What is the differece between GVW and towing weight? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68 Suburban · 07-24-2002, 01:21 PM

I know all of are trucks have a Gross Vehicle Weight, but how do we know what the maximum we can tow. I would not think this would be the gross vehicle weight? I thumbed through the 68 Data Book and did not see anything about what weight can be safely towed with our trucks. Does anyone have an idea?

colohusker · 07-24-2002, 02:40 PM

The way I understand it is that GVW is the maximum amount to tow or haul. So figure that your truck is about 3600 for a 1/2 ton, about 4400 for a 3/4 ton, subtract that from the GVW and that's your towing capacity. I think if you have a trailer with brakes, it increases it since your truck's brakes aren't working so hard. Like my granddad said, the truck will pull anything, it's getting it to stop that's the problem.

If I'm incorrect, I'm sure someone will correct me.

Scott

68 Suburban · 07-24-2002, 02:58 PM

Im not sure that is correct. I think the GVW has to do with the actual weight that is on the truck, thus the capacity of the springs, brakes, etc. If what you say was correct, a C-10 truck could only tow 800-1000 lbs? I see Geo's pulling a U-haul weighing more than that

If you look at some of the newer SUV's like a trailer blazer, I think it can tow 6500lbs, but surely that trucks GVW is not that much.

I heard that the towing weight should not exceed the weight of your vehicle? So if you have a truck that weighs 4000lbs, you should not tow more than 4000lbs. Obviously you would want brakes on anything that weighs that much.

Mike C · 07-24-2002, 03:56 PM

Towing weight is separate. GVWR is the TOTAL amount of weight on the vehicles tires INCLUDING passengers, the truck itself and any load including trailer tongue weight. Tow weight has more to do with how your truck is equipped for cooling and braking. Figure about 10k for a 3/4 ton and 6k for a 1/2 ton is reasonable if you stay in the 55 range and have trailer brakes (and it's not trying to climb the Rocky Mountains!)I have towed about 9-9.5k# with my 3/4 ton truck and regularly tow 3500# with my Jimmy. (Front end loader on tandem axle flat bed with brakes on both axles)

hanssolo · 07-24-2002, 06:54 PM

My '69 owners manual says GVW C10=3600-5600; C20=5500-8100; C30=6700-10000. 6 and 8 cyl. engines cause a different GVW probably cause of cooling and torque. 6 cyl. rated at about 1000# less in each instance. It seems a C10 can carry 1 ton in the bed. I know I've done it. My C10 factory weight was 3600#. Tires and springs matter a lot. This is where the heavy duty springs come in but does it matter if you use air shocks?

hanssolo · 07-24-2002, 07:14 PM

Correction. I was looking at Subs and Panels. My truck is 5000 GVW.

07-24-2002, 01:21 PM	#1
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	What is the differece between GVW and towing weight? I know all of are trucks have a Gross Vehicle Weight, but how do we know what the maximum we can tow. I would not think this would be the gross vehicle weight? I thumbed through the 68 Data Book and did not see anything about what weight can be safely towed with our trucks. Does anyone have an idea? __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

07-24-2002, 02:40 PM	#2
colohusker Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 436	The way I understand it is that GVW is the maximum amount to tow or haul. So figure that your truck is about 3600 for a 1/2 ton, about 4400 for a 3/4 ton, subtract that from the GVW and that's your towing capacity. I think if you have a trailer with brakes, it increases it since your truck's brakes aren't working so hard. Like my granddad said, the truck will pull anything, it's getting it to stop that's the problem. If I'm incorrect, I'm sure someone will correct me. Scott __________________ ------------------------------------------------ I say it's only money, my wife says it's only a truck.... '71 C10 Deluxe, factory ac, ps, pb, should be done by 2102 Longmont, CO husker95@hotmail.com

07-24-2002, 02:58 PM	#3
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	Im not sure that is correct. I think the GVW has to do with the actual weight that is on the truck, thus the capacity of the springs, brakes, etc. If what you say was correct, a C-10 truck could only tow 800-1000 lbs? I see Geo's pulling a U-haul weighing more than that If you look at some of the newer SUV's like a trailer blazer, I think it can tow 6500lbs, but surely that trucks GVW is not that much. I heard that the towing weight should not exceed the weight of your vehicle? So if you have a truck that weighs 4000lbs, you should not tow more than 4000lbs. Obviously you would want brakes on anything that weighs that much. __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation. Last edited by 68 Suburban; 07-24-2002 at 03:00 PM.

07-24-2002, 03:56 PM	#4
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Towing weight is separate. GVWR is the TOTAL amount of weight on the vehicles tires INCLUDING passengers, the truck itself and any load including trailer tongue weight. Tow weight has more to do with how your truck is equipped for cooling and braking. Figure about 10k for a 3/4 ton and 6k for a 1/2 ton is reasonable if you stay in the 55 range and have trailer brakes (and it's not trying to climb the Rocky Mountains!)I have towed about 9-9.5k# with my 3/4 ton truck and regularly tow 3500# with my Jimmy. (Front end loader on tandem axle flat bed with brakes on both axles) __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

07-24-2002, 06:54 PM	#5
hanssolo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: central Ill. USA Posts: 447	My '69 owners manual says GVW C10=3600-5600; C20=5500-8100; C30=6700-10000. 6 and 8 cyl. engines cause a different GVW probably cause of cooling and torque. 6 cyl. rated at about 1000# less in each instance. It seems a C10 can carry 1 ton in the bed. I know I've done it. My C10 factory weight was 3600#. Tires and springs matter a lot. This is where the heavy duty springs come in but does it matter if you use air shocks? __________________ 69 C10 longbed: 357c.i. /TH400/3.73s/AC/ beige primer/saving $ for paint ______________________________

07-24-2002, 07:14 PM	#6
hanssolo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: central Ill. USA Posts: 447	Correction. I was looking at Subs and Panels. My truck is 5000 GVW. __________________ 69 C10 longbed: 357c.i. /TH400/3.73s/AC/ beige primer/saving $ for paint ______________________________



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