Category: Towing

The Towing Capacity of Every 2025 Pick-Up Truck
Modern pick-up trucks are more powerful, versatile, and fuel-efficient than ever, allowing owners to safely and confidently tow an RV to their local campground or all the way across the country. And with so many great options to choose from, you rarely have to make compromises on style, comfort, or features, either. But just how much can these trucks tow? We did a survey of the current specs for the most popular models and have compiled our findings below. Keep these numbers in mind as you consider your next tow vehicle and the rig you’ll be pulling behind it.
Note: Depending on the manufacturer, there can be literally dozens of variants to a specific truck model. The list we’ve put together focuses on the most popular and readily available versions of those pickups. When purchasing a new truck, be sure to ask the dealer about its exact towing capacity, as the features and specs can vary.
Here are the current towing capacities for every major truck model for 2025.
Chevrolet
Chevy’s line of pick-up trucks include its flagship Silverado models and the midsize Colorado. Here’s what to expect from each of those options;
Photo Credit: Chevrolet
Chevy Silverado 1500
The Silverado 1500 is Chevy’s most popular pick-up and offers towing capacities that range between 8,700 lbs. to 13,300 lbs. depending on the model. Available engines include a 2.7L turbo, a 5.3L V8, a 6.2L V8 (with ZR2 variant), and the Duramax 3.0L I-6 (with ZR2 variant). Variables that impact overall towing capacity include whether or not the vehicle is a Regular Cab, Crew Cab, or Double Cab, as well as the length of the bed (short, standard, and long). Capacities also vary based on 2WD vs. 4WD.
For further information, check out the Silverado 1500 trailering guide here.
Photo Credit: Chevrolet
Chevy Silverado HD (2500/3500)
As with the standard Chevy Silverado, the Silverado HD’s (includes Silverado 2500 and 3500) towing capacity gets quite complicated based on Whether it is a Regular, Crew, or Double Cab. The truck is available with a 6.6L V8 gas or a Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel V8, both of which have variants tuned for the ZR2 trim. The truck is also available in 2WD and 4WD versions, with standard and long bed frames for both drive trains. Buyers can choose between 17″, 18″, 19″, and 22″ wheels, which also have an impact on towing capacity.
For conventional bumper towing, the Silverado 2500 offers capacities between 14,500 lbs. and 20,000 lbs., while the Silverado 3500 offers 14,500 lbs. – 20,000 lbs. depending on the configuration. For fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing, those numbers range from 15,570 lbs. to 22,420 lbs. for the Silverado 2500 and 17,600 lbs. to 36,000 lbs. for the Silverado 3500.
For further information, check out the Silverado 2500 trailering guide here and the Silverado 3500 guide here.
Photo Credit: Chevrolet
Chevy Colorado
Things are far less complicated for Chevy’s midsize Colorado pick-up. It is available with a 2.7L TurboMax engine, with the option for a ZR2 model with slightly different towing capacity. The standard edition can tow up to 7,700 lbs. in both its 2WD and 4WD versions, while the Colorado ZR2 is available only in 4WD with a maximum trailer size of 6,000 lbs.
The Chevy Colorado trailering guide can be found here.
Ford
The Ford F-Series is the best selling line of trucks in the US, but the company also sells the Maverick and Ranger.
Photo Credit: Ford
Ford F-150
Year in and year out, the F-150 is Ford’s top selling vehicle, and is available in XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Raptor trim levels. Towing capacity for those models ranges from 8,400 lbs. to 13,500 lbs., depending on the engine and truck style, with options including a regular cab and a SuperCrew cab. Engine types include a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, a 3.5L EcoBoost V6, a 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6, a 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output V6, a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, and a 5.2L Supercharged V8. Adding a towing package also improves overall performance.
For more information on the Ford F-150’s towing capacity, click here.
