Trailer Towing Capability Calculator

Use this worksheet when recommending a truck that’s in stock. This worksheet calculates several fields automatically.
Just input the requested values and print the results. (Hover over underlined terms for a definition.)

Step 1: Ask about what’s being towed. Calculate Total Trailer Weight

• Remember to include everything that goes Unloaded Trailer Weight: ______

0 lbs.
on/in the trailer Trailer Contents Weight: ______
0 lbs.
Total Trailer Weight: ______
0 lbs.
• Select conventional or 5th-wheel/gooseneck. ❏
✔
Conventional Hitch?
This will affect tongue weight below ❏ 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch?

Step 2: Ask about what’s being carried. Calculate Payload Weight

• Remember to include everything that goes Cargo Weight: _______

0 lbs.
in the truck. NOTE: Tongue weight and hitch People Weight: _______
0 lbs.
weight are part of payload weight Trailer Tongue Weight: _______
0 lbs.

• If you’re only calculating payload, only Hitch Weight: _______

0 lbs.
complete Step 2 and Step 3 Total Expected Payload: _______
0 lbs.
Max. Payload Rating: _______
0 lbs.
• If answer to question is “No” then select a Is Expected Payload LESS than Max.
truck with larger Max. Payload Rating
Payload Rating? Yes ✔
No

Step 3: Determine if the truck’s Gross Vehicle Calculate GVW

Weight Rating (GVWR) is large enough. GVWR: _______
0 lbs.
• Input GVWR from truck door label As-built Curb Weight: _______
0 lbs.
Total Expected Payload: _______
0 lbs.
GVW: _______
0 lbs.
• If answer to question is “No” then select a Is GVW LESS than GVWR? Yes ✔
No
truck with a larger GVWR

Step 4: Determine if the truck’s Gross Combination Calculate GCW

Weight Rating (GCWR) is large enough. GVW: _______
0 lbs.
Subtract Tongue Weight: _______
0 lbs.
Adjusted GVW: _______
0 lbs.
Total Trailer Weight: _______
0 lbs.
GCW: _______
0 lbs.
GCWR: _______
0 lbs.
• If answer to question is “No” then select a
Is GCW LESS than GCWR? Yes No
✔

truck with a larger GCWR

Select Page 2 from Print menu.

2
 F-150 XLT SUPERCREW® 4x4 SUPER DUTY® F-450 LARIAT CREW CAB 4x4

Let’s Try It!

Your Task: Use the Calculator on page 2 to practice recommending a new truck. Simply type in the
specifications listed below and let the calculator work its magic. sDoe the detc ls eiclhv tem the
somertu’c ?dsen Or is a truck with ertag sabiltepc d?en TE: NO eamplxE seu 2015 truck a.td

Determine the Correct Truck

Jim Carroll, owner of a small lawn care business, needs a new truck. He knows he wants an XLT trim, with
automatic transmission, and the Trailer Tow Package. He’s trying to decide between these two 2015 trucks:

• 2015 F-150 SuperCrew 4x2 with a 6.5-ft. box and the 5.0L V8
• 2015 Super Duty F-250 Crew Cab 4x2 with a 6.75-ft. box and the 6.2L V8

Here’s what you learn about his towing and payload needs:

• The trailer he uses weighs 1650 lbs. and he
tows conventionally
• The equipment he carries in the trailer weighs
1400 lbs.
• He often carries up to 1500 lbs. in the cargo bed
• He transports a crew of four workers with
him, each weighing about 150 lbs., for a total
of 750 lbs.
• The hitch weight is about 20 lbs.

Using the door panel labels of two trucks on your lot, plus the 2015 RV & Trailer Towing Guide, you
compile the following maximum ratings:

• 2015 F-150 SuperCrew 4x2 with a 6.5-ft. box • Super Duty F-250 Crew Cab 4x2 with a 6.75-ft.
and the 5.0L V8 box and the 6.2L V8

– Maximum Payload Weight Rating: 2130 lbs. – Maximum Payload Weight Rating: 3490 lbs.
(from door label) (from door label)

– GVWR: 6800 lbs. (from door label) – GVWR: 10,000 lbs. (from door label)

– GCWR: 14,200 lbs. (from VR & erail wng T To – GCWR: 19,200 lbs. (from VR & erail wng T To
Guide with axle ratio from Monroney label) Guide with axle ratio from Monroney label)

Your Task: Which of the two vehicles provides the capabilities Mr. Carroll
needs for his lawn care business?

Answer: The F-150 doesn’t provide enough payload capability in Step 2, with a payload that is heavier than the truck’s maximum
payload rating. The Super Duty F-250 has the capability necessary, with a maximum payload rating, GVWR and GCWR that are
greater than Mr. Carroll’s stated needs.