What Weight Can I Tow?

There are several key specifications you will need to find out about your vehicle. These should be listed in your owner’s manual and can easily be searched online and found in the manufacturer’s specification sheets.

The first specification to consider is the ‘unbraked’ and ‘braked’ towing capacity. The ‘unbraked’ capacity means you can tow a trailer that does not have brakes up to that limit, for example 750kg. The ‘braked’ capacity is the capacity you can tow with a trailer that has brakes fitted, for example 3500kg.

It is important to consider the Gross Combination Mass (GCM), which is also specified by the manufacturer. This is the total a vehicle and trailer can weigh combined. Quite often, the vehicle’s towing capacity is affected by the payload (weight in the vehicle) or vice versa. Remember, the heavier the trailer, the less weight you can carry in your tow vehicle. For more information, read our article on Payload.

You also need to consider the rating of your tow bar which is stamped onto the tow bar. You cannot exceed the tow bar’s limit. For example, if your tow bar has a rating of 2500kg and your car has a towing capacity of 3000kg, you can only tow up to 2500kg. Alternatively, if your car has a towing capacity of 3000kg and the towbar has a capacity of 3500kg, you will only be able to tow up to 3000kg – the lower number.

When you have your tow combination selected, we recommend taking it to a weighbridge or mobile weight station – fully loaded with gear and passengers, to make sure you are within legal limits.

Below are some common vehicle weights limits. Please note, these are indicative only and you will need to do your own research for your vehicle.