GMC trailering expert offers towing and trailer advice

As summer comes to a close, drivers across the U.S. are packing up their trailers, RVs, campers and boats for one last weekend in the sun. Yet, there are several mistakes that they often make when trailering.

These mistakes can not only damage their trailer, but also their tow vehicle.

GMC’s lead trailering engineer and expert in all things-towing, Robert Krouse, has witnessed the good, bad and ugly when it comes to towing.

Heading into Labor Day weekend, Krouse offers the top five mistakes people make while trailering.

Mistake 1: Not knowing the actual weight of the trailer

The first priority is knowing the job that needs to be done and the weight of the trailer and items that are going to be towed.

“I often see that customers have incorrect trailer weights and they will then underestimate the weight of the items they are putting on the trailer,” said Krouse. For example, many people will misjudge the weight of the gear or supplies, such as building and landscaping materials that are much heavier than people think they are.

The Solution:

Before a consumer loads up any trailer, it is essential to know exactly what the trailer and gear weighs. Many truck stops, sand and gravel yards, grain storage sites, moving companies and salvage yards often have scales open to the public. Krouse stresses that consumers need to “always check the total trailer weight and the trailer tongue weight before you tow anything.”

Mistake 2: Not knowing the actual capacity of the tow vehicle as equipped

Far too often, an individual will mismatch the vehicle to the trailer load, which must always be properly matched. Many websites provide only maximum trailer weight ratings (TWR), which means consumers need additional equipment to achieve the greatest performance for a vehicle that is not equipped with the maximum TWR.

The Solution:

For a new vehicle, a dealer can provide the vehicle weight information based on how the vehicle is equipped. For people with an existing vehicle, be sure to know exactly what the trailer weighs. After you know the trailer weight, Krouse recommends adding the trailer and tow vehicle to ensure the combination does not exceed the gross combination weight rating (GCWR). The owner’s manual also will provide vehicle ratings and capabilities.

“It is also important to consider the amount of people and gear that will be inside the vehicle and add that to the weight that is being towed,” Krouse said.

Mistake 3: Overloading the trailer or tow vehicle

Consumers often make the mistake of overloading and exceeding the TWR and GCWR as discussed in mistakes one and two, but it is also vital not to overload the trailer tongue weight, tow vehicle and trailer gross vehicle weight ratings, individual tow vehicle and trailer gross axle weight ratings (GAWRS) and individual tire ratings. “By putting too much weight on a trailer it can not only damage the trailer, but also the tow vehicle. Results can range from broken axles to bearing damage and excessive tire wear,” Krouse said.

The Solution:

TWR and GCWR should never be exceeded. If consumers follow the tips outlined in mistake one and two, it will ensure that they will be armed with the necessary information to avoid overloading and damage to the trailer and vehicle.

“At GMC we are constantly challenging ourselves to safely maximize and increase payload and towing ratings to meet our customer’s demands,” said Krouse. "Though, it is important that consumers do not overload their vehicles as these figures are set to keep the driver and vehicle safe.”

Mistake 4: Improper combination setup – including weight distribution hitch