More GVW vs tow capacity confusion

[Old_Stevenick]

The stated towing capacity of our 2002 Econoline E350 V10 is 10,000 and the GVW is 9,400.

How can that be? The van weights 5,600 lbs, that would mean a 3,800 lb trailer max, right?

So confusing.

[Canonman]

I think you might be confusing the towing capacity and the GVWR with the "gross combined weight rating". Your gross combined weight is the gross trailer weight plus the gross tow vehicle weight. Remember that only the vehicle’s weight, fluids, cargo, and passengers contribute to the gross vehicle weight rating. Conversely, total towing capacity refers to how much weight a vehicle can pull as a separate trailer attached behind. Another weight to be considered is the tongue weight of any trailer as that will also contribute to the gross vehicle weight limit.
If you weigh your Econoline, then subtract that weight from your GVWR you'll get your payload weight. Payload includes everything you put in the vehicle plus the tongue weight of your trailer.
In short, you can pull a 10,000 pound gross weight trailer as long as you don't exceed your payload or GVWR.

[Old_Stevenick]

Thanks, that and things I just found on the web makes sense.