Understanding Vehicle Tow Ratings and Their Impact on Towing Your Float

Towing a float safely requires more than just hitching it to your vehicle. One of the most critical factors is understanding your vehicle’s tow rating and how it compares to the weight of the float you plan to tow. Ignoring this can lead to dangerous situations, vehicle damage, or legal issues. This post breaks down what tow ratings mean, how to compare them with the float’s weight, and practical tips to ensure safe towing.

Our day hire float - Forest.

What Is a Vehicle Tow Rating?

A vehicle’s tow rating is the maximum weight it can safely pull. This rating is set by the manufacturer and considers the vehicle’s engine power, transmission, brakes, suspension, and frame strength. Tow ratings come in two main types:

• Gross Trailer Weight: The total weight of the trailer or float including its cargo.

• Tongue Weight: The downward force the trailer’s tongue applies to the hitch, usually 10-15% of the GTW.

  
  

Tow ratings are often listed in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame or on the tow bar itself. If not, often a quick google of your vehicles make and model will tell you.

Why Tow Ratings Matter for Towing Floats

Floats, especially when towing live animals, can be heavy and have unpredictable animal movement. If your vehicle’s tow rating is lower than the float’s weight, you risk:

• Reduced vehicle control: Overloading affects steering and braking.

• Increased wear and tear: Strain on the engine, transmission, and brakes.

• Safety hazards: Higher chance of trailer sway, accidents, or mechanical failure.

• Legal consequences: Exceeding tow ratings can violate traffic laws and insurance policies.

  
  

Understanding tow ratings helps you choose the right vehicle or float and plan your trip safely.

How to Compare Tow Ratings with Your Float’s Weight

To match your vehicle’s tow rating with your float, follow these steps:

1. Find your vehicle’s tow rating: Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website.

2. Determine your float’s weight: This includes the float itself plus Horses and equipment.

3. Calculate the total trailer weight: Add the float’s weight and any precious cargo.

4. Check the tongue weight: Ensure it falls within 10-15% of the total trailer weight.

5. Compare the total trailer weight to your vehicle’s GTW rating: The trailer weight must not exceed the tow rating.

   
   

For example, if your vehicle’s tow rating is 2,500kgs, and your float weighs 2000kgs fully loaded, you are within the limit. But if the float weighs 3000kgs, towing it would be unsafe.

Factors That Affect Tow Ratings and Float Weight

Several factors can influence both the tow rating and the actual weight of your float:

• Additional cargo: Your Gear, Feed, water, and Passengers add to the total weight.

• Road conditions: Steep hills or rough terrain require more power and may reduce safe towing limits.

• Weather: Wind and rain can affect towing stability.

  
  

Always consider these factors when planning your towing.

Practical Tips for Safe Towing of Floats

• Check tire pressure: Both on your vehicle and the float to avoid blowouts.

• Inspect brakes: Make sure your vehicle and float brakes are in good condition.

• Drive cautiously: Allow extra stopping distance and avoid sudden maneuvers.

• Practice towing: If you’re new to towing floats, practice in a safe area before hitting the road.

• Use towing mirrors: They improve visibility around the float.

• Follow legal requirements: Some states require special permits or speed limits for towing heavy loads.

Don't worry, All of our horse floats we hire are serviced and checked regularly.

Signs You Are Overloading Your Vehicle

• The vehicle struggles to accelerate or maintain speed.

• The vehicle struggles to break.

• Excessive brake fade or longer stopping distances.

• Trailer sway or instability.

• Smells coming from the vehicle that aren't a common occurrence. (clutch, breaks, etc)

• Overheating engine or transmission.

• Warning lights on the dashboard.

  
  

If you notice any of these signs, stop towing immediately and reassess your load.

Final Thoughts on Tow Ratings and Float Towing

Understanding your vehicle’s tow rating and comparing it carefully with your float’s weight is essential for safe towing. It protects your vehicle, keeps you, your horses and others safe on the road, and helps you avoid costly repairs or legal trouble. Always plan ahead, check your numbers, and use the right equipment. When in doubt, consult a professional or your vehicle manufacturer.

All of our horse floats for hire are 800kgs-850kgs, So suitable for most vehicle with 1-2 horses. But bare in mind the horses weight and always assume they are heavier to be safe.