Towing Capacity: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Vehicle’s Pulling Power

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Zores

Towing is a service of utility and an adventure facilitator, bridging the gap between necessities and leisure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, an RVer, or simply someone who occasionally needs to haul a load, understanding the interplay between vehicles and towing capacity is paramount. Towing is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor – it encompasses a world of vehicle types, each with its own towing nuances.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key considerations for choosing a vehicle suitable for towing, explain towing capacities, dissect the fine art of towing accessories, and arm you with the knowledge to ensure you’re always towing safely and efficiently.

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Why Towing Capacity is Crucial

Before we explore the vehicles themselves, it’s important to underscore why understanding towing compatibility is not just an added feature but a critical aspect of vehicle ownership. In the world of towing, what you’re pulling – be it a lightweight trailer, a massive fifth-wheel RV, or your neighbor’s broken-down car – directly impacts the vehicle’s performance, safety, and even legal standing.

A vehicle not designed for towing can be prone to mechanical stress, less responsive on the road, and potentially risky. Conversely, a well-matched towing machine means peace of mind on the highway and the freedom to take your lifestyle with you wherever you go.

Trucks for Towing

When it comes to raw towing power, trucks are at the forefront. From mid-sized pickups to heavy-duty monsters, trucks offer the payload capacity and torque required for serious towing duties. Four-wheel drives, diesel engines, and integrated towing packages make many trucks formidable towers.

Light-Duty Pickups

For smaller jobs like moving a couple of ATVs or towing a small boat, a light-duty pickup with a V6 engine and a mid-range towing package can do the trick. These trucks often boast towing capacities in the 5,000-7,000 pound range, making them the go-to for many casual tower needs.

Heavy-Duty and Super Duty Trucks

When the weight starts climbing or you need to tow over long distances, it’s time to turn to the heavy hitters. Super Duty and heavy-duty trucks can haul weights that are often limited not by the truck, but by the mandatory use of commercial-grade licenses and road regulations.

Towing Capacity Ratings for SUVs and Vans

SUVs and vans occupy the middle ground between the sheer force of a truck and the nimbleness of a commuter car. With the rise in popularity of SUVs and crossovers, many manufacturers have tailored their designs to offer respectable towing capabilities, meeting the needs of smaller travel trailers and horse trailers alike.

Full-Size and Crossover SUVs

Full-size SUVs and the sportier crossovers have become a favorite for families and adventurists due to their spacious interiors and the ability to hitch a load with relative ease. Towing packages on these vehicles often include enhancements to the cooling and electrical systems, ensuring the vehicle stays in peak performance even under load.

Passenger and Cargo Vans

Vans have towing in their DNA, with models such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit being adopted by professional tow services and DIY movers alike. These vehicles offer the power of a truck with greater storage capacity and a lower load floor, catering to a broader range of towing needs.

The Science Behind Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is more than just a number – it’s a reflection of a vehicle’s engineering and intended use. Several factors contribute to a vehicle’s towing capacity and understanding them can guide you when selecting the right vehicle for your specific towing needs.

Weight Ratings

Gross vehicle weight, gross combined weight, tongue weight – these terms may sound technical, but they are crucial in maintaining safe towing practices. Familiarize yourself with the terminology and ensure you never exceed the manufacturer’s stated limits for each.

Engine Power and Torque

A vehicle’s engine is the beating heart of towing, and a more powerful engine usually translates to higher towing capabilities. Look for vehicles with tow-specific engines or torquey powertrains that can handle the extra weight without breaking a sweat.

Transmission and Axle Ratios

Vehicles designed for towing often come equipped with gear ratios optimized for pulling, rather than speed. This can significantly impact the vehicle’s towing capacity and efficiency, providing the necessary torque multiplication to move heavy loads with ease.

Braking Systems

Towing doesn’t just test the engine – it’s a challenge for the entire vehicle, including the brakes. Many vehicles with towing capabilities come with specialized brake systems, and in the case of larger loads, supplementary brakes for the trailer itself may be necessary.

