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car being towed by wheel lift tow truck

The Difference Between Truck Payload And Towing Capacity

When it comes to towing, there are dedicated tow trucks made for the job. One of the most versatile truck are known as the wreckers. These recovery vehicles are used to help cars that are stuck on the road because they broke down or they met an accident. However, other trucks can also be fitted with wheel lifts to allow them to tow a car.

However, you must remember that not all tow trucks can be used to tow vehicles. You also need to choose and consider a few factors. This is where truck payload and towing capacity come into the picture. They both tell about the power of the truck but which one should you focus more on? We’ll help you figure that out in this post.

Truck Payload Vs Towing Capacity

Both can seem similar but the main difference between the two is really simple. The payload tells about how much cargo or weight the truck can carry. On the other hand, the towing capacity talks about how much weight the truck is able to pull.

The payload capacity affects how much the truck can carry. It can help owners estimate how much stuff they can put into the truck and carry it. This weight is calculated by the manufacturer and is readily available information when your asking for the truck’s features.

The towing capacity usually exceeds payload capacity because it will also be affected by the trailer’s axles. This is the one you should be paying attention to if you are planning to use the truck for towing.

Know These Before You Tow

Before you even attempt to use the truck to tow a vehicle, an ATV or a motorcycle. You have to know the towing capacity and payload capacity of the truck. If you don’t and install your wheel lift towing equipment, you risk damaging the truck’s engine, transmission, frame, and tires.


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