SUV Towing Basics: What to Know Before Hitching Up

Whether you’re hauling kids to school, heading into work, or kicking off your weekend with outdoor fun, your SUV is ready for the job. SUVs aren’t only good for carting people around, either. Many SUVs are designed to tow, so you can take your boat to the lake or bring your camping trailer to your favorite woodsy spot.

Before you start towing with your SUV, read our list of must-know information to become an SUV towing expert.

Know what your SUV can handle

Before you start hitching a boat, trailer, or other vehicle to your SUV, you must know how much weight your car is designed to hold. Some SUVs can tow 9,000 pounds or more, like it’s nothing, but those on the smaller side can typically only cart up to 5,000 pounds.

A vehicle’s GVWR, or gross vehicle weight rating, tells you the maximum weight it can carry. 

This number factors in not only passengers and cargo but also the weight of a vehicle, along with components like fuel and the engine.

Your vehicle’s GVWR tells you how much weight it can safely hold. Exceeding GVWR can lead to fines or unnecessary vehicle strain, so this is a no-go if you want to maintain a squeaky-clean record. You can usually find your car’s GVWR by checking inside the driver’s door or consulting the vehicle manual. However, the GVWR isn’t the only number to be aware of.

A vehicle's GCWR, or gross combined weight rating, adds the weight of your trailer into the mix. If you’re tempted to brush off these numbers and hope for the best, we urge you to rethink that decision. When you overburden a vehicle with weight it’s not equipped to handle, you might notice a decline in performance.

A weighed-down vehicle won’t brake as effectively, because heavier vehicles take longer to reach a complete stop. You may also struggle to control an overloaded vehicle, because the extra weight shifts your car’s balance and makes steering more difficult. If you realize your typically responsive vehicle is suddenly lagging, try removing some weight and see if overloading is the root of the issue. 

Find a hitch you can trust

Critical to the hauling process, a hitch coupler links your vehicle to the item being towed. Some SUVs are already equipped with towing packages when you buy them, meaning they come factory-ready to tow. These packages may include components like trailer hitch receivers,  specialized wiring, transmission coolers, and higher-capacity alternators.

The towing package is typically bolted to the SUV's frame, providing a secure attachment point. Manufacturers put a ton of thought into their towing packages, and they’re specifically designed for your vehicle, so you never have to worry whether the hitch is a good fit.

Most SUVs require a conventional hitch setup, also called a bumper pull.  When you start the hunt for a good hitch, you’ll find these tools are categorized by classes 1-5. You’ll likely want to find a class 3 or class 4 hitch for your SUV, which can tow 8,000 and 10,000 pounds, respectively. Smaller SUVs can’t handle as much weight, so you may need a class 2 hitch instead.

Another key detail is that body-on-frame SUVs often require a weight-distribution hitch to safely reach their maximum rated towing capacity. A weight distribution hitch makes towing more stable by distributing the load weight across all axles.

However, some unibody SUVs warn against using a weight-distribution hitch, as it can put too much stress on the frame and cause damage. Always check your owner’s manual before choosing a hitch.

Know about tongue weight

So, you’ve figured out your SUV’s GVWR and landed on a reliable hitch. Next, it’s time to figure out the basics of tongue weight. Tongue weight refers to the weight resting on your vehicle’s hitch. Let’s say you’re heading to the lake and towing a boat along for the ride. The sweet spot for tongue weight is usually 10-15% of the boat’s total weight (including cargo).

You want just the right amount of pressure on your hitch, not too much or too little. Your SUV may fishtail or sway if your tongue weight is under the standard 10-15% level. This loss of control can feel scary and become dangerous, so ensuring your tongue weight is in the correct zone is crucial.

Tongue weight that’s too high can cause problems, too. If you overload your hitch, your brakes may become overwhelmed and less responsive. Too much weight also puts strain on your tires, leading to blow-outs.

Know how to load

When loading up your trailer with jet skis, dirt bikes, and camping gear, prioritize safety as much as fun.

Start with the 60/40 rule. This means that 60% of the trailer’s cargo weight should be positioned in front of the axle, with the remaining 40% positioned behind it. The 60/40 rule will help reduce sway, keeping your vehicle in control as you head to the lake, woods, or park.

When packing, distribute the weight evenly on both sides of the trailer. This packing method will give you better control, make your brakes more effective, and save your tires from unnecessary wear and tear. As you pack your cargo, aim to keep the center of gravity low by putting bulkier items lower in the trailer to prevent top heaviness.

Secure your kayaks, ATVs, and other items with cargo bars, locks, chains, or ratchet straps to prevent equipment from rolling around and causing damage (or disrupting your distribution). 

Brake controllers enhance safety

If you plan to tow a motorized vehicle with your SUV, there’s another helpful tool you should consider: a brake controller to manage the power when you hit your brakes.

Without a brake controller, the brakes inside your SUV and the vehicle it's towing probably won’t align perfectly. A brake controller helps both move in tandem, leading to more controlled stops and less strain on the tires and brakes of the vehicle being towed.

The choice of whether or not to get a brake controller isn’t always up to you. In many regions throughout the U.S, these are mandatory. 

Types of brake controllers

Proportional brake controllers: Use internal accelerometers to process how hard you’re braking your SUV and ensure the same force is used inside the towed vehicle.

Time-delay brake controllers: Once you hit the brakes on your SUV, a time-delay brake controller employs the other vehicle’s brakes a pre-set amount of time later.

Pulse brake controllers: A pulse brake controller applies the towed vehicle’s brakes in multiple pulses instead of one sudden motion.

Towing mirrors improve visibility

If you plan on towing a boat or trailer with your SUV, the vehicle’s regular mirrors probably aren’t cut out for the job. These mirrors suffice for everyday driving, but you’ll need wider visibility to monitor the vehicle being towed. To address this issue, consider adding towing mirrors to the mix.

Towing mirrors extend further, giving you better visibility into how your boat or trailer handles the ride. Some towing mirrors clip onto your stock ones, some stick to them with a suction device, and others fully replace your SUV’s mirrors. Towing mirrors can provide the clear vision you need to tow safely.

Tow with Transwest

Transwest lots are the best place to find your next vehicle if you're interested in towing.

We have a wide selection of cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans to choose from, so stop by a location or browse our online inventory today to begin your towing journey.

Looking for a new trailer? Don’t worry, we sell those, too.