Up until 2013, there is still no legitimate standard to compare the trailer tow ratings advertised by various truck manufacturers. Because of this, a manufacturer can perform tests in conditions that would help them achieve the highest possible rating. But through the efforts of the Society of Automated Engineers (SAE), this will now change.
The tow vehicle trailer rating committee of the SAE, in cooperation with both local and international auto manufacturers, presented the SAE's Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J2807 to determine the maximum permissible gross combination weight (GCWR) of the tow vehicle and the trailer, as well as the maximum permissible trailer weight rating (TWR). This new standard was approved in April of 2008 and will be mandatory for the tow ratings of all tow vehicles starting 2013.
The Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J2807 stipulates all the conditions that have to be met before a manufacturer can claim the maximum tow rating for a particular vehicle. The conditions that need to be met include acceleration performance requirements, grade launch requirements, highway gradeability, handling requirements and braking requirements.
Find out more about it at the Automobile Mag website.