Photo Credit: Ford
Ford F-150 Lightning
The F-150 Lightning is Ford’s entry into the all-electric truck space and is available in XLT, Flash, Lariat, and Platinum trims. Tow ratings vary by model, with the base XLT offering 5,000 lbs. of capacity, increasing to 7,700 lbs. with the addition of the optional tow package. Both the Flash and Lariat editions are rated to tow 7,700 lbs. in their base configurations and as much as 10,000 lbs. when equipped with the tow package. Meanwhile, the F-150 Lighting Platinum ships from the factory with the battery range extender and max towing package, giving it a capacity of 8,500 lbs.
For more on towing with the Ford F-150 lighting, click here.
Photo Credit: Ford
Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350/F-450)
Ford’s Super Duty line of pick-up trucks include the F-250, F-350, and F-450, each of which is available in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trim levels. Engine sizes include a 6.8L gas V8, a 7.3L gas V8, a standard 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, or a 6.7L High Output Power Stroke diesel, giving these vehicles a towing capacity of 18,900 lbs. to 40,000 lbs.
For more information on towing capacities for the Ford Super Duty, click here.
Photo Credit: Ford
Ford Ranger
Ford’s entry into the midsize truck market is the Ranger, which comes in XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor trims. This truck is available with a 2.3L EcoBoost I4 in the 2WD and 4WD models and a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 that is paired only with 4WD. Both versions offer a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. The Ranger Raptor comes with an exclusive 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which gives it higher performance in terms of speed and acceleration, but limits towing capacity to 5,510 lbs.
For more information on the Ford Ranger’s towing capabilities, click here.
Photo Credit: Ford
Ford Maverick
This small truck has been a major sales success for Ford, proving there is a market for smaller, more affordable trucks in the US. But this model does offer limited towing capacity with its 2.5L I4 hybrid and 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engines. Both have identical 2,000 lbs. tow ratings in their standard versions, doubled to 4,000 lbs. with the optional tow package.
GMC
An upscale sister brand to the Chevy truck, GMC offers similar features and performance while carving a personality all its own.
Photo Credit: GMC
Sierra 1500
The Sierra 1500 is a cousin to the Chevy Silverado, offering similar performance as a result. There are multiple trim levels to choose from including the SLE, SLT, Pro, Elevation, Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, and AT4X. Buyers can elect for regular, double, and Crew Cab options, with 2WD or 4WD, and either a regular or long bed. GMC offers four engines, including the 310HP TurboMax, a 5.3L V8, a 6.2L V8, and a 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel. Max towing capacity ranges from 9,500 lbs. to 13,200 lbs.
Photo Credit: GMC
Sierra Heavy Duty
The Sierra Heavy Duty line-up includes the 2500 and 3500, which offer substantial power upgrades over the 1500 model. Like their little brother, the HD trucks are available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and have a regular, double, or Crew cab option. These trucks have fewer engine choices, however, with buyers selecting between a 6.6L V8 gas engine for a 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 on Pro, SLE, SLT AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate trims. Conventional tow ratings for the 2500 go from 14,500 lbs. to 20,000, while fifth-wheel towing ranges from 18,600 lbs. to 22,430 lbs. As you would expect, the 3500 increases those numbers appreciatively with a conventional tow capacity of 14,500 lbs. to 20,000 lbs., and a fifth-wheel rating of 17,500 lbs. to 36,000 lbs. depending on the configuration.
Photo Credit: GMC
Canyon
Sporting and capable, the Canyon is a great midsize truck with performance on par with the competition. The vehicle is available in three trim levels—Elevation, AT4, and Denali—with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains. It comes with a TurboMax engine, giving a tow rating of 7,700 lbs. This puts it somewhat on par with the Chevy Colorado, albeit with a more luxurious interior and comfortable ride.
Photo Credit: GMC
Sierra EV Denali
Relatively new to the market as of press time, the Sierra EV Denali is GMC’s all-electric pick-up truck, It ships with an electric drivetrain that produces 760HP and 785 lb.-ft. of torque, giving it a towing capacity of 10,500 lbs.
