Quickly check if your vehicle can safely tow your load with our easy-to-use Towing Estimate Calculator.
Towing Calculator
Vehicle Weight Ratings
Tow Vehicle Weights
Trailer Weights
Table of Contents
What is a Towing Estimate Calculator?
A towing calculator is a handy tool used by vehicle owners who tow trailers, campers, or other loads. It helps in determining whether your vehicle can safely tow a specific trailer or load. By inputting various weights and measures, you can find out if you’re within safe towing limits.
Features of the Towing Estimate Calculator
Our towing estimate calculator has three main sections:
- Vehicle Weight Ratings: This section calculates the weights related to the towing vehicle.
- Tow Vehicle Weight Ratings: In this part, you’ll input details about the tow vehicle itself, like its dry weight and the weight of cargo.
- Trailer Weights: Here, you enter information about the trailer, such as its dry weight, the weight of any added options, and the total weight of items inside.
The calculator then processes these inputs to give you several outputs, including the actual weight of the tow vehicle and trailer, their respective percentages of the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and the net differences.
How to Use the Towing Estimate Calculator?
Using the towing estimate calculator is straightforward:
- Enter the Vehicle and Trailer Details:
- In the first section, fill in the gross vehicle weight ratings for your tow vehicle and trailer.
- Next, provide details about your tow vehicle’s weight, including additional factors like the weight of gasoline, passengers, and cargo.
- Finally, input the trailer’s weight details, including any extra options and contents.
- Click ‘Calculate’:
- After entering all the data, click the “Calculate” button. The calculator will process the inputs and give you a detailed breakdown of the weights and how they compare to the vehicle’s and trailer’s weight limits.
- Review the Results:
- The results will display the actual weights of your tow vehicle and trailer, the percentage of their respective GVWRs used, and the remaining weight capacity. This information is crucial to ensure safe and legal towing.
Why Use the Towing Estimate Calculator?
Safety is paramount when towing. Overloading your vehicle or trailer can lead to dangerous situations, like loss of control or brake failure. The towing estimate calculator helps you stay within safe limits, ensuring a smoother and safer towing experience.
What is the towing capacity in the UK?
Certain towing limits apply based on your vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM). For vehicles with a MAM of up to 3,500kg, the maximum trailer length is 7 metres. However, if your vehicle’s MAM exceeds 3,500kg, the limits increase: trailers can be up to 12 metres long, and the combined length of the vehicle and trailer can reach 18 metres. For more details, see the official restrictions.
What does 3500kg towing capacity mean?
Towing capacity of 3500kg means that your vehicle can safely tow loads, like trailers or caravans, weighing up to 3500 kilograms in total.
How strict is towing capacity?
Towing capacity is a crucial guideline that should be followed strictly. Exceeding this limit can lead to dangerous driving conditions, increased strain on your vehicle, and potential legal issues.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a camping trip or need to tow a load for work, our towing calculator is an invaluable tool. It’s simple, user-friendly, and ensures you tow safely within legal limits. Give it a try before your next towing adventure!