Top Towing Terms to Know in Augusta, GA

Towing, Trailers, and Hitches, Oh My!

When it comes to towing, there’s a lot of jargon out there. It’s easy to get lost with terms that you don’t understand, so Milton Ruben Chevrolet has put together a quick guide for some of the most common terms that you should know. .

Basic Towing Terms to Know

• Tow Bar: This connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. It is ideal for flat towing where all four wheels remain on the ground. It is often used for towing cars behind RVs or vehicle recovery.
• Curb Weight: The weight of a vehicle without passengers or cargo but includes fuel and standard equipment.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The total allowable weight of the towing vehicle, passengers, cargo, trailer, and trailer load combined. Ensures the drivetrain can handle the full load.
• Tongue Weight: The downward force the trailer exerts on the towing vehicle's hitch, ideally between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight.
• Payload Capacity: The maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and equipment, excluding any towed objects.
• Max Towing Capacity: The maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow, determined by the manufacturer based on engine power, braking capacity, and chassis strength.

Hitch Types Available

The hitch is the link between your vehicle and the trailer or object you plan to tow. Various hitch types are available, each serving different purposes. Here are some of the most common types:

• Gooseneck Hitch: Mounted in the truck bed, this hitch allows for heavy-duty towing with a tighter turn radius. It is often used for horse trailers and large campers
• Fixed Tongue Hitch: A sturdy, one-piece hitch suitable for towing small to medium-sized trailers. It’s reliable but less versatile than adjustable models.
• Fifth-Wheel Hitch: Mounted in the truck bed for heavy loads, this hitch provides increased stability and towing capacity, which is ideal for large RVs and heavy trailers.
• Bolt-On Trailer Hitch: This versatile hitch is attached to the vehicle frame and is popular for light to medium towing tasks.

Find Your Next Towing-Capable Vehicle at Milton Ruben Chevrolet

Selecting the right Chevrolet truck or SUV is crucial to meet your towing needs. Whether you're interested in a versatile Silverado 1500 or a powerful Silverado HD model for heavy-duty towing, Milton Ruben Chevrolet in Augusta, GA, has you covered. Visit us, and our experienced team will gladly help you find the perfect truck for your lifestyle.