Towing Talk: Learn the Lingo Before You Hitch

If you've ever stared at a trailer and thought, “Wait… what does GVWR even mean?” – you’re not alone. Towing has its own language, but don’t sweat it. Best Chevrolet in Kenner, LA, is breaking it all down so you can tow like a pro (or at least sound like one). Before you hook anything up, get familiar with the key terms every smart hauler should know.

The Must-Know Towing Terms

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is your total limit for the vehicle itself – including passengers, cargo, fuel, and any added accessories. Go over that number, and you risk major safety issues.
• Payload Capacity: The maximum weight your vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and gear – but not towing. It’s what goes in or on the truck, not behind it. Easy math. Big impact.
• Coupler: It's the intermediary between your hitch ball and trailer tongue. Comes in different styles to fit your towing setup.
• Tongue Weight: Pressure weight your trailer puts on the hitch ball. Aim for 10–15% of your trailer's overall weight. Too little or too much is off the charts.
• Sway: When your trailer starts cha-chasing down the road. Wind, bad weight distribution, or simply excessive speeds can cause it. Sway control equipment keeps it in line.
• Breakaway Switch: Your safety backstop. In the extremely unlikely event that your trailer does separate, this switch activates its brakes and stops a runaway disaster.

Types of Hitches: Find Your Fit

• Gooseneck: Big jobs call for big setups. A gooseneck trailer connects inside the bed of a truck and is great for heavy-duty hauling.
• Fifth Wheel: Common with RVs and campers, this hitch offers a strong, stable connection mounted in your truck bed. Perfect for serious towing.
• Fixed Tongue: A solid, permanent hitch with a fixed ball mount. Best for consistent towing of the same trailer – no surprises here.
• Bolt-On Hitch: Light to medium loads? This frame-mounted option gets the job done without overkill. Ideal for everyday haulers.

Get Hitched the Right Way at Best Chevrolet

Got the towing terms down? Good. Now, let’s make sure you’ve got the right vehicle to back it all up. At Best Chevrolet in Kenner, we’ve got a lineup of trucks and SUVs ready to haul, haul, haul. Whether you're towing the boat to the bayou or hauling work gear across town, our team will help you choose the right setup – and make sure you're rolling safely.

Questions? Need a test drive? Let’s get your towing game locked in. Visit us or schedule your appointment today.