Photo Credit: GMC
Hummer EV
GMC’s first electric truck came in the form of the Hummer EV, which lives up to its heritage in terms of power and stature. This beast of a vehicle goes from 0-60 MPH in three seconds flat. Its electric drive also produces a staggering 1,000 HP and can tow up to 12,000 lbs. in the three-motor variant.
Nissan
While not as popular as their American counterparts, Nissan trucks have built a loyal following based on their dependability and functionality. The Japanese automaker also offers a streamlined, easy to understand line-up for helping buyers choose the vehicle that best meets their needs.
Photo Credit: Nissan
Frontier
The Nissan Frontier hhas been a mainstay in the brand’s line-up for years, and in 2025 it gets a mid-cycle refresh to give it a slightly different look and improved capabilities, including a higher max tow rating. Sold in S, SV, SL, and Pro-X trims, the Frontier comes with a standard or long bed, and in Crew or King Cab configurations, along with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains. All versions are powered by a 3.8L DOHC 24-valve 6-cylinder engine that gives it a towing capacity of 6,760 lbs. to 7,150 lbs., putting it on par with its American-made competition.
Photo Credit: Nissan
Titan/Titan XD
If you’re a fan of the Nissan brand and need a larger truck to tow your rig, the Titan and Titan XD may be what you’re looking for. This full-size truck is available in King and Crew Cab models, with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains available. Both use a 5.6L DOHC 32-valve 8-cylinder engine, although the XD variant is designed for heavier payloads and towing. Both offer tow packages that include special tow modes, an integrated brake controller, and sway control. The standard Titan has a towing capacity of 9,050 lbs to 9290 lbs, while the larger XD gives the truck a tow rating of up to 11,040 lbs.
Ram
In recent years, the Ram 1500 has become legitimate competition for the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, building a loyal following thanks to its impressive capabilities, features, and reliability. Additionally, the brand offers heavy-duty trucks in the form of the 2500 and 3500 models, and has electric pickups on the horizon.
Photo Credit: Ram
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is the mainstay in the company’s line-up, and is available in Crew Cab and Quad Cab editions with short (5′ 7″) and long (6′ 4″) beds and 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Additionally, there are three engines to choose from, including the 3.6L DOHC Pentastar V6, the 3.0L IG Twin Turbo Hurricane, and the 3.0L IG Twin Turbo Hurricane High-Output. Towing capacity ranges from 6,370 lbs. to 11,550 lbs. based on the configuration. Those numbers include the RAM 1500 RHO, which is a specially-tuned off-road version of the vehicle.
For full details on the Ram 1500’s towing capacities, click here.
Photo Credit: Ram
Ram 2500/3500
Powered by either a 6.4L Hemi V8 or a 6.7L Cummins IG High-Output Turbo Diesel, the Ram 2500 offers 10,530 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Need even more towing power? Step up to the Ram 3500, which pushes those numbers even higher, giving drivers a tow rating of 14,560 lbs. to 37,090 lbs. Both trucks ships in Regular, Crew, and Mega Cab editions, with 6′ 4″ and 8′ bed lengths. An optional tow package includes advanced features like reverse steering control, an auto-leveling air suspension, integrated trailer TPMS, and other built-in towing hardware.
Read more about the Ram 2500 and 3500 towing capacities here.
Rivian
When Rivian revealed its R1T truck back in 2018, it launched the entire electric pick-up market. Today, it is still the most compelling option for those looking for an EV, with some compelling features and distinctive looks.
Photo Credit: Rivian
R1T
The R1T is a feature-packed EV that doesn’t have a lot of different variants. The truck’s electric drivetrain gives it plenty of power and torque, allowing it to go from 0-60 MPH in 2.5 seconds, with a range of up to 420 miles with the extended battery pack. It also comes standard with an adaptive air suspension and a tow rating of 11,000 lbs.
