Loaded trailer
dry or empty trailer + cargo + fluids + gear
Compared with the exact trailer rating you enter for the tow vehicle.
Free Excel template · no email required
Free towing capacity and payload worksheet
A towing number alone is not a load plan. Enter your exact vehicle, hitch, and trailer ratings; itemize the people, cargo, fluids, and gear; then compare the combination against five limits in one workbook.
The workbook checks
- Loaded trailer vs towing rating
- People, cargo, and tongue weight vs payload
- Estimated tow-vehicle weight vs GVWR
- Combined weight vs GCWR
- Tongue weight vs receiver limit
Preview
Yellow inputs, green formulas, visible warnings
The sample illustrates how a combination can remain under its headline trailer rating but still be close to payload, GVWR, or receiver limits.
Five checks, one trip
What the towing spreadsheet calculates
Each result shows the entered limit, estimated or actual load, remaining margin, percentage used, and a plain-language planning status.
Payload
people + vehicle cargo + tongue weight
Compared with the payload shown on the tow vehicle's door label.
Vehicle GVWR
curb or scale weight + total payload used
Helps expose combinations that fit the towing headline but overload the vehicle.
Combined GCWR
tow vehicle + trip loads + loaded trailer
Compared with the Gross Combined Weight Rating you enter.
Receiver limit
measured tongue weight or an editable estimate
Compared with the lowest applicable hitch-component tongue limit.
Inside the file
Four worksheets with one job each
- Tow Planner: ratings, trailer inputs, formulas, and limit checks.
- Trip Loads: people, cab cargo, bed cargo, trailer cargo, fluids, and gear.
- Instructions: a six-step workflow and a list of limits to verify separately.
- Reference: definitions, editable assumptions, sources, and limitations.
Important limits
A spreadsheet cannot determine that a tow is safe
The workbook does not model front or rear GAWR, individual axle-scale weights, tire and wheel ratings, hitch setup, weight distribution, trailer brakes, sway control, grade, altitude, weather, road surface, local law, or every configuration difference. A green result only means the numbers entered are within the limits entered. Verify all ratings and requirements with labels, manuals, current manufacturer guidance, measured weights, and a qualified professional before towing.
FAQ
Towing worksheet questions
Is the towing and payload worksheet free?
Yes. The Excel workbook is free to download and does not require an account or email address.
What ratings do I need before using it?
Collect the max trailer rating, payload, GVWR, GCWR, tow-vehicle curb or scale weight, and receiver tongue limit for your exact configuration. Use the driver labels, owner's manual, year-specific towing guide, and hitch and trailer labels.
Does the spreadsheet find my vehicle ratings automatically?
No. MotorTally's online towing lookup can provide a model-level reference maximum, but the workbook deliberately requires the ratings for your exact vehicle, drivetrain, tow package, axle, hitch, and trailer.
Can I use the workbook in Google Sheets?
Usually. Upload the .xlsx file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets. Recheck formulas, formatting, comments, and dropdowns after conversion because spreadsheet apps can interpret workbook features differently.
Does it approve a fifth-wheel or gooseneck combination?
No. The default percentage estimate is intended only as a visible conventional-trailer planning assumption. Enter verified pin weight and follow the vehicle, trailer, and hitch manufacturers' guidance. The workbook does not model individual axle or tire loads.