QuestionI am not sure how to determine safe towing weight based on GVW, GVWR, GCWR and max trailer weight. I know it all needs to calculated to determine safe towing capacity. We have a '93 Ford F150 reg cab 2WD 6 cyl gas engine. If we use a class IV hitch will we be OK hauling a 4000 lb horse trailer with 1000 lb horse and 2-3 passengers in truck?
AnswerA class IV hitch is good to 6000 pounds regular or 10,000 with a load equalizing hitch attachement, so you are just fine there.
GVW is Gross VEhicle Weight. that is the maximum total weight of the vehicle and occupants/luggage, etc.
Pretty much the same thing as GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) This also includes the part of the weight that any trailer hitch would put on the hitch, with or without a load equalizing attachment.
GCWR is Gross Combined Weight rating, and that takes into account the vehicle, total load in or on the vehicle AND the weight of the trailer and its load.
The trailer also has its own GVWR.
According to Edmunds.com your truck has a maximum load capacity of 1495 pounds, that is the most you can put in with driver, passengers, luggage, load in the bed and load on the hitch.
It has a maximum towing capacity of 7500 pounds if properly equipped, that means with the tow package. Without it, it will probably be about 5000 pounds but that is a guess.
With the 6 cyl engine you are probably at maximum load, and I would make sure that the vehicle brakes and engine/tranny are serviced and up to spec before going far, and especially before any mountain trips. BE sure to have good working trailer brakes. A load equalizing hitch is highly recommended.
Don