Tesla
Tesla was a little late to the electric truck game, but its entry into the space brings some impressive capabilities, even if its looks (and founder) are a bit polarizing. The vehicle is so influential though, that slide-in campers and towables are built to accommodate it.
Photo Credit: Tesla
Cybertruck
This electric truck offers similar performance to the competition, offering a 325-mile range on the standard AWD model and as much as 440 miles on the limited edition Cyberbeast model. Both have impressive acceleration, too, going from 0-60 MPH in 4.1 and 2.6 seconds, respectively. The truck also has a towing capacity of up to 11,000 lbs.
Toyota
Known for their reliability and resale value, Toyota trucks are a popular alternative to American-made models. But how do they perform when towing? Here’s what you need to know.
Photo Credit: Toyota
Tacoma
Toyota’s midsize truck is extremely popular with the active outdoor crowd. After a refresh last year, the Tacoma has a new look and better tech, including an optional advanced tow package with backup guidance features and an integrated brake controller. The “Taco” comes in a dizzying array of trim levels, including the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, the Trailhunter, and the TRD Pro. Naturally, there are both 4×2 and 4×4 options.
Engine options include an i-Force 2.4L turbocharged motor that comes standard and an optional upgrade to the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. Standard towing capacity for the Tacoma is 3,500 lbs., but when properly equipped, that number can be expanded to as much as 6,500 lbs. depending on the model and add-on packages.
Photo Credit: Toyota
Tundra
The Tundra is Toyota’s larger, more powerful truck built to take on the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. The pick-up is available in multiple trim levels, including the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition, with double and CrewMax cabs. Buyers have a choice of 2WD and 4WD models, as well as two engines— the i-Force 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 (in 358HP and 389HP variants) and the i-Force Max 3.4L Twin-Turbo Hybrid that produces 437HP. Those powertrains give the vehicle a towing capacity of 8,300 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. Like the Tacoma, the Tundra also has advanced trailering features, like camera backup and straight path assist.
The post The Towing Capacity of Every 2025 Pick-Up Truck appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-11
This DIY Plug-&-Drive Diesel Module Will Add up to 90 HP and 2 to 4 MPG
Looking to get rid of that annoying dead pedal and turbo-lag safely? Want to improve your diesel pickup or RV’s throttle response and fuel efficiency? Think you have to spend thousands of dollars and possibly sacrifice your warranty to do it? No, you don’t!
For over 20 years the experts at Diesel Modules have helped thousands of diesel owners improve mileage and add horsepower with their non-invasive, warranty-friendly performance modules. Design for easy customer installation, their performance modules allow diesel owners to safely gain up to 30% more HP and up to 20% improved mileage with their proprietary “Combustion Efficiency Programming”. Best of all, because the performance modules are post-ECM installation, they honor all factory stock settings and leave no footprint in the engine’s computer.
Photo Credit: Diesel Modules
The video above shares more technical details of how the add-on performance module works and the benefits it brings to diesel truck and RV owners. The average install time of the module is 25 minutes for pickups, C class, and Sprinters and about 60 minutes on diesel pushers. The product is made in the USA and includes a three-year warranty as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied. Watch the video to the end, and you’ll also get an exclusive discount code to take an additional $50 off the sale price of the module.
For more information on Diesel Modules and the company’s game-changing products, visit dieselmodules.com The site makes it easy to find the right performance module for your vehicle.
Photo Credit: Diesel Modules
Here are just a few happy customers:
J. Rossman –May 2024
I installed this unit on my 21 Entegra motorhome. I was a little skeptical at the time but thought “I’ll Give it a try”. My mileage went from a little under 7 mpg on the highway to a shade over 8 mpg driving at 70 MPH. I recommend this to anyone. You will also feel better acceleration from a stop and it helps to maintain the speed on hills. I’m impressed.
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P. Doherty –July 2021
Best money I have ever spent. The module was easy to install and had excellent directions. My motorhome tows great now, especially on hills and EGT is lower. The delivery time was also excellent and I actually got to talk to a real person Thanks.
