J2807: How It Works
The new SAE standard (known officially as Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J2807) actually determines two distinct weight ratings: maximum vehicle Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is total vehicle weight (at max payload) plus maximum trailer weight; and maximum trailer weight rating (TWR). GCWR is an important number to know because it generally reflects the amount of weight that can be carried on or in the vehicle (the higher the number, the higher the payload rating, as a rule), but for the sake of this Hot Sheet, we’re focusing on TWR. Here are a few useful knowledge points to pass along to your customers about the rigors of the SAE test.
GCWR vs. GVWR: How They Differ (new chart)
Base curb weight | Max payload (incl. occupants | Max trailer weight | |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | x | x | |
Gross Combined Weight Rating | x | x | x |
Extreme Weather Testing
All testing for the SAE J2807 standard takes place on the same stretch of desert road near Bullhead City, Arizona. In order for a truck to satisfy any specified tow-weight rating, the following SAE criteria must be met:
- All tow testing must be conducted in a minimum of 100 degrees (F) outdoor ambient temperature to put the vehicle’s cooling system to the test
- For the duration of the test, the tow vehicle’s climate control system must be set to its coldest possible temperature setting (no recirculation) and the A/C blower must be set on “High” (or its maximum airflow setting) to put maximum load on the system
- Two 150-lb. occupants seated inside the vehicle
- Single rear-wheel trucks must be able to maintain a minimum 40-mph highway speed on a 12-mile uphill grade, with grades ranging from 3 to 7 percent, while towing the maximum specified trailer weight
- The tow vehicle must be able to launch 16 feet up a 12-degree ramp from a standing stop in both forward and reverse gears at a maximum specified trailer weight. Five successful launches in each direction must be achieved within five minutes (Note to Art Director: A visual representation is this feature has been requested.)
For trucks with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) of under 8,500 pounds, all test units must include any options packages that reflect 33 percent or more of total sales.
Failure is Not an Option
To obtain SAE J2807 certification, no vehicle component failure of any kind is allowed.
- No warning lamps can engage at any time
- No diagnostic "error" codes are permitted to appear
- The engine is not allowed to go into “limp” mode
- The vehicle is not permitted to lose any coolant
In addition, the SAE J2807 standard also sets maximum allowable acceleration times, acceptable levels of front/rear axle load distribution and maximum levels of structural deformation (at the hitch). Needless to say, it’s an exhaustive and demanding test regimen that only a tough, reliable truck can meet.
Maximum SAE J2807 Acceleration Times @ Max Trailer Weight
Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.) | 12 |
Acceleration, 0-60 mph (sec.) | 30 |
Passing acceleration, 40-60 mph (sec.) | 18 |
Benefits
Towing + Toughness = Toyota: The SAE J2807 test standard is a comprehensive test of a vehicle's engine, transmission, cooling system, axles and structural rigