How to Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity Before Hitching an Unbraked Trailer

Whether you're heading out for a weekend adventure or hauling equipment for work, understanding your vehicle’s towing capacity is essential—especially when you're towing an unbraked trailer. Hitching an unbraked trailer to a towing vehicle without knowing your limits can lead to safety risks, legal trouble, and costly vehicle damage. But don't worry—we’ll break everything down in plain English so you know exactly what to check, how to do it, and why it matters.

Let’s dive in and make sure your towing experience is safe, legal, and stress-free.

What Is Towing Capacity, and Why Does It Matter?

Towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow, as determined by the manufacturer. This number is based on multiple factors like engine size, suspension, brakes, and the design of the vehicle. If you exceed this limit, especially with an unbraked trailer, you’re not just putting extra strain on your car; you’re putting yourself and others at risk.

Unbraked trailers don't have their braking system. That means all the stopping power has to come from your vehicle. So, if you hitch an unbraked trailer to a towing vehicle that’s not equipped to handle it, braking distances increase and stability can be compromised.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

1. Look in Your Owner’s Manual

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the best place to start. Search for the section labeled "Towing" or "Towing Capacity." Here, you'll find:

• Maximum braked towing capacity

• Maximum unbraked towing capacity

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

Make sure you're looking at the unbraked towing limit—this is lower than the braked limit and is what matters when your trailer doesn’t have its brakes.

2. Check the Compliance Plate or VIN Sticker

Most vehicles have a compliance or information plate located inside the driver's side door frame. This sticker often lists:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

• Towing capacity

The unbraked towing capacity might not be listed here, but it’s worth checking. If it’s not there, stick with the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.

3. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website

If you don’t have the manual or can’t find the sticker, your next best option is the official website of your vehicle’s manufacturer. Most have towing guides available for download. Just search for “[Your Vehicle Model] Towing Guide.”

4. Calculate the Total Weight

Once you’ve found your towing capacity, weigh your trailer. There are two main weights to understand:

• Tare weight: The trailer’s weight when empty.

• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): The weight of the trailer plus its load.

You can usually find the tare weight on a label near the trailer’s hitch. To get an accurate GTW, take the trailer to a public weighbridge or use a portable trailer scale.

Make sure your GTW does not exceed the vehicle’s unbraked towing capacity.

5. Check Tongue Weight

Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. For unbraked trailers, this should usually be about 7–10% of the trailer's total weight. If it’s too heavy or too light, it can cause swaying or loss of control.

Special Considerations for Unbraked Trailers

1. Braking Distance

Unbraked trailers rely entirely on the towing vehicle to stop. This puts extra pressure on your brakes, increases stopping distances, and raises the risk of brake fade.

2. Speed Limits

In many states, speed limits are lower when towing an unbraked trailer. Check your local DMV or Department of Transportation website to be sure.

3. Legal Limits

Most states cap unbraked trailer weight at around 750 kg (about 1,650 lbs)—but this varies. Always double-check your state laws before towing.

Why You Should Never Guess Towing Capacity

Hooking up an unbraked trailer to a towing vehicle without checking the specs is a risky move. Here’s why:

• Insurance issues: If you're in an accident and your trailer exceeds your towing capacity, insurance may not cover you.

• Legal penalties: Exceeding towing limits can result in fines or points on your license.

• Vehicle damage: Overloading can wreck your transmission, brakes, and suspension.

• Safety risks: Loss of control, jackknifing, or brake failure can all happen with improper towing.

Safety Tips Before You Tow

• Double-check tire pressure (on both the vehicle and the trailer).

• Use proper towing mirrors if your trailer blocks your rear view.

• Check trailer lights—brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights should all be functional.

• Distribute weight evenly inside the trailer.

• Secure the load with ratchet straps or tie-downs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Guessing your trailer weight

   • Even small trailers can exceed limits when loaded. Weigh it if you’re unsure.

2. Assuming your SUV can tow anything

   • Bigger doesn't always mean stronger. Check your specs.

3. Not using a safety chain

   • It’s a legal requirement in most places and adds a critical layer of safety.

Tools That Can Help

• Trailer tongue weight scale

• Portable trailer weigh scales

• Towing capacity calculators (online)

• Digital tire pressure gauges

These tools make it easy to stay within safe limits.

When to Consider a Brake Trailer

If your load regularly approaches or exceeds the unbraked towing capacity, it may be time to invest in a braked trailer. These trailers have their braking system and allow you to tow heavier loads safely and legally.

Final Thoughts

Towing may seem simple, but it requires planning, preparation, and attention to detail—especially with an unbraked trailer. By checking your vehicle’s towing capacity, weighing your trailer, and understanding the risks, you’ll keep yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safer.

Remember: When it comes to towing, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

FAQs

1. What happens if I exceed my vehicle’s unbraked towing capacity?

Exceeding your towing capacity can result in brake failure, overheating, loss of control, and even legal penalties. It also increases your risk of an accident and may void your insurance.

2. Can I convert my unbraked trailer to a braked one?

Yes, it’s possible, but it requires adding a braking system that complies with local regulations. It’s usually best handled by a certified trailer technician.

3. What’s the difference between braked and unbraked towing capacity?

Braked towing capacity is the maximum trailer weight you can tow with a trailer that has its brakes. Unbraked towing capacity is the maximum limit for trailers without their brakes. The unbraked limit is always lower.