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G. Jackson–March 2021
I installed the module on my motorhome with a Cummins 8.9L engine and saw good results. I can tell I have more power and torque. I have had my unit for almost 1 year and I am very happy with it. I have also just recently installed the same unit on my uncle’s motorhome which has Cat C7 in it. So far it is performing just as well as my unit is performing.
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W. Shannon –October 2023
The module is as described. It was an easy installation and is working awesome. New life in the engine, especially when towing. Installed on a Damon Ultrasport 2000. awesome support from the company. Thanks!

The post This DIY Plug-&-Drive Diesel Module Will Add up to 90 HP and 2 to 4 MPG appeared first on RV.com.
2025-02-20
Tech Spotlight: Hitches
You’d be forgiven if “hitch” wasn’t the first thing you thought about when choosing a towable. But, as you barrel down the road with your home-on-wheels, your hitch can, literally, make or break you. Most towables come with factory-installed hitches, but many RVers install aftermarket upgrades. To learn more, we reached out to J.D. from Big Truck Big RV, who runs a YouTube channel devoted to all things recreational and vehicular.
Photo Credit: B&W
Fifth-Wheels
“Ultimately, the hitch decision comes down to what you’re trying to accomplish,” says J.D. (The creator doesn’t use his last name for publication.) “Traditionally, fifth-wheel kingpin hitches are the most common. When you want something more convenient or flexible, the gooseball comes into play.”
“Kingpin” hitches (sometimes called companion hitches) are similar to those on 18-wheelers. A heavy frame—the coupling device—bolts into the truck bed, while the trailer features a large steel pin that slides and locks into place. They leave little room for truck-bed storage. One of the best traditional kingpins is B&W’s Companion 5th Wheel Hitch RVK3500. The CURT Helux Pinbox, using a trademarked coil spring design, significantly reduces the force applied to a vehicle’s frame.
Gooseneck hitches use a ball receiver installed directly into the truck bed, and bolt to the frame below. The trailer then uses an adapter to attach to that ball—creating a lower connection point for heavier towing. Gooseneck hitches can add strain to your trailer’s frame, so research first. The Reese Goose Box is one of the only versions approved by Lippert, the largest manufacturer of fifth-wheel chassis in the country.
Photo Credit: Blue Ox
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers attach to tow vehicles via more traditional bumper hitches. Because they can be heavy, specialized connection points are necessary to help drivers prevent sway. Among the most popular options is the SwayPro from Blue Ox, which comes in various models and evenly distributes weight over the axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. Weigh Safe also offers models with built-in scales to measure the tongue weight on the hitch.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
The post Tech Spotlight: Hitches appeared first on RV.com.
2025-02-19
RV Towing 101: Tips, Advice, and Information to Keep You Safe on the Road
In the RV world, almost everyone is towing something. (About 4 out of 5 RVs sold in the nation are towables of one sort or another.) We’ve gathered some essential knowledge, answers to common questions and a few clutch products, so you can roll forth with confidence.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Tow Ratings: What You Need to Know
There’s no doubt about it: Towing thousands of pounds down the highway is a serious responsibility. There are potential dangers to you, your passengers and everyone else on the road. Fortunately, there’s a lot of information available as a built-in safeguard to the practice.
Tow ratings are provided by manufacturers to ensure that their vehicles are used properly and safely. Trying to tow a trailer (or dinghy vehicle we’ll cover dinghy towing in more depth in a later issue) that is too heavy or large for the tow vehicle can lead to expensive breakdowns, even dangerous failures.
Overloaded vehicles often have brake and automatic transmission failures, which can cost thousands of dollars and ruin trips. Plus, warranties may not cover damages caused by exceeding manufacturer limitations. If a vehicle and its load are not balanced and distributed correctly, uncontrollable swaying (fishtailing) and jackknifing can occur—potential liabilities to drivers.
