Towing Terms to Know in Roanoke, VA

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Towing-Power at Berglund Chevrolet Buick Roanoke

At Berglund Chevrolet Buick Roanoke, we offer trucks that walk the walk when it comes to serious towing and hauling. But we also want our customers to be able to talk the talk when it’s time to discuss what they really need when it comes to power and durability. So, let’s get you up to speed on towing terms you should know and what they mean.

Basic Towing Terms to Know

  • Curb Weight: The weight of your vehicle, including standard equipment and fuel, but excluding passengers or cargo.
  • Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The towing vehicle and total loaded weight of any trailer or towed object. This includes all passengers, cargo, trailer, and trailer load combined.
  • Tow Bar: The tow bar connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle and is best for flat towing where all four wheels remain on the ground.
  • Tongue Weight: The downward pressure that a trailer exerts on the towing vehicle's hitch. It shouldn’t exceed 15% of the total trailer weight.
  • Payload Capacity: The maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and equipment. Doesn’t include towed stuff like trailers, boats, campers, etc.
  • Max Towing Capacity: This is simple: How much the vehicle can safely tow, determined by the manufacturer.

Hitch Types Available

The hitch is the link between your vehicle and the trailer or object you plan to tow. Various hitch types are available, each serving different purposes. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Gooseneck Hitch: Mounts in the truck bed for heavy-duty towing and allows a tighter turn radius. Usually used for towing livestock and for commercial trailers.
  • Fifth-Wheel Hitch: Similar to a Gooseneck Hitch but used for heavier RVs and trailers and large RVs.
  • Bolt-On Trailer Hitch: Attached to the vehicle frame, used for light to medium towing.
  • Fixed Tongue Hitch: A sturdy, one-piece hitch. Used for towing small to medium-sized trailers.

When you’re ready to find the right Chevy truck with the perfect combination of towing and hauling power, come see us at Berglund Chevrolet Buick Roanoke. We’ll make sure you get exactly what you need.