Towing capacity is the legal and safe limit a vehicle can tow. If you try towing too much weight, you could experience severe swaying from the trailer you’re towing.
Payload capacity is the amount of weight you can safely add to a vehicle. This will include the weight of all passengers and cargo and any accessories you might have installed on your vehicle. This is important to consider when towing, as some of the trailer’s weight will sit on the tow vehicle.
Sadly, vehicle manufacturers don’t make it easy for vehicle owners to find their towing capacities. The best bet is to learn your vehicle’s towing capacities when buying it and make a note of them.
GVWR stands for “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.” This is the maximum weight a camper or other trailer can weigh. The trailer or RV manufacturer sets this number. It includes all cargo, fluids, and camping gear you pack inside your camper for your trip.