C.V. Westover, MD

Q: My 1991 GMC Sonoma pickup has a 4.3L TBI engine, a 700-R4 transmission, and a 3.42:1 rear end. The truck’s GVWR is 4,995 pounds. How does this figure affect my overall towing capacity? Also, can you recommend a hitch for my rig?

A: The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the total weight your rig will carry, including the vehicle’s own weight. If your rig weighs 3,750 pounds, you can safely carry 1,245 pounds (4,995 – 3,750 = 1,245). So, if the tongue weight of your trailer is 400 pounds, you can carry 845 pounds of cargo, you should also check your owner’s manual to find your trucks’s maximum towing capacity. A Curt Class 3 hitch is a good choice as it will safely tow up to 4,000 pounds.

 

 

Keywords
hitches, Monday mailbag, towing
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Author: Dave Matthews

Dave Matthews was a mechanic for the U.S. Army, a Ford dealership, and served for many years as a fleet mechanic for construction companies. Now a technical content producer at Summit Racing, Dave has spent decades working on everything from military vehicles to high performance race machines.