Checking Truck Specs for an RV

Use this calculator to check if a truck is rated to tow your RV. You’ll enter basic information for:

The RV you’re considering.
The estimated payload of your truck.
The truck you’re considering.

Please don’t rely solely on this calculator. Check all your numbers and consult with your RV/Truck dealer when determining the right truck for your RV.

Safety Warning: This calculator provides general estimates only. Towing capacities and payload limits depend on many factors including specific vehicle options, configuration, and maintenance. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual, door jamb sticker (Payload Capacity / Tire and Loading Information), and your RV/truck dealer for precise figures and safe towing practices. Never exceed your vehicle's specified limits (GVWR, GCWR, GAWR, Hitch Rating, Payload Capacity, Tow Rating).

RV Information

RV Dry Hitch Weight (lbs):

RV GVWR (lbs) (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded RV.

Estimated Loaded Hitch Weight (lbs) (Dry x 1.2): This is calculated by adding 20% to the dry hitch weight. This is ONLY an estimate of hitch weight when the RV is fully loaded. Please contact your RV dealer to determine an exact loaded RV hitch weight for the RV you are considering.

Payload Calculation (Stuff in the Truck)

Passengers (250 lbs each):

Pets (25 lbs each):

Tools Weight (lbs):

Cargo Weight (lbs) (in truck bed/cab):

Towing/Hitch Hardware (lbs):

Chains/Straps/Cargo Management (lbs):

Misc Items (lbs):

Total Estimated Payload Items (lbs) (Excludes Hitch Weight):

Truck Information

Cargo Capacity as Stated on Door Sticker (lbs) (Payload Capacity): Check the 'Tire and Loading Information' sticker on your driver's side door jamb. This is often the most critical limit.

Truck GVWR as Stated on Door Sticker (lbs) (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded truck (including passengers, cargo, and hitch weight).

Truck GCWR (lbs) (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Truck GCWR is your truck's Gross Combined Weight Rating. This is the combined maximum weight of your entire truck and entire RV that the truck is rated to tow safely. This can be found on a sticker on the truck's driver-side door frame, on the truck manufacturer's website, or by contacting your dealer. This number can vary depending on many factors, including tire size, axle gear ratio, etc. Please verify you are using the correct GCWR for your specific truck.

Estimated Results & Suggestions

Truck Payload OK? N/A

Truck Towing Capacity OK? N/A

Suggested Minimum Truck Payload Capacity Needed (lbs): 0 (Total Est. Payload Items + Est. Loaded Hitch Weight)

Towing Capacity Check:

Needed Capacity (RV GVWR): 0 lbs

Calculated Max Capacity (GCWR-GVWR): 0 lbs

Enter RV GVWR for check.

Note: The 'Calculated Max Capacity' is a theoretical max based *only* on GCWR/GVWR. Your truck's actual tow capacity (from the manufacturer) is often lower and **MUST NOT** be exceeded. Payload capacity is frequently the limiting factor. Check your manual!

For purposes of this app, the calculated value represents the maximum towing capacity assuming the truck is fully loaded to its GVWR.

Recommended Values (10% Safety Margin)

These values incorporate a 10% safety buffer below the calculated minimum needed payload and the theoretical maximum towing capacity. Maintaining a safety margin is highly advised for safer towing and handling.

Recommended Truck Payload Capacity (lbs): 0 (Minimum Payload Needed x 1.1)

Recommended Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs): 0 (Max Towing Capacity x 0.9)
This provides a buffer below the theoretical max. Always stay below ALL manufacturer ratings.