Accessories That Can Boost Towing Capabilities

Sometimes, the vehicle’s innate towing capabilities aren’t quite enough, or the addition of a specific accessory can make the towing experience exponentially better. Here, we’ll look at the main enhancements that can be made to boost your vehicle’s capacity and, just as importantly, your peace of mind.

Towing Hitches and Couplers

Hitches are the literal backbone of the towing operation and are designed to attach the trailer to your vehicle securely. Ensure you select the right class hitch for your vehicle, which is determined by the weight it can safely support.

Towing Mirrors

A clear line of sight is essential when towing, especially in heavy traffic or when reversing. Towing mirrors can extend your view, showcasing the full width of your trailer and alerting you to any potential dangers or obstructions.

Brake Controllers

For trailers with brakes, a brake controller is essential. It syncs the trailer’s braking system with the vehicle’s, distributing the stopping power effectively and reducing wear on the towing vehicle’s brakes.

Suspension Upgrades

Towing adds significant weight to the rear of the vehicle, which can cause sagging and affect handling. Suspension upgrades can level the vehicle and improve stability, especially when cruising at highway speeds.

Engine and Transmission Modifications

For those who need to tow at the extreme ends of the spectrum, engine tune-ups and potential transmission modifications can provide the extra power and control necessary. However, these are specialized modifications best handled by professionals in the field.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Towing Needs

Selecting a vehicle for towing is a balancing act of power, utility, and personal preferences. Before making a purchase, consider these questions:

What specifically are you planning to tow?
How often will you be towing?
Will you need to venture off-road or through challenging terrains?
Do you prioritize fuel economy over towing capacity?

By answering these, you can focus on vehicles that match your towing lifestyle and find a compatible partner for your towing adventures.

In Closing

Towing can transform the way we travel, work, and play, offering us the freedom to bring our world along for the ride. Selecting the right vehicle for towing is an investment in that freedom, ensuring you can tow not just safely, but with the confidence to tackle whatever lay on the road ahead. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional hauler, the bond between vehicle and towed is one to be respected and understood, with the right vehicle being the linchpin of that trust.

This guide is only the beginning of your towing machine knowledge. We encourage you to continue your exploration, speaking with experts, and, if possible, getting hands-on experience with different vehicle types and towing scenarios. Knowledge in this realm not only enhances your daily choices in transportation but also opens the door to a host of travel and hauling experiences that can enrich your life in more ways than one.

For those seeking immediate professional towing service, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and tow truck service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We provide towing, recovery, equipment transport, car lockout service, flat tire service, jump starts, refueling, and more!

10 Essential Items You Need to Tow a Trailer Safely

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Zores

Are you planning to tow a trailer? Whether it’s for recreational use or to haul goods, there are certain items that you need in order to safely and securely tow your trailer. From the right hitch equipment to the proper lighting, here are 10 essential items you need in order to tow a trailer safely.

By investing in these ten essential items, you can ensure safe and secure travel when hauling your cargo. Read on for more information about what they are and why they’re important!

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What You Need to Tow a Trailer Safely

1. The Right Hitch: The right hitch is essential for safe trailer towing. Choose a ball mount that’s compatible with your vehicle’s frame and can support the weight of the trailer and whatever you’ll be hauling. You might also need a trailer hitch adapter.

2. Safety Chains: Safety chains are an important item when it comes to towing safety. They provide a backup connection between your vehicle and the trailer. This helps in case something like a lost pin or broken coupler occurs while on the road.

3. Brake Controller: If you’re planning to tow a heavier load above 3,000 pounds, you’ll need an electronic brake controller installed in the vehicle. Trailer brake controllers will activate and control your brakes when slowing down or stopping. This is essential for maintaining safe control of your trailer.

4. Trailer Lights: Make sure you have the proper lights attached to your trailer before setting out on any journey. The law requires that you have brake lights, turn signals, and running lights when towing a trailer. So, make sure everything is connected properly prior to departure.

5. Hitch Lock: A hitch lock will not only deter potential thieves from stealing your gear, but it will also keep your trailer securely connected to your vehicle during transport.

