating each part must carry.
Travel Trailer6,000 lb worked example · Class 3 + weight distributionSee the towing kit →Boat Trailer3,500 lb worked example · Class 2See the towing kit →Car Hauler7,000 lb worked example · Class 3 + weight distributionSee the towing kit →Utility Trailer2,000 lb worked example · Class 1See the towing kit →Horse Trailer7,000 lb worked example · Class 3 + weight distributionSee the towing kit →
Browse every trailer weight
Tow 1,000 lb — Class 1Tow 1,500 lb — Class 1Tow 2,000 lb — Class 1Tow 2,500 lb — Class 2Tow 3,000 lb — Class 2Tow 3,500 lb — Class 2Tow 4,000 lb — Class 3Tow 4,500 lb — Class 3 + WDTow 5,000 lb — Class 3 + WDTow 6,000 lb — Class 3 + WDTow 7,000 lb — Class 3 + WDTow 8,000 lb — Class 3 + WDTow 9,000 lb — Class 4 + WDTow 10,000 lb — Class 4 + WDTow 11,000 lb — Class 5 XD + WDTow 12,000 lb — Class 5 XD + WDTow 14,000 lb — Class 5 XD + WDTow 16,000 lb — Class 5 XD + WD
Or start with your vehicle
2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio2026 Buick Enclave2026 Buick Envision2026 Chevrolet Blazer2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV2026 Chevrolet Colorado2026 Chevrolet Equinox2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV2026 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van2026 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van2026 Chevrolet Silverado 15002026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV2026 Chevrolet Suburban2026 Chevrolet Tahoe2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer2026 Chevrolet Traverse2026 Chrysler Pacifica2026 Dodge Durango2026 Ford Bronco2026 Ford Bronco Sport2026 Ford Escape2026 Ford Expedition2026 Ford Expedition Max2026 Ford Explorer2026 Ford F-1502026 Ford F-250 Super Duty2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty DRW2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty SRW2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty Chassis Cab2026 Ford F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab2026 Ford F-600 Super Duty Chassis Cab2026 Ford Maverick2026 Ford Mustang2026 Ford Ranger2026 Ford Transit Cargo Van2026 Ford Transit Chassis Cab2026 Ford Transit Cutaway2026 Ford Transit Passenger Van2026 Genesis GV702026 Genesis GV802026 GMC Canyon2026 GMC Sierra 15002026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD2026 GMC Sierra 3500 HD2026 GMC Sierra EV2026 GMC Yukon2026 GMC Yukon XL2026 Hyundai Palisade2026 Hyundai Santa Fe2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid2026 Hyundai Tucson2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid2026 Jeep Cherokee2026 Jeep Compass2026 Jeep Gladiator2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer2026 Jeep Wrangler2026 Kia Carnival2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid2026 Kia EV62026 Kia EV92026 Kia Sorento2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid2026 Kia Sportage2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid2026 Kia Telluride2026 Mazda CX-52026 Mazda CX-502026 Mazda CX-702026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV2026 Mazda CX-902026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross2026 Mitsubishi Outlander2026 Nissan Armada2026 Nissan Frontier2026 Nissan Murano2026 Nissan Pathfinder2026 Polestar 32026 Ram 15002026 Ram 25002026 Ram 35002026 Ram ProMaster2026 Subaru Ascent2026 Subaru Crosstrek2026 Subaru Forester2026 Subaru Outback2026 Toyota 4Runner2026 Toyota Corolla Cross2026 Toyota Grand Highlander2026 Toyota Highlander2026 Toyota Land Cruiser2026 Toyota RAV42026 Toyota Sequoia2026 Toyota Sienna2026 Toyota Tacoma2026 Toyota Tundra2026 Volkswagen AtlasAll vehicles →
The three things that trip people up
- Two different "Class" systems. Class I–V is the trailer's weight. Class 1–5 is the hitch's rating. They share numerals and do not line up. The side-by-side tables →
- Tongue weight comes out of payload, not towing capacity. It is the usual reason a truck that is "within its tow rating" is actually overloaded. How to calculate it →
- One tow number per model is a lie. The Silverado 1500 spans 8,700–13,300 lb on the same badge. By configuration →
Common questions
What do I need to tow a trailer?
At minimum: a hitch rated at or above your loaded trailer weight, a ball that matches your coupler, a ball mount rated past your tongue weight, safety chains and lighting. Above roughly 2,000 lb you also need trailer brakes and a controller; above 5,000 lb you need a weight-distributing hitch with sway control.
How do I know my towing capacity?
By configuration, not by badge. The same model can vary by thousands of pounds depending on engine, axle ratio, cab and bed. Look up your exact configuration — and remember your payload, on the door-jamb label, is usually what runs out first.