Every summer, thousands of Ontarians hit the highways towing a camper or some power-toys behind their trucks and SUV's. On any given long weekend, you probably notice huge flocks of trailers and toys headed down the highway bound for cottages, camps and other weekend escapes with family and friends.

Trailering is ideal for families who occasionally require added space to transport a few days worth of camping gear, food and firewood without having to use a larger and thirstier vehicle year round. Most new cars can tow at least a small trailer, while some full sized trucks can haul 10,000 pounds or more.

If you're thinking of investing in a new trailer, truck or both, there are some key things to know. Your dealership can help you find an adequate new or used vehicle for your towing needs, as well as helping keep said vehicle in top shape throughout the season. A trailer shop can also help with assessing your needs before recommending a trailer and hitch combination.


The first and most important part of towing is determining the capacity of your vehicle. A range of factors contribute to the weight your car or truck can pull- and you can check with your owner's manual, sales rep or our specifications page for more information.

The total capacity of your machine is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). You may find your vehicles GVWR printed onto a sticker in one of the door jams. It indicates how much weight the vehicle can handle safely- including a loaded trailer and passengers.

You'll need a hitch to attach a trailer to your vehicle. There are several varieties available, placed into classes indicating the weight they're able to support. Hitches have a specified maximum GTW, or Gross Tow Weight assigned to them. This is the total weight of the fully loaded trailer that will be attached to them. Tongue Weight capacity is also important, representing the total amount of weight that can rest on the tongue of the trailer where it meets the hitch.

Part of making sure the tongue weight is not exceeded has to do with how you pack your trailer. As a guideline, about 60 percent of the weight should be in the front of the trailer and about 40 percent in the rear. Be sure to strap or tie down loose items securely so that they don't move around and upset the balance of your load.

Don't ever exceed posted capacities- in fact, a safe bet is to stay under them just to be sure. After all, safety is important when driving with your family and their possessions.

Remember that loaded vehicles require considerably longer distances to stop and accelerate. It's very important to be aware of the added need for space when passing and stopping while towing a load.