5 More Items for Trailer Towing

6. Towing Mirrors: When hauling a trailer, the view in the rear view mirror may be blocked due to its size and length. Installing larger tow mirrors can help increase visibility while driving. This makes towing a safe and enjoyable experience.

7. Extra Fluid: Be sure to top up all the essential fluids in your vehicle prior to setting out on any long journeys. They may be needed when towing a heavier load. This includes checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid levels.

8. Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS): A tire pressure monitoring system is an important item for keeping track of your trailer’s tire pressure while you drive. It also helps detect potential problems with the tires before they occur. Problems include low or overinflated tires which can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

9. Jack Stands: When loading or unloading cargo from the trailer, jack stands will help to ensure that your trailer is securely supported and not at risk of tipping over.

10. Fire Extinguisher: Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the vehicle in case anything goes wrong during transport. This could include an electrical fault or fuel spill whilst on the road. Having an extinguisher nearby can be invaluable if a fire were to break out.

In Summary

By investing in these 10 essential items, you’ll be ensuring safe and secure travel when hauling your cargo. Remember to check each item carefully before you hit the road, as well as periodically checking for wear and tear throughout the life of your equipment.

How To Prepare Your Trailer and Hitch Before Hitting the Road

One of the most crucial aspects of safe towing is ensuring that your hitch is properly secured–otherwise, it could lead to disaster on the highway. Additionally, take the time to inspect your trailer for any signs of damage or wear and tear, as well as ensure that your weight distribution and sway control systems are in good working order. By taking these steps, you can enjoy peace of mind and a smoother ride on your next trailer excursion–whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip.

Looking for a professional towing service near you? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for a wide range of towing services in Indianapolis and surrounding counties. We offer everything from light-duty and long distance towing to heavy equipment transportation, wrecker service, and more. We transport all throughout Indiana and across state lines.

Can My Car Tow a Full Size Trailer?

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Zores

Trailer towing safety is a serious issue that all drivers should be aware of. When towing a trailer, it is important to remember that your vehicle is now longer and wider than normal. You need to take these factors into account when driving. Make sure you are aware of the maximum weight your vehicle can tow. And as always, use caution when turning or changing lanes. But before you even think about operating a vehicle with a trailer in tow, first ensure your car can handle the load.

Continue reading to learn how to determine your vehicle’s tow capacity, plus a backup plan if you cannot get the job done safely.

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Calculating Towing Capacity

When asking yourself, “Can my car tow a full size trailer?”, there are several factors you should take into consideration. While some small to mid-sized cars are capable of towing heavier loads than others, the size and weight of the trailer are key components in this equation.

Before getting started, you’ll want to check your vehicle’s manufacturer-specified towing capacity. Compare this rating to the size and weight of the trailer you are towing. This information is typically located in your car manual or online. Make sure to account for any additional factors that might affect its payload. This includes the number of passengers, cargo, engine size or type, and fuel economy.

Safety Tips For Towing a Trailer

Once you’ve determined your car is capable of towing the trailer, there are several additional steps you should take to ensure a safe towing experience. You should always check that all lights, brakes, and hookups are functioning properly. Additionally, you can create a checklist before setting out to help you stay organized and prepared. Some important items you should check off the list include double-checking tire pressure, ensuring all cargo is properly secured and balanced, and making sure you have enough fuel for the journey.

If your car isn’t capable of towing a trailer with the payload you need, or if you’re new to trailer towing, it’s a good idea to consider renting a larger vehicle. Your cargo and passengers are safer during the trip with this option. It can also avoiding additional wear and tear on your own car. Or just hire a professional Indianapolis transport company to tow your trailer for you!

If you take these precautions before setting out on any towing journey, you’ll be better prepared for a successful trip. With the right vehicle and a bit of planning, you can safely tow your trailer and enjoy the ride.

Trailer Towing Tips You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Zores

No matter how much experience you have, it is important to do a basic trailer towing review before you hit the road on any long or short distance trip. Whether you are traversing the country or just to the other side of town, safety is the most important element of towing a trailer.

Continue reading to learn some of the most important trailer towing tips you need to know, including a recommended pre-trip checklist, road safety, and jackknife prevention.

