Gooseneck Trailer Towing Systems
Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Systems conveniently allow unrestricted use of the pickup bed. In-truck platforms
support 2-5/16" and 3" hitch balls. All framework for Gooseneck Trailer Hitches reside under the bed of the truck
with only the ball exposed above the bed of the truck. Stronger, and able to utilize the full suspension of the
truck, Gooseneck Trailer Towing Systems are rated up to full towing capacity of the vehicle as determined by the
manufacturer. Draw-Tite Gooseneck Trailer Hitches utilize a unique set of mounting rails, specifc to each vehicle,
that will accommodate any of the hitch heads.
How Large of a Trailer Can I Tow?
Each truck has a published Gross Combined Weight Rating GCWR. This is the maximum allowable tow rating
in terms of the combined vehicle and trailer weight. When the Gross Vehicle Weight GVW is subtracted, the
maximum Gross Trailer Weight is revealed.
In this example, the maximum allowable trailer towing weight is 12,800 lbs. GTW. The rail kit for this vehicle has
been tested to meet maximum vehicle tow capacity.
GCWR - GVW = MAX. GTW
2001 GMC Heavy Duty 2500, 4 Wheel Drive Extended Cab
Engine: Duramax 6600
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 3100 rpm
Torque: 520 lb. ft. @ 1800 rpm
Transmission: Allison 5-speed Automatic
Axle Ratio: 3.73 to 1
GVW: 9,200 lbs.
GCWR: 22,000 lbs.
22,000 lbs. GCWR - 9,200 lbs. GVW = 12,800 lbs. GTW
Common Terminology:
- Base Curb Weight - The nominal weight of a vehicle with standard equipment and a full tank of fuel. It does not
include passengers, cargo or optional equipment.
- Commercial Towing - Any vehicle/trailer combination exceeding 26,000 lbs. Gross Combined Weight GCW.
- Commercial Vehicle - Any vehicle that exceeds 10,000 lbs. GVW.
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - The actual weight of the vehicle when fully loaded. It is the base curb weight plus
the cargo weight.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle.
- Gross Combined Weight (GCW) - The actual weight of the vehicle and trailer combined. This weight should
always be obtained by weighing the vehicle and trailer together on a scale.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) - The maximum weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer
- including cargo and passengers.
- Gross Axle Weight (GAW) - The total weight supported by each axle (front or rear). To compute this weight for
your vehicle and trailer combined, take the loaded vehicle and trailer to a scale. With the trailer attached, place the
front wheels of the vehicle on the scale to obtain the front GAW. To obtain the rear GAW, weigh the towing vehicle
with the trailer attached, but with just the four wheels of the vehicle on the scale. The rear GAW is determined by
subtracting the front GAW from that amount.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - The total weight each axle is capable of carrying. The total load on each
axle must not exceed its GAWR.
- Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) - The weight of a trailer fully loaded.
- Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight - The maximum allowable fully loaded weight of the trailer. This weight is
obtained by subtracting the towing vehicle's GVW from its GCWR.
- Payload - The combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle
is designed to carry. (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the base curb weight.)
- Rail Kit - The components and hardware that mount the gooseneck hitch to the vehicle frame.
