What Happens if You Exceed Your GMC Truck’s Towing Capacity?

Overloading your highly capable GMC truck can have some hefty repercussions. Like the posted speed limit, which indicates the maximum speed at which it is safe to drive, your GMC truck’s towing capacity indicates how much weight it is safe to pull. Lester Glenn Buick GMC explains the consequences of exceeding your vehicle’s tow rating.

What Happens if You Overload Your Truck?
In short, nothing good. Exceeding your tow capacity taxes every one of your vehicle’s systems and ultimately makes driving hazardous. The consequences include:

• Engine overheating, even for trucks with advanced engine and oil cooling features
• Damage to the suspension system
• Longer stopping distances and an increased danger of jackknifing if you have to stop suddenly
• Potential frame damage
• A higher risk of brake damage and blowouts

How to Determine Towing Capacity
Calculating a truck or SUV’s weight rating is a complex formula that includes your vehicle’s curb weight, frame strength, axle weights, and cargo weight. Before you reach for a calculator, we’ll give you two more accessible ways to find your vehicle’s limits.

The first is to use a VIN lookup tool that will give you most of your vehicle’s vital statistics. The other method is to check the driver’s side door jamb, where you’ll find a label with your vehicle’s VIN, GCWR, GVWR, axle weights, payload, and tow capacity. Trailers will have a similar tag either on the tongue near the hitch or in one of the wheel wells; don’t exceed their capabilities either.

Learn More About the Towing Capability of Your GMC Truck in Toms River, NJ
Knowledge is power, and knowing the guidelines and towing capacities of your GMC truck can help extend the life of your vehicle. Each GMC truck has specific towing capacity limits. Learn more at our Toms River GMC dealership today!

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