How Much RV Can You Actually Tow?

Start with your vehicle, not the RV

Before you shop, find three numbers in your owner's manual or door jamb sticker:

• Tow rating — the max trailer weight your vehicle can pull
• Payload — how much weight you can put *inside* the vehicle (people, gear, hitch)
• GVWR / GCWR — combined weight limits

The 80% rule

Don't tow at 100% of your rating. Aim for about 80% to stay comfortable on hills, in wind, and when fully loaded with water and gear.

Tongue weight matters more than people think

A trailer's tongue weight (usually 10–15% of trailer weight) eats into your vehicle's payload. A 6,000 lb trailer can put 600–900 lbs on your hitch — plus passengers, dogs, and a full tank of water.

Not sure? Just ask

Tell me what you drive and I'll point you toward 417 RV options that actually make sense — no surprises at the dealership.