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Top Considerations for Pulling a Trailer

Pulling a trailer is no simple feat. From safety and clearance precautions to regulation towing equipment like hitches and signals, towing laws, licensing, and more, there is much you need to know and stay on top of when it comes to trailer towing. Not only do towing vehicles require more stopping time when pulling a trailer, but they must also adhere to all local and state towing regulations and traffic laws.

For instance, some states require anyone towing a trailer to drive slower and remain in the right lane at all times, while other states have more specific or unique regulations for trailer towing. It is important to check with your county clerk’s office to ensure that you are in accordance with all local and state trailer towing guidelines.

It is important that you are properly equipped to safely to a trailer, which includes being properly licensed to tow, plus having all of your necessary safety chains, lights and signals, hitches, receivers, and all other towing components in order. It is important to check these components before leaving on every trip. This brings us to our recommended pre-trip checklist for trailer towing.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Before hitting the road with trailer in tow, check all of these components. First:

Hitch – if you have a standard ball hitch, your trailer tongue should be properly attached. According to manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the locking mechanism is secured with the lock pin in proper position. Check that your hitch is secure by trying to pull it up. If you can pull it off, then it is not attached properly.

Trailer Connection Chains – check that the connection chains between your trailer in the towing vehicle are crisscrossed and in the right position, which would be directly in between the vehicle of trailer.

Brake Lights and Signals – Your next priority is to check that the trailer brake lights and turn signals are in sync with your towing vehicle. You will likely need a partner to help you with this step, but you can also use the reflection of another window or vehicle windshield.

Towing a Trailer on the Road

Once you do hit the road with your trailer in tow, there are still some more rules and considerations you need to keep in mind. It is strongly encouraged to drive directly to a large open area or a parking lot to practice your maneuvering skills. Practice backing up and parking, as well as stopping and turning. Allow yourself to get a better feel or reminder of just how big your caravan is. This little bit of practice can really help you be more confident on the road, which in turn can make you a safer driver.

Jackknifing prevention

One of the most common trailer towing errors is jackknifing, which usually results from backing up incorrectly. This can cause the trailer and towing vehicle to turn into an L or V shape, which can be damaging to both the hitch and the trailer. This is a very difficult position to get out of, which is what is important to learn how to avoid in the first place.

Practicing in an open area or parking lot, as mentioned before, can really help you get a better feel for your trailer and avoid jackknifing errors. To avoid jackknifing when towing a trailer, just take it slow and never let the trailer and towing vehicle get beyond an L or V shape.

Do you need professional towing assistance or have a roadside trailer emergency? Contact Zore’s Towing for economically-priced towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana.

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Do You Need a Special License to Tow a Trailer?

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Zores

Towing a trailer with your vehicle is a serious undertaking, and therefore, requires some serious preparation and forethought. Not only should you ensure that you are well-practiced setting up your trailer and operating your vehicle while pulling it, but you should also review our state laws and regulations for towing. You should review towing regulations and requirements for any states you might be driving through as well.

You see, the towing laws in one state could be entirely different in another; while your rig is legal in Indiana, your rig could be in violation once you cross into Illinois or Ohio. For example, if you are towing a caravan that is also towing a small fishing boat, your rig would be perfectly legal in Mississippi, but as soon as you cross into Alabama, you are breaking the local towing regulations.

Continue reading to learn some important information about towing regulations, as well as what to do if you have trouble out there on the road with your trailer setup.

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U.S. Towing Regulations and Requirements

To tow a trailer, you do not need any special licenses, permits, or formal education. You do, however, require a valid drivers’ license. If you are planning to tow a trailer for the first time, it is in your best interest to learn your states towing laws and regulations before hitting the road. And if you are planning to tow your trailer across state lines, it is wise to learn the towing laws for any state you will be driving through. However, as it goes for all 50 states, here are the basic towing regulations you need to stick with:

► Safety Chains – You must have safety chains hooked up to your rig in order to ensure its security. Otherwise, your trailer is at risk of separating from your towing vehicle and causing serious accidents and injuries on the road.

