Close Quick Guide for Understanding Towing Capacity in Bakersfield, CA
Whether you're hauling a large camper or pulling a boat to Panorama Park on a summer weekend, knowing your towing capacity isn't just smart — it's essential for your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. Read this guide from our experts at Haddad Dodge Ram to learn how to properly use your vehicle’s towing abilities during your Bakersfield travels!
Start with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The first number you need to understand is your truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR. This is the maximum allowable weight of your fully loaded vehicle — that means the truck itself, your passengers, fuel, cargo in the bed, and any tongue weight from the trailer. You'll find this number on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Exceeding your GVWR puts dangerous stress on your suspension, brakes, and frame.
Understand Your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the maximum weight of your truck and trailer combined. This is the big number that governs your towing situation. Ram publishes GCWR figures for each configuration of their trucks, and it varies depending on the engine, axle ratio, and cab style you choose. For example, a properly equipped Ram 1500 at a higher trim level paired with the additional Max Tow Package carries a significantly higher GCWR than a base configuration — which is exactly why we encourage customers to build their truck with towing in mind from day one.
Calculate Your Available Towing Capacity
In order to calculate your maximum available towing capacity, subtract the curb weight of your truck from your GCWR. Your truck's curb weight is its weight with a full tank of fuel but no passengers or cargo. Once you subtract that from the GCWR, you have your baseline towing capacity. But you're not done yet. You'll also need to subtract the weight of passengers, gear in the bed, and any accessories you've added. What's left is how much trailer weight you can safely pull. If you have any questions or doubts about your calculations, you can receive professional advice by filling out our Ask a Tech form.
Don't Forget Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer's hitch point places on your truck's receiver. As a general rule, tongue weight should be between 10 and 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight. If your camper weighs 8,000 lbs., you want roughly 800 to 1,200 lbs. of tongue weight. Too little and the trailer will sway; too much and you'll strain the rear suspension and lose steering control. While the available trailering technologies that may be included in your Dodge or Ram can make managing this much easier, the numbers still need to be right before you make your way down State Route 58.
Let Us Help You Get It Right
Towing calculations might feel overwhelming, but our knowledgeable staff walks customers through this process every day. We can pull up the exact spec sheet for any Ram configuration, help you match the right truck to your trailer, and make sure you leave our lot with complete confidence. Stop by or give us a call — because the best tow is a safe one.
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“ I have a 2012 Dodge ram that I bought from Haddad in 2014 It has been a terrific truck. Alex Zarate has been my service advisor through some recent repairs. Although you never want to have to work on your truck but after ten years it's bound to happen. Alex has been nothing but helpful and understanding with me and the services I've received. I always have believed in bringing your vehicle to the dealer. The cost is well worth the warranty and level of service i have received. Alex Rodriguez, the service manager was very helpful as well any time I had an issue. Thank you again Alex and mechanical staff. ”
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“ Haddad dodge is the best dealership in town and has served my entire family for many many years. I have worked with Doug Motton and Eduardo both who I would highly recommend to anyone trying to get a vehicle with great customer service and attention. This car lot is a must for the right deals and that’s why I will always come back! ”
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“ This dealership is hands down one of the best. I had the pleasure of working with Ruben Mojarro . He went above and beyond to get my financing done and he traveled 4 hours to get sales contract signed… his customer service is outstanding. He will always have my business. ”
“ My name is Jennie Milstred my husband Kevin & I went into Haddad just to test drive a 2025 Durango. I knew exactly which one I wanted to drive . Eli (Salesman) asked if he could help us something. My husband told him which one we were looking for & he took us right to it. We drove it right away it was so easy he had the keys & off we went lol. Eli was awesome very helpful & friendly my husband & him had a lot in common so conversation was easy. We got back to the dealership and Kevin said let’s look at numbers. I was shocked I thought this was test it see if we like it & then look for the best price. But to my surprise my birthday was the next day Feb 5th and he says work the numbers get us out of our 21 Camry without being upside down. Eli took us into his office & got all info & took it to the sales office. And to our surprise the sales manager is Jr a long time friend. Then Robert another salesman we knew was also working there Jr & Robert are a team they sold me a Jeep in 2019. We have worked with him on other car purchases. Jr is amazing at what he does. You never leave unhappy. Robert was able to step in & help a little bit with some computer things that needed to be done with the Durango while Eli was able to finish with the window sticker & paper license plates lol. They work so well as a TEAM!! We had the most amazing & awesome experience at Haddad buying our 25 Dodge Durango R/T. We got a fabulous price, great incentives and treated with respect the entire time we were there. But I must say it was the fastest we have ever bought a car. We test drove, did paperwork, approved numbers & signed the deal in less than 2 hrs. That’s how good they are at what they do. If your looking for a Dodge or Ram or even something on the used lot go see this TEAM of guys. Jr the sales manager Eli a salesman & Robert a salesman you won’t regret it. No high pressure sales they are chill & let you take the lead on the deal not pushing what they want they are there to work with you & for your best deal& interest. They will take care of you I promise. Please tell them the Jennie or just the Milstred’s sent you. Thank you Guys I can’t say enough about you keep up the awesome work. Thank you Kevin & Jennie Milstred 2025 Dodge Durango R/T ”