All of which is to say: Knowledge is power here. Before buying a tow vehicle, motorhome or trailer, take the time to thoroughly read the brochures and/or check the specifications online. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Trailer tow ratings are typically higher for fifth-wheel trailers than for bumper-pull trailers. Do not confuse the two.
Tow ratings vary considerably between various option packages, engines, axle ratios and models. Take the time to look up your vehicle’s combination of features exactly.
Basically, what you’re trying to do is find the right, safe combination of tow vehicle and towed RV, fitting these various specs together into a viable package.
Several key acronyms are essential for towing safety:
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable loaded weight of a given vehicle. That’s counting passengers,
  cargo and fuel.
- Gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is the maximum allowable weight for a particular axle to carry.
- Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable weight for the combined vehicle and trailer.
- Maximum tow rating is the most weight a tow vehicle may pull. A 2024 Toyota Tacoma, for example, is rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds though it’s not a good idea to literally max-out towing capacity. Better to aim for something like 80 percent of the factory tow-limit rating.
- Maximum tongue weight is the most weight that can be applied to a particular conventional ball-type trailer hitch. Maximum pin weight is the most weight that may be applied to a fth-wheel hitch.
Photo Credit: Reese
Hitches
For a towable RV, choosing the right trailer hitch is essential. Many conventional hitch-type trailers put enough tongue weight on the tow vehicle that a weight-distribution hitch is needed. (Brands to look for: B&W, Curt, Draw-Tite and Reese.) These help move some of the hitch weight forward to the front axle, helping to balance the load and prevent rear-end sag. Ensure that you match the weight rating of the hitch bars to the tongue weight of the trailer.
Fifth-wheel hitches come in many types and ratings. Always use a hitch rated for more than your trailer weighs. Many pickup trucks today come with short beds, and some sort of sliding hitch is needed to allow the towing vehicle to make sharp turns without the front of the trailer corners hitting the back of the cab. The most convenient models can be adjusted remotely from the cab.
Another important thing to know is that the weakest link determines the strength of the “chain.” For example, if your tow vehicle has a maximum tow rating of 7,000 pounds, but has a hitch rated for only 5,000 pounds, your maximum towing capacity is limited to 5,000 pounds. Conversely, if your tow vehicle has a hitch rated for 10,000 pounds, but the vehicle tow rating is only 7,000 pounds, then you are limited to the lower number, in this case 7,000 pounds. Consult with your RV dealer or hitch installation shop for further information.
Photo Credit: RVi Brake
Brake Controls
Most RV trailers come with electric brakes (hydraulic “surge” brakes are typically found on boat trailers and rental cargo trailers). If you have electric trailer brakes, you will need a brake control. Many newer tow vehicles come with them from the factory. If not, you will need to purchase one. (Names to know: Tekonsha, Hopkins, Redarc, Curt and Reese.) I strongly recommend choosing a “proportional” control, which matches trailer braking application to the tow vehicle’s rate of deceleration, rather than a so-called time-based unit that ramps up trailer brake force over time.
Towing Q&A: Answers to a Few Common Questions
Photo Credit: Ford
Single vs. Double Axle
Q: I’ve towed double-axle travel trailers for many years with load levelers and a three-quarter-ton truck. No issues. I’ve seen a lot of the West. I’m downsizing to a new Chevy Colorado pickup and thinking that a single-axle travel trailer may give me a lot of porpoising bounce. Is that true? How would load levelers work in that case? I’m looking for the best ride in my travels and getting the most trailer for my new weight restriction.
—Lee Smith, Twain Harte, CA
A: Keep in mind that a Colorado pickup is actually similar in size and tow rating to older American full-size pickups, particularly so-called half tons. It’s not a mini-truck. The 2025 Colorado offers a range of towing ratings based on options. If you have lightweight towing needs, the WT and LT trims are rated up to 3,500 pounds. The TurboMax engine provides an impressive tow rating of 7,700 pounds—the highest for any midsize pickup truck. I would say there are more concerns with single-axle trailers swaying or fishtailing under certain driving conditions, compared to multi-axle trailers. I recommend using at least a friction-type sway control to ensure straight-line tracking.