► Trailer Lights – Trailer lights are mandatory for road safety. This includes the taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and even reflectors on the trailer. This means you will also need an electrical hookup so that your towing vehicle’s braking system, turn signals, and more are synced with your trailer lights.

► License Plate Light – Although commonly overlooked, it is necessary to have a license plate light on your trailer. The license plate must be lit up at night, so it is clearly visible to other drivers on the road, namely law enforcement.

What Do to in the Case of a Roadside Emergency

If you get stuck in a ditch, or your trailer pulls a flat, rely on a 24 hour roadside assistance company for help. In fact, if you are planning a long-distance trip, you might want to consider buying a roadside assistance policy or package, either through your insurance carrier or a third-party provider. These companies can help you out in all kinds of jams, such as getting stuck in mud or snow, running out of gas, flat tires, dead batteries, trailer hitch problems, and even locking the keys inside the car!

Who can you trust for prompt response and affordable roadside assistance in Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year!

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What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws
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Will Trailer Towing Damage My Car?

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How to Calculate Your Towing Weights

Posted on April 12, 2021 by Zores

When it comes to safe towing, whether hauling a trailer full of your friend’s furniture or towing your Jetski back to the dock for the summer, the most essential element to ensure is on point is your towing weight. Towing weight doesn’t just include the weight of the cargo you are pulling; it also includes how much weight your towing vehicle can pull. Specifically, you will need to always calculate three towing weights: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Tongue Weight (TW), and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

Continue below to learn what these weights and ratings mean, and how to do the math for your towing setup.

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Towing Weight Calculations

You weren’t the best at arithmetic in school? That won’t pose a problem. Calculating your towing weights is easy as long as you have a calculator nearby; and if you are like most, you have a smart phone with a calculator application already on it. Again, you will be calculating your tongue weight, gross vehicle weight rating, and the gross combined weight rating.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is how much weight your make and model towing vehicle can safely haul. This includes the capacity of the weight of the trailer and the weight of the cargo. An F-150 will have a higher gross vehicle weight rating compared to a Mini Cooper. You can find your vehicle’s recommended gross vehicle weight rating in the owners’ manual, or online on your dealership’s website.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total weight of everything involved in your intended towing job. This includes the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), as well as the weight of the trailer, cargo, passengers, and even fuel.

Tongue Weight (TW)

Tongue weight (TW) is the amount of force, or weight, being pushed down onto the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. You don’t ever want to put too much weight on this ball, or your car will lift off the ground in the front and your brakes will go into overdrive. This can all damage your car, as well as your towing gear.

How to Do the Math:

Add up everything you plan to haul to get your Gross Combined Weight Rating GCWR.
Take this number and compare it your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Your total should be less than your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

Do you need professional towing service for long-distance relocations or roadside trailer emergency? Contact Zore’s Towing for economically-priced towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Towing Acronyms for Vehicle Manufacturer Specifications
A Brief Explanation of Tongue Weight (TW)
A Review of Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings

How to Do a Pre-Trip Check Before Pulling a Trailer

Posted on April 7, 2021 by Zores

It does not matter large or small your trailer is, nor how much experience you might have pulling one; everyone should perform a solid towing safety inspection before hitting the road for a long-distance trip. Continue below to either learn or refresh your memory on how to do a pre-trip check before pulling a trailer long distance.

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Pre-Trip Trailer Towing Inspection

Everything needs to be inspected for optimal safety and performance when preparing to pull a trailer. Even for short-distance towing, inspecting your towing and vehicle setup is vital for both the safety of you and your passengers, as well as your cargo. All towing and trailer equipment needs to be checked and if necessary, serviced or replaced, including hitch and receiver, safety chains, electrical setups, hitch and turn signals, lights, and the overall trailer clearance.

In addition to checking all equipment, it is wise to review your state’s trailer towing requirements or regulations, and in all states that you plan to pass through as well. Some states require you to stay in the far right lanes, or drive at a certain speed, when towing a trailer. You do not want to be in violation of any towing rules, as this could slow you down from getting to your destination, plus make you pay a fine!

