TRAILER SAFETY TOOLS
Know your Numbers and Haul Safer
Free tools to help you understand your truck and trailer before you hit the road.
CHOOSE YOUR TOOL
Whether you’re checking a new truck-and-trailer combination or figuring out how your current setup measures up, start with the numbers you need to know.
Trailer Tongue Weight Calculator
Find your horse trailer’s estimated tongue weight and see whether it falls within the recommended range for safe, stable towing.
Tow Capacity & Payload Calculator
See how your truck, trailer, horses, passengers, and gear work together AND find out if your setup is within your vehicle’s towing and payload limits.
Towing capacity isn't the whole story!
Your truck might be rated to tow your horse trailer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your whole setup is within its limits.
Horses, passengers, tack, hay, water, and other cargo all add weight. Your trailer’s tongue weight also counts against your truck’s available payload. That means it’s possible to stay under your maximum tow rating while exceeding another important limit.
Our calculators help you look at the whole towing setup.
BEFORE YOU CALCULATE
You’ll need some numbers to use these tools. Here’s what to have handy.
YOUR TRUCK
Look for:
• Payload capacity
• Maximum towing capacity
• GVWR
• GCWR
Where to look:
Driver’s door jamb labels and your vehicle owner’s manual/towing guide.
YOUR TRAILER
Look for:
• Empty trailer weight
• GVWR
• Tongue weight
Where to look:
The trailer’s VIN/data plate, manufacturer’s specifications, or a certified scale.
YOUR LOAD
Think about:
• Horses
• People & Dogs
• Tack and Equipment
• Hay and Water
• Anything else in the truck or trailer
Don’t underestimate the little things. Buckets, saddles, tools, coolers, and other gear add up surprisingly fast.
BEHIND THE MATH
The formulas behind our Trailer Safety Tools were developed by Jillian Wolgast, engineer, mechanic, horseback rider, and instructor for our Hotties Who Haul workshops. Jillian helped translate the sometimes-confusing math of towing, payload, and tongue weight into practical tools specifically for horse owners. A huge thank you to Jillian for putting her expertise to work making hauling a little easier for all of us.
A NOTE ABOUT SAFETY
These calculators are educational tools designed to help you better understand your towing setup. Always verify the ratings and limits for your specific truck, hitch and trailer, follow manufacturer recommendations, and never rely on estimates when an actual weight or rating is available. When in doubt, weigh your loaded setup at a certified vehicle scale.
Become a Hottie Who Hauls
Want to learn even more about your truck and trailer? Hotties Who Haul is our hands-on truck and trailer workshop designed to help women understand their equipment, handle common problems and feel more confident hauling their horses.
Participants get hands-on with trucks and trailers while learning about safe towing, tires, maintenance and repairs, emergency situations, payload and tongue weight, backing and more.
