How to Understand Truck Weight Ratings
If you’re looking to buy a new truck in 2012, you’ll want to pay attention to weight ratings.
It’s probably not the first thing on your mind, but it’s very important, especially if you want to tow a trailer.
PickupTrucks.com has a great article that gives you a solid overview of the various weight ratings that are important. Here’s a good summary of important weight ratings.
- Curb Weight – This is the weight of a truck with a full tank of gas and the standard equipment that came with the truck. Passengers and cargo are not included in this weight rating.
- Cargo Weight – PickupTrucks.com describes this as any weight added to the curb weight, including passengers and cargo. You always want to stay within your cargo weight limit to protect your truck.
- Tongue Weight – You’ll want to pay attention to this if you plan on towing any trailers. The tongue weight is the maximum weight the tongue of a trailer can apply to the hitch of your truck.
- Gross Vehicle Weight – This combines all the weights together (curb, cargo and tongue). You won’t want to exceed this limit for the safety of your truck.
You’ll most likely be able to find these weight ratings in the truck’s owner’s manual. Once you understand weight ratings, you’ll be ready to purchase a truck for work or your next boating trip.
Remember to do your research before you purchase a truck or any accessories such as truck lid products or truck tailgating systems.
What type of truck would you like to buy in 2012? Leave your comments below.