For Beginners

If you have never pulled at trailer before, it is vital that you practice. It takes a lot longer to come to a complete stop when towing a trailer, plus taking turns, backing up, parking, and maneuvering through traffic is all different than driving a regular car. Furthermore, you need to educate yourself on all proper trailer setup and maintenance practices in order to remain safe and within local and state regulations.

Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist:

Check that the trailer is properly attached to the hitch, and perfectly secure. The trailer’s tongue should be connected to the hitch, and all locking mechanisms are secured.

You should not be able to lift the trailer off the hitch after it has been snapped and locked in place. Your safety chains should be criss-crossed between the towing vehicle and the trailer.

Check that all electrical wires are connected, and that the brake lights and turn signals are working in conjunction with one another. It helps to have a partner work the towing vehicle’s brakes and turn signals while you stand behind the trailer and watch for them to come on. No partner? Use the reflection of windows or windshields instead.

Do you need some help with towing some cargo long-distance? Contact Zore’s Towing for professional long-distance towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

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3 Steps to Choose the Right Ball Mount for Your Tow Hitch

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Zores

When it comes to properly setting up your vehicle and trailer arrangement, one of the most vital elements to get absolutely right is your ball mount. Choosing the correct ball mount for your trailer hitch is important for guaranteeing a safe towing connection, as well as staying within state and local regulations for towing a trailer.

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Why is a Proper Ball Mount So Vital?

Ensuring that you match the correct ball mount to your trailer hitch is important for many reasons. Not only does it mean that you have a balanced and level connection between the trailer and your towing vehicle, but it also means that your towing weight rating is equal to or higher than the weight of the load in your trailer. These two factors provide a safe and efficient tow.

How to Measure Your Ball Mount

To check that your ball mount is the proper height for your trailer, and therefore a suitable match, all you need to do is follow this 3-Step Rule:

1. Calculate Trailer Hitch Height

Your first step is to find out what your trailer hitch’s height is so that you can match your ball mount perfectly. Do this by measuring from the top of the hitch receiver tube all the way down to the ground.

2. Calculate Coupler Height

Your next step is to calculate your coupler height. Begin by ensuring your trailer is perfectly level. Then, measure the distance from the bottom of the coupler to the ground.

3. Calculate the Difference

The third step requires you to calculate the difference between the first and second values. Subtract the trailer coupler height from the hitch receiver height to get your result. This new value is how much drop you need in your ball mount.

Here is an Example:
Receiver Height = 24 inches
Trailer Coupler Height = 18 inches
Math = (24 – 18 = 6)
≫ Drop Amount = 6 inches

≫ Higher hitch height? A drop with your ball mount is necessary.
≫ Higher coupler height? A raise with your ball mount is necessary.

Do you need towing service in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services at competitive prices. We serve all of Central Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

3 Simple Steps to Using a Trailer Hitch Adapter
Do I Need a Hitch Ball When I Buy a New Ball Mount?
3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Trailer Hitch

3 Simple Steps to Using a Trailer Hitch Adapter

Posted on December 29, 2020 by Zores

Trailer hitch adapters are great because they do just that: adapt. You can use them with a 2 inch hitch accessory with a 1 ¼ inch receiver. Even better, trailer hitch adapters can also be used with hitch-mounted bike racks and cargo carriers that are designed for a 2 inch receiver hitch. Keep in mind, you still must use cargo support straps to prevent your cargo from moving around or creating strain on your trailer hitch. Fortunately, using a trailer hitch adapter is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Continue below to learn the 3 simplest steps to using a trailer hitch adapter, as well as a lifesaving tip that will protect you in the case that your trailer hitch fails you on the road.

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A Vital Warning Before You Begin

Never use a hitch-mounted carrier lift with a trailer hitch adapter. Furthermore, when using a trailer hitch adapter, be sure to use a cargo support system, such as straps, to prevent movement of your load, as well as decrease extra stress on the adapter. Additionally, you much check your receiver hitch tongue weight rating before setting up. You want your tongue weight rating to be greater than your combined cargo weight. A review of gross vehicle weight ratings will help you calculate your numbers.

