Copy the ratings from the vehicle door sticker and manual, add the loaded weights, and get the arithmetic: loaded vehicle weight against GVWR, combined weight against GCWR, remaining payload and tongue weight percentage.
Important: This worksheet only does arithmetic on the manufacturer ratings entered. It does not determine what any vehicle can safely tow. Ratings vary by exact configuration, so verify every figure with the vehicle manual and the manufacturer before towing.
This worksheet only does arithmetic on the manufacturer ratings entered; it does not determine what any vehicle can safely tow, and it gives no towing verdict. Loaded vehicle weight is the vehicle weight plus people, cargo and tongue weight, compared against the GVWR entered. Combined weight is the vehicle weight plus people and cargo plus the full loaded trailer weight, compared against the GCWR entered. Remaining payload is the payload rating minus people, cargo and tongue weight. Tongue weight percentage is the tongue weight divided by the loaded trailer weight. Ratings vary by exact configuration, including engine, cab, bed, axle ratio and options, so verify every figure with the vehicle manual and the manufacturer before towing, and weigh a loaded combination at a scale for real numbers rather than estimates.
Does this worksheet say what a vehicle can safely tow? No. This worksheet only does arithmetic on the manufacturer ratings entered; it does not determine what any vehicle can safely tow. Ratings vary by exact configuration, so verify with the vehicle manual and the manufacturer before towing.
Where do the GVWR, GCWR and payload figures come from? GVWR and payload are printed on the certification label on the driver door area of the tow vehicle, and GCWR is stated in the owner manual for the exact configuration. Brochure and advertised maximum figures apply to specific configurations and may not match a particular vehicle.
Why is tongue weight counted in the vehicle weight? The tongue weight is carried by the tow vehicle, so it uses part of the vehicle payload and counts toward GVWR, while the full trailer weight, including the tongue portion, counts toward the combined weight compared with GCWR.