If you are new to the world of trailering, the jargon used to describe capabilities can be confusing. Your friends at Jim Causley Buick GMC want to help, which is why we’ve compiled a few of the most important trailering terms for your information.

New Truck Inventory2020 GMC Sierra 1500

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CURB WEIGHT

The curb weight of a vehicle is the most basic weight measurement of your car, truck, or SUV. This weight refers to how heavy your vehicle is when including all standard equipment and engine fluids. It notably does not include the weight of any passengers, cargo, or trailers.

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT

The gross vehicle weight of a car, truck, or SUV is the sum of the vehicle’s curb weight as well as any passengers or cargo.

GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT

Gross trailer weight measures how heavy your trailer is when it is loaded with cargo.

TRAILER TONGUE WEIGHT

When hitching a trailer, a significant amount of force is required to be placed on the hitch ball so the rig stays secure. The trailer tongue weight, which is typically 10–15 percent of the total weight of your loaded trailer, measures that force.

PAYLOAD CAPACITY

The payload capacity of any given truck or SUV refers to how much cargo it can hold in both the bed and the cabin. Payload does include passenger weight.

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING

This is one of the most important concepts to understand if you are new to the world of towing. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is an industry-standard specification that refers to how much a vehicle can safely haul. It does not include trailer weight, but it does include cargo, passengers, and the weight of your trailer’s tongue.

Contact Jim Causley’s hauling experts for more information on how to safely begin trailering in your new Buick or GMC vehicle.