Porpoising is more a function of the types of suspension on the trailer and tow vehicle. For example, rubber torsion axles respond to bumps differently than leaf-sprung axles Spring rates and travel, tire types and capacity vs. load weight all affect ride quality. Longer leaf springs provide more wheel travel over bumps, and therefore can provide a more stable ride. Overly stiff tires or over-inflation also can cause a bouncy ride. Another big factor is that some trailers don’t come with shock absorbers (however, aftermarket retrofit kits are readily available to remedy this).
You mention “load levelers.” There are many types, including air-bag type springs, added leaf type “helper” springs, etc. These can be used to level the ride height. But for ride quality and safe towing, make sure the trailer weight is balanced and not too heavy or light on the hitch weight. It should be around 10-12 percent of total trailer weight. Use a truck scale to measure axle and hitch weights. If your truck sags in back due to hitch weight, consider using a weight-distribution type hitch with spring bars matched to the tongue weight. This moves hitch weight forward so it is shared with the front axle, which helps stabilize the vehicle and improve ride. Load levelers don’t shift weight forward.
Photo Credit: Jeff Johnston
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Q: I owned a 2020 travel trailer with a factory-installed tire-pressure monitoring system. I would pressurize my 14-inch tires to 62 PSI. On one summer trip, with temps in the 90s, a one-year-old tire suffered a blowout. Before the mishap, the TPMS indicated 68 PSI—and 142 degrees (The other tires showed similar pressure, but were at least 10 degrees cooler.) After that, I kept the cold pressure to 60 PSI.
In 2024, I traded that RV for a newer trailer, with a newer version of the TPMS installed. I keep cold pressure for my 15-inch Goodyears at 60 PSI. But as with my previous trailer, one tire runs 10 degrees hotter than the others, with higher tire pressure on hot days. This makes me nervous. The TPMS sensors are clamped to the inner wheel rim. Is it possible that the trailer brake adjustment for the hotter wheel is too tight?
—Duane Humlicek, Burlington, KS
A: Unfortunately, tire failures are all too common on RV trailers. Often, but certainly not always, the cause is low-quality imported tires that fail, seemingly, for no reason. There are other causes—overloading, under-inflation, curb or pothole impacts, misalignment, road debris and—of course—nails and other sharp hazards. Many times, blowouts are caused by continuing to drive when punctures have reduced inflation pressure, but the cause goes undetected. I recommend all RVers use tire pressure monitoring systems.
Now, to your specific question: I would say the most common cause of one tire running hotter than others would be uneven weight distribution in the trailer. Often this is caused by a heavy slideout room mechanism, or the uneven placement of holding tanks, appliances, etc. A good way to determine this is by taking the rig to a truck scale, which gives individual wheel weights. If you find that one part of the trailer is heavier, try to move things around to reduce the difference.
A dragging brake could certainly raise temperatures. A quick check: Jack up each trailer wheel one at a time and turn each one by hand. Listen and feel for a dragging brake. Another good check: Use an inexpensive non-contact infrared handheld temperature gauge (e.g., the Ames Instruments 12:1 Infrared Laser Thermometer). Hop out right after towing, and go around quickly to each wheel and tire, measuring them separately. If the center hub on one is significantly hotter than the others, there’s your culprit. If the hubs are a similar temperature, but the tire treads of one are significantly hotter, it’s more likely to be extra weight on that tire.
Another possible cause: a misaligned axle. This usually happens from bumping curbs on right turns or from big potholes. Some alignment shops will check trailers.
Ask Us Anything!
Share your tech tales and send us your questions: knowhow@wildsam.com.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
The post RV Towing 101: Tips, Advice, and Information to Keep You Safe on the Road appeared first on RV.com.
2025-02-18