Trailer Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is one of the most important aspects of the use of trailers. It specifically deals with the total upper weight limit that this particular type of vehicle can tow. It is expressed differently depending on the place where it is being measured. For instance, it is expressed usually in pounds in the United States, while in other locations it is expressed as tons or kilograms. In addition to these basic facts, there are other important things to learn about it including the towing capacity of trailers.

The Towing Capacity of Trailers

Trailers are divided into different classes, which make their towing capacities different from each other. Heavier trailers usually have heavier towing capacities. Trailers carried by long-box pickups usually weigh around 5.36 tons or 12,000 pounds, with towing capacities of as much as 6.92 tons or 15,500 pounds.

Aside from the type of vehicle involved, another important factor to consider when dealing with towing capacity is the location. For instance, semi-trailers and tractors in the United Kingdom are allowed to carry a gross weight of up to 43.30 tons or 97,000 pounds.

In North America, a trailer cannot exceed the height limit of 13.5 feet and the width limit of 102 inches. In terms of gross weight, this kind of trailer has a gross weight limit of about 35.71 tons or 80,000 pounds. In the United States, the use of LCVs or longer combination vehicles is quite common. For instance, the maximum capacity for triples is 57.59 tons or 129,000 pounds. Bigger turnpike doubles are allowed to carry weight of up to 65.63 tons or 147,000 pounds. For Rocky Mountain doubles, the maximum towing capacity is 57.59 tons 129,000 pounds.

The rules are different in Continental Europe, specifically for the member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area. For trailers with ISO containers, the capacity is 44 tons or 98,560 pounds. For those carrying non-ISO containers, the capacity is lower at 40 tons or 89,600 pounds. Countries like Finland and Sweden are exempted from this. The towing capacity of trailers in these two nations is 60 tons or 134,400 pounds.

In Australia, the maximum load capacity is 164 tons or 361,558 pounds. However, lower load capacity is implemented in urban areas, which is close to 62.5 tons or 137,788 pounds.

Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details

Some of the leading semi-truck manufacturers in the United States are Kenworth, Sterling Trucks and American Coleman. In Europe, the leading producers of high-quality trailers are Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks as well as DAF Trucks. In Japan and Asia Pacific countries, the top producers of such heavy-duty trucks include Mitsubishi Fuso, Nissan Diesel and Hino. Some of the popular types of trailers include car haulers, flatbed trucks and refrigerator trucks.