Now Let’s Put That Trailer Hitch Adapter to Good USE!

Okay, now before using your trailer hitch adapter, check again to be sure that the receiver hitch tongue weight is higher than the weight of your cargo, including the weight of your towing vehicle. Now that you have that ready to go, let’s put that hitch adapter to good use!

First, take your trailer hitch adapter and insert it inside your towing vehicle’s hitch receiver. Then secure it with your pin and clip.

Second, put on your 2 inch hitch accessory, and then safely secure it with another pin and clip set.

Third, further secure your hitch accessory by adding on a set of quality cargo support straps.

While Using Your Trailer Hitch Adapter…

On and off the road, be sure to routinely inspect and adjust your trailer hitch adapter as needed. This improves the setup’s safety, security, and overall performance. If you are ever in a jam while out on the road, do not try to “rig up” your trailer hitch or adapter to “just get you home.” Not only is this incredibly dangerous to you and your cargo, but it is also a danger to other drivers on the road. Instead, contact a 24 hour roadside assistance tow truck for emergency response service. They have the fleet, gear, and resources to ensure your trailer and towing vehicle are safe to hit the road again.

Who to Trust for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Emergency Towing in Indiana

If your towing vehicle breaks down while hauling a camper or RV in Central Indiana, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and emergency towing. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

How Does Tongue Weight Affect My Car?

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Zores

Tongue weight (TW) is incredibly important when it comes to towing and hauling cargo with your car. Improper tongue weight would make it very difficult to operate your vehicle, let alone do so safely. If you are not familiar with tongue weight calculations and recommendations, it is vital that you educate yourself before hitting the road with a trailer in tow.

Continue reading to learn how tongue weight effects a car’s ability to perform, and how to determine your make and model’s manufacturer’s instructions for tongue weights and towing capacity.

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What is Tongue Weight?

Tongue weight (TW) is the amount of fixed force the trailer applies on the hitch ball of your vehicle. Without adhering to your vehicle’s manufacturer’s guidelines for tongue weight and towing capacity, you are at a much higher risk of accidents and property damage occurring during the tow. Simply put, it is not safe to tow a trailer that is not putting enough weight or too much weight on the hitch ball.

Without enough weight, the trailer is prone to swaying side to side, which is a leading cause of serious motor vehicle accidents in the country. While starting off as a first time tower, be sure to review what you should do if your trailer starts to sway, just to be prepared in the case of an emergency. If there is too much weight on the hitch ball, then you can risk putting too much force on the back tire of your car, which can cause the rear of the vehicle to sway or lift off of the ground.

Can you picture driving a car with elliptical wheels rather than circular wheels? The ride would most certainly feel unsteady and uncontrollable. Driving a car with improper tongue weight would be much like this. Forget navigating turns, taking corners, backing up, or even braking, successfully. Although this is just a brief explanation of tongue weight, you can see just how dangerous incorrect tongue weight calculations can be for drivers, as well as other pedestrians and passengers on the road.

How to Calculate Your Car and Trailer Tongue Weight

To determine your vehicle and trailer tongue weight guidelines, simply refer to your owners’ manual. The general rule of thumb is that the tongue weight should be approximately 10 to 15 percent of the towing vehicle’s total weight. Take a standard 2,400 lb. sedan loaded with 1,000 lbs. of freight, for instance. The recommended tongue weight would be between 340 and 510 pounds, which is 10 to 15% of the total 3,400 pounds being towed.

Some make and model vehicles require a hitch upgrade for tongue weights higher than a 700 or 800 pounds. One example of this would be the Sierra 1500 pickup truck, which requires owners to switch from a weight-carrying hitch to a weight-distributing hitch. Also, some gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers are designed for heavier loads, so their recommended tongue weights are generally between 15 and 30 percent, rather than 10 to 15 percent.

Where to Get 24 HR Towing and Roadside Assistance in Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are fully-equipped with the right fleets to assist cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, construction equipment, trailers, vans, semi-trucks, airplanes, and much more. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.