Can my 1991 Toyota Pickup Tow my 7000 LB Rated Trailer with a 5000 LB Rated Hitch

Updated 03/24/2014 | Published 03/20/2014

Question:

1991 Toyota V6 4wd pickup, aftermarket 5000# hitch. Is it legal to tow a trailer with a listed GVWT rating larger than the hitch limit, or can actual weight be used? I have a trailer with a maximum GVWT on the sticker of 7000#, the curb weight is about 2800# and as loaded with equipment the gross weight is about 4800#. I am in California and use the trailer for short hauls. no one seems to be able to answer this… thanks

asked by: Chuck K

Helpful Expert Reply:

It is typically not a concern to tow a 7000 pound GVWR trailer as long as you never exceed the hitch's maximum rating of 5000 pounds or the maximum tow rating of the truck. At your specified weight of approximately 4800 pounds fully loaded, you would still be within the weight capacity for your trailer hitch. I have never heard of any laws that go by different specifications but I still recommend contacting the California State Highway Patrol. This would ensure that they don't have any laws in place that would be stricter than that of the general safety standards. Highway Patrol are the final authorities when it comes to these matters.

In order to make sure that safety requirements are met, you would need to confirm the maximum towing limits for your 1991 Toyota V6 Pickup. This can be done by locating towing information in your owner's manual or by contacting a Toyota dealer and providing them with your VIN. This will be the maximum load that you can safely tow with your pickup. Just a reminder, you will want to follow the weight limitations of the component with the lowest rating. You also may be able to locate the GCWR on the interior of your driver's door. The gross combined weight rating is the maximum weight allowed for the truck, trailer, and all contents combined. The best way to figure your maximum tow weight is as follows:

Gross Combined Weight Rating (Maximum Weight Allowed for your Vehicle) - The Gross Vehicle Weight (Vehicle + Passengers + Contents) = The Maximum Gross Tow Weight (Trailer + Contents)

expert reply by: Leah S