Towing a trailer might seem as simple as hitching it to the back of your vehicle and hitting the road — but there’s much more to it than that, especially if you're dealing with an unbraked trailer. One of the most important steps before heading out is knowing your vehicle’s tow capacity. Ignoring this step can lead to poor performance, safety hazards, and even legal trouble.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about checking your vehicle’s towing capacity before hooking up an unbraked trailer. Whether you're towing a small boat, utility trailer, or lightweight camper, this easy-to-understand breakdown will keep you safe and legal.
What is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. This number is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and includes a variety of factors like the engine size, transmission, brakes, suspension, and even the chassis design.
Braked vs. Unbraked Trailer
There are two types of trailers:
Braked trailer: Has its braking system.
Unbraked trailer: Relies on the towing vehicle’s brakes to slow down and stop.
Towing an unbraked trailer to a towing vehicle places more strain on the car or truck’s braking system. That’s why manufacturers list a separate, often lower, towing capacity for unbraked trailers. It’s critical to follow that limit.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Vehicle's Tow Capacity
Let’s break it down into manageable steps so you can be sure your car or truck is ready for towing an unbraked trailer.
Step 1: Check Your Owner’s Manual
The very first place to look is your owner’s manual. Automakers include towing specifications in the manual, including:
Maximum braked towing capacity
Maximum unbraked towing capacity
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
These numbers are your towing bible. Don’t guess or rely on word of mouth — always go with what’s written in your manual.
Tip:
If you’ve misplaced your manual, look up your vehicle’s specifications on the manufacturer’s official website or consult with a dealership.
Step 2: Locate the Vehicle Compliance Plate or Towing Sticker
Most vehicles have a compliance plate or towing sticker under the hood or inside the driver-side door frame. This metal plate or label usually lists:
Tare weight (weight of the empty vehicle)
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
Max towing capacity (braked and unbraked)
If you’re unsure about interpreting the numbers, take a photo and consult your dealer or a professional mechanic.
Step 3: Understand the Key Weight Ratings
Before towing an unbraked trailer to a towing vehicle, it’s important to understand how different weight ratings work together:
Tare Weight: The weight of your vehicle without passengers or cargo.
Payload: The total weight you can add to your vehicle, including passengers, gear, and tongue weight from the trailer.
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): Max weight of the fully loaded vehicle.
GCM (Gross Combination Mass): Max weight of the vehicle plus the trailer.
Ensure the combined weight of your vehicle and unbraked trailer stays within all of these limits.
Step 4: Weigh the Trailer
You’ll need to know the actual weight of the trailer as it will be towed, meaning with all cargo loaded.
How to Weigh a Trailer:
Use a public weigh station.
Visit a local truck stop or scrap yard with a scale.
Buy or rent a portable scale made for trailers.
Once you have the trailer’s loaded weight, compare it to the unbraked tow rating in your manual or compliance plate. If it’s over, you must either lighten the load or use a trailer with its own brakes.
Step 5: Account for Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on your vehicle’s hitch. For safe towing:
Tongue weight should be 8%–10% of the total trailer weight for an unbraked trailer.
Too much tongue weight can overload your rear suspension.
Too little can cause trailer sway.
Make sure the tongue weight is factored into your vehicle’s payload capacity.
What Happens if You Exceed Tow Capacity?
Exceeding your vehicle’s unbraked towing limit is not just a bad idea — it’s dangerous and possibly illegal. Here’s what can go wrong:
Longer stopping distances or brake failure
Poor handling, especially on curves or hills
Trailer sway, increasing the risk of jackknifing
Excessive wear on suspension, transmission, and engine
Legal consequences, including fines and insurance denial in case of an accident
Your tow rating exists for a reason: to keep you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safe.
Helpful Tools and Resources
To make checking your vehicle’s tow capacity easier, here are a few tools and tips:
Online Tow Capacity Tools:
TowCheck App by Curt Manufacturing
Online Towing Guides on your vehicle brand’s website
VIN-based lookup tools (on some manufacturer sites)
Gear to Consider:
Hitch Scale to check tongue weight
Towing mirrors for better rear visibility
Brake controller (not needed for unbraked trailers but useful for upgrades)
Pro Tips Before Towing an Unbraked Trailer
Double-check tire pressure on both vehicle and trailer.
Inspect lights and signals to make sure they work properly.
Secure all items inside the trailer — shifting weight can throw off balance.
Don’t overload one side of the trailer.
Practice towing in a safe, open area before hitting highways or steep grades.
Legal Requirements for Towing Unbraked Trailers
Each state in the U.S. has different laws regarding towing, especially with unbraked trailers. Generally:
Trailers under 1,500–2,000 lbs can be towed without brakes (depending on the state).
Trailer must have lights, reflectors, and safety chains.
Some states require breakaway systems or specific trailer length limits.
Always check your state's Department of Transportation (DOT) or DMV website to avoid surprises.
Recap: Your Unbraked Trailer Checklist
Before towing an unbraked trailer to a towing vehicle, make sure you’ve:
Checked the owner’s manual for towing limits.
Verified the unbraked towing capacity.
Weighed your trailer with the full load.
Confirmed tongue weight is within safe limits.
Inspected lights, tires, and safety chains.
Taking the time to go through these steps will protect your vehicle, cargo, and everyone on the road.
FAQs
1. What is the maximum weight I can tow without trailer brakes?
Most vehicles can tow an unbraked trailer weighing up to 1,500 to 2,000 lbs, but this number varies. Always check your owner’s manual or the compliance plate on your vehicle for exact limits.
2. Can I add brakes to my trailer if it's over the unbraked limit?
Yes, adding a brake system to your trailer will change its classification to “braked,” which usually allows you to tow more weight. It’s a smart move if you frequently haul heavy loads.
3. Do I need a special license to tow a trailer?
In most states, you do not need a special license for towing small or medium trailers. However, if the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer exceeds certain thresholds (often around 26,000 lbs), you may need a commercial or special endorsement. Always check your state’s laws.
Final Thoughts
Towing a trailer can be incredibly useful — for moving equipment, going camping, or hauling supplies — but only if you do it right. Never underestimate the importance of checking your tow capacity, especially when towing an unbraked trailer to a towing vehicle. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent damage to your car, ensure safe driving, and avoid legal trouble.
