People use pickup trucks for a myriad of tasks. Some use them to transport the family or commute back-and-forth to work. Others use them to transport tools and tow heavy equipment to the jobsite.
If you’re reading this article then you want to know “can a pickup truck tow a car”? Here’s the short answer:
Yes, a pickup truck can tow a car. There are, however, a few important things you need to consider before doing so. First, you need to determine the towing capacity of your pickup truck and calculate the weight of the vehicle plus trailer your are towing. This will tell you whether your pickup truck is capable of towing a car without being overloaded. Second, make sure you have the right equipment, like a tow tow hitch, ball mount, and wiring, to tow a car. Finally, figure out the right method you will need to tow the vehicle. Whether you use a dolly or trailer, there are different considerations.
Let’s explore these factors a little more.
Determine Towing Capacity
There are several weight ratings associated pickup trucks. If you are towing a car, or anything else for that matter, the two ratings you are interested in are curb weight and gross combined weight rating (GCWR.)
Curb weight is defined as the total weight of a vehicle (with fluids) when empty. Gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum weight of your vehicle with a trailer attached including cargo. Both ratings are usually listed on your vehicle, often inside the door. However, if you can’t find them there, check the owners manual or the manufacturers website.
To determine towing capacity, simply subtract the curb weight and cargo weight from the gross combined weight rating. Here is what the equation looks like:
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) – (Curb Weight + Cargo Weight) = Towing Capacity
For an example, let’s look at a hypothetical pickup truck with a curb weight of 5,000 pounds, gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 15,000 pounds, and 500 pounds of cargo. Here’s what the equation looks like now:
15,000 lbs. – (5,000 lbs. + 500 lbs.) = 9,500 lbs.
We now know that our hypothetical pickup truck has a towing capacity of 9,500 pounds. If the combined weight of the vehicle you are towing and trailer is less than 9,500 pounds, then your pickup truck is capable of towing a car.
Have The Right Equipment
Now that you know that your pickup truck is physically capable of towing a car, it’s time to consider the equipment you will need to do so – mainly a tow hitch, ball mount, and wiring.
A tow hitch (or trailer hitch) is the the component bolted or welded to your pickup truck that allows you to attach a trailer. You insert a ball mount into the tow hitch to provide a connection to hook up a trailer.
Regarding ball mounts, you need to make sure it is properly sized for your application. There are four standard sizes available: 1-7/8″, 2″, 2-5/16″ and 3″.
The most commonly used size is 2″ and should work with most trailers. 1-7/8″ is used for light duty applications, while 2-5/16″ and 3″ sizes are used on heavy-duty applications.
To control the brake lights, turn signals, and trailer breaks (if equipped) you will attach the wiring harness on the trailer to your pickup truck’s wiring harness.
Luckily, many pickup trucks come equipped from the factory to tow. Depending on the options, your pickup truck may come equipped with a tow hitch and be prewired to plug into a trailer. In this case, you will only need to purchase an appropriately sized ball mount.
If your pickup truck is not equipped to tow, however, you will need to purchase and install each component. For most pickup trucks, the installation process is relatively easy and can be done in your garage or driveway.
Some installations may require removing the bumper or body panels and make installation a bit tougher. If you are concerned, most mechanic or body shops are more than capable of completing the task.
Towing A Car With A Trailer
The two most popular ways of towing a car with a pickup truck are with a trailer or dolly. Each method has its own considerations and one may be better for you than another.
A trailer is the safer method as all four wheels are secured rather than just two with a dolly. If you are towing an all-wheel drive car, then a trailer is likely required as towing on two wheels may cause transmission or differential damage.
Trailers are heavier, however, so if you need a lighter weight setup to avoid overloading your pickup truck then a dolly is a great option. A dolly is also easier to load a car on to.
To tow a car with a trailer, simply connect the hitch coupler on the trailer to the ball mount on your pickup truck and lock it using the locking lever. Next, attach the safety chains in a crisscrossed manner. In the event that the coupler becomes detached, these chains will stop you from losing the trailer. Finally, connect the wiring harness from the trailer to your pickup truck and you’re ready to load the car.
Drive, pull, or push the car up the loading ramps on to the trailer ensuring that it is straight and the weight is evenly distributed. Once done, secure the car in place using tire straps or by some other means.
Towing A Car With A Dolly
As mentioned previously, loading a dolly tends to be easier than a trailer. In both cases, the car is driven up the ramps onto the trailer or dolly. You have to be more accurate with a trailer, however, to get the car properly aligned and weight distributed evenly.
A dolly is attached to your pickup truck in the exact same way as a trailer. First, connect the hitch coupler on the dolly to the ball mount and lock it in place. Second, attach the safety chains, Finally, connect the wiring harness (if equipped) from the dolly to one on your pickup truck.
Once the car is loaded on the trailer or dolly and properly seated in the wheel stops, secure the car using the wheel straps and you’re ready to go.
Conclusion
We now know that you can, in fact, tow a car with a pickup truck. But, there are a few things you need to consider to do so safely. First, determine whether your pickup truck is physically capable of doing it or not. Second, ensure you have the right equipment. Finally, decide what method your are going to use based on your situation.
Also, be aware of what safety equipment is available and how to use it. At a minimum, a set of safety chains and safety straps should be used.
With all that said, you should now be ready to tow a car safely.
If you want some more tips on towing a car with a pickup truck, check out the AutoTrader video to see how it’s done.
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