Quick Guide for Understanding Towing Capacity in Grand Ledge, MI
Whether you're hauling a boat, camper, or ATV throughout Grand Ledge, knowing your truck's towing capacity is essential for both your own safety and the safety of everyone on the road around you. At Sundance Chevrolet GMC, some of the most common questions we hear from customers are about towing capacity. The answer involves more than just a number on a sticker, so read on to learn how to figure it out!
Start with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of your fully loaded vehicle, which includes passengers, cargo, fuel, and any tongue weight from a trailer. You'll find this number on the driver's side door jamb sticker. Every Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra is engineered to a specific GVWR, and exceeding it puts stress on your brakes, suspension, tires, and frame.
Understand Your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the maximum weight of your truck plus your fully loaded trailer. This is the ceiling you must never exceed. Subtract your truck's curb weight, which is the weight of the vehicle with a full tank of fuel but no passengers or cargo, from the GCWR, and you get your maximum trailer weight. If you neglect to calculate this figure and instead go with your gut, your trips to Fitzgerald Park can be less than pleasant.
Calculate Your Payload Capacity
Payload capacity is the amount of weight your truck can carry in the cab and bed. This figure is incredibly important because a portion of a trailer's tongue weight is transferred onto your truck's rear axle and counts against your payload. A good rule of thumb is that tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight. So if you're towing a 10,000-lb. camper, expect roughly 1,000 to 1,500 lb. of tongue weight eating into your payload budget. Several of our trucks offer impressive payload ratings depending on configuration, but the specific number varies by cab style, bed length, engine, and axle ratio. That's why we always encourage customers to check the specific payload sticker in the door jamb since that sticker reflects your exact truck's capability. If you have any trouble finding this number, fill out our Ask a Tech form to receive advice from our service professionals.
Factor in Your Towing Package and Hitch Rating
Not all hitches are created equal. A Class III hitch handles significantly less than a Class V. If your Silverado or Sierra came with a factory tow package, it likely includes a higher-capacity hitch receiver, upgraded transmission cooler, and trailer brake controller wiring, all of which affect how safely and effectively you can tow. Always match your hitch rating to the job at hand.
Don't Forget Trailer Tongue Weight and Brake Requirements
Most states require trailer brakes when the loaded trailer exceeds 3,000 lb. Our GMC and Chevy trucks offer integrated trailer brake controllers on higher trim levels, making compliance easy. Additionally, load distribution hitches are strongly recommended for trailers over 5,000 lb. to keep your front wheels planted and your steering responsive.
The Smart Way to Shop
If you're buying a truck specifically for towing, tell us upfront what you plan to haul. We'll match you to the right engine, axle ratio, and package for your trips to Jaycee Park and beyond. Several of our trucks can tow 20,000 lb. in the right configuration, but only if you start with the right foundation. Towing safely starts with knowing your numbers. Stop by and let our expert team help you match the right Chevy or GMC truck to your trailer before you ever pull out of the driveway.
Our New Vehicles Have Serious Pulling Power!
Dealership Information
Testimonials
“ Friendly and knowledgeable ”
“ Erin Killeen was a great help the whole process! ”
“ Just bought my second vehicle from this place, this experience was even more pleasant than my previous purchase. Dominic was great and expediant during my visit. Just a couple minor paperwork jumbling but the Deal was smooth and streamlined as possible. Dominic Lansdon you da man! Thank you for all you did. Keep up the great experiences you give and I'll brag everyone to come see You! Thanks ”
“ Jeremy was great help getting us set in our new ride, highly recommend Jeremy getting you going as well! ”
“ I was in and out in about 30 minutes! ”
“ Cam was enjoyable to work with. Helped us get into another ct6 ”
“ Good experience. Cameron was great and got the deal done. Love our car. ”
It was a great experience with Josh and the fiance.
“ It was a great experience with Josh and the fiance. I would definitely recommend Sundance Chevrolet to anybody looking to buy a vehicle ”
Ed was a great salesman!
“ Ed was a great salesman! Very knowledgeable, friendly and extremely professional! No high-pressure sales - kept me informed every step of the way. Highly recommend Ed and Jorge (in finance)! ”
Ed Fernandez did a great job working with us, good
“ Ed Fernandez did a great job working with us, good selection of vehicles, highly recommend Sundance dealership ”
“ Ed Fernandez was very helpful and knowledgeable, we would recommend him to anyone car shopping. A great experience at Sundance Chevrolet. I know I will love my new Equinox. Pam and Dave T. ”
“ Josh Brown was a amazing and fast sales person will come back to him ”
“ Come see Brad Mrazik down at Sundance Chevrolet. Brad made it easy trading in my car for new one, it was painless. ”
“ Very pleasant purchase experience ”
“ I have never been more impressed. Between great staff, being open on Sunday, ease of paperwork process, and more; Sundance has been the best dealership I have interacted with. I was able to check off all but one thing on the list of must haves for my new to me car! I appreciated everything that the gentleman, Dominic Lansdon did to make this purchase go so smoothly, even with some minor hiccups. I especially appreciated that he was willing to come in on his day off to let me test drive so I could make the final decision. The next time my household is in the market for a car, we will be looking at Sundance’s inventory first! ”
“ Dealt with Scott C. Made everything so smooth and easy. They brought the car i wanted down from St. johns. Checked it all out. It drives beautifully and i love it. Got me great financing. I am so happy and will be doing all my car shopping here. My family all does as well. ”
“ I got a good car & a great deal from Jason z ”
“ Brad was able to find us a great vehicle at a great price. ”
I have never been more impressed.
“ I have never been more impressed. Between great staff, being open on Sunday, ease of paperwork process, and more; Sundance has been the best dealership I have interacted with. I was able to check off all but one thing on the list of must haves for my new to me car! I appreciated everything that the gentleman, Dominic Lansdon did to make this purchase go so smoothly, even with some minor hiccups. I especially appreciated that he was willing to come in on his day off to let me test drive so I could make the final decision. The next time my household is in the market for a car, we will be looking at Sundance’s inventory first! ”
Sundance is always transparent and upnfront with
“ Sundance is always transparent and upnfront with everything that they do. The staff is professional and quick to answer any questions. ”
“ Nick was very perfectionist.. it was a pleasure meeting him and we will be back requesting nick to assist.. ”
“ Got a new car here recently. Was pleased with my experience here. Beulah was amazing to work with! ”
“ Dominic was awesome salesman! Took his time with no pressure to buy. Made my experience great! ”
“ First time car buyer, and my wife and I have heard it all, buyer Beware and all of that. But when I say this was the most exciting and best experience I’ve ever had when making a big purchase? I mean it! I couldn’t say any of this though without the sales professional who took all this time to help me out. Josh Brown, man is a legend. He’s helped so much in more ways than I can recite. Work with Sundance, and ask for Josh Brown. Not only did he help me with buying a car, but he helped me with insurance and a loan, he told me about the cars, where to go, what to do, all of it. This man’s bare minimum is above and beyond any service that I have received. ”
“ Aaron was great and was easy to work with. I will be having him help me with all my car needs in the future as well! ”
I work with Jason.
“ I work with Jason. He moved the process along very quickly when I picked up my new car no hassle. Everything was correct. I think he did a very good job. ”
“ Recently just bought a car thanks to Beulah’s help! Very helpful and patient I might add lol! 10/10 recommend! ”
“ Cam was great . Got another car from him and the experience was fast and simple. ”
“ Cam was great. Im happy I got a replacement for my Acadia ”
You should not require your customers to write a review
“ You should not require your customers to write a review if they do not want to. ”
“ Ed Fernandez is the BEST!!! He takes the time to listen and deliver what you need/want. Our family appreciates Ed and all he does for his clients! Thanks Ed! ”
“ Love the northern ranch feel of this dealer, and the folks are great to work with! Having open hours on a Sunday when everybody else around the state is shut down tight really made a difficult situation possible to resolve quick and painless too. Thanks so much Sundance! ”
“ Jorge is the man! Third vehicle we have bought ”
“ Josh Brown took excellent care with us. He was patient explained everything to us from the beginning to the end. Excellent customer services with all out needs always in mind. The process was easy and quick, Josh made sure we were aware and understood each step of the process. I would recommend anyone ask for Josh for the best customer service ever. Thank you so much Josh. ”
Very friendly folks here.
“ Very friendly folks here. From Chris, to Jay and the service folks. Would definitely recommend! ”
“ very very helpful, she helped my boyfriend with buying his truck and was super impressed with how she took care of everything and talked him through and made things so easy for him. loved her and definitely going to refer others to erin killeen! ”
“ Erin Killeen was so helpful and knew exactly how to handle her job! best experience i’ve had with a dealership was with sundance especially Erin! Highly recommend going through her to buy your next vehicle! ”
“ Jason Z is by far the best salesman i have ever encountered!!! Highly recommend!!!! ”
Starting right from the beginning with Brandon Howell,
“ Starting right from the beginning with Brandon Howell, who happen to be in the parking lot when I was first looking at the Chevy Trax, to Dan Clark my salesperson, I have had a great experience! Brandon also helped me get all the technology set up in my new car and even fixed an issue with my email account. Most importantly, I love my new Chevy Trax! Thank you Sundance! ”
“ Great service thanks to ED Fernandez! ”
“ Aaron ray got me a great deal on my favorite truck! I’ll be back to Sundance for my next ride to! ”
“ I want to express my deepest gratitude to Jay in the service department. I purchased my 2023 Silverado almost a year ago, and I had requested a second key because it had never been provided to me before. I had forgotten about it, so I stopped by for an oil change and inquired about the second key. To my surprise, Jay remembered me from a whole year ago! I had never met him before these interactions, and it was incredibly impressive that he remembered me. He promptly provided me with the key and programmed it without any hassle. Thank you so much for all your help today and for ensuring that I was taken care of! You have undoubtedly earned my business in the future! ”
“ Jason Z. helped us get squared away real quick and easy! Thank you so much for helping us get that trade in. Smooth ride for sure! ”
“ Aaron Ray did a great job helping me out and explaining everything. ”
Very unorganized, searching for inventory and can't find
“ Very unorganized, searching for inventory and can't find it. Try to test drive, have to wait for them to only put $2 of gas in vehicles. Came an hour away for one specific vehicle because I was told the day before and day of it was available only to find out it was not there, it was in Saint John's. ”
“ Ralph was a cool stand up guy and made it easy to understand. Very professional and courtesy. Definitely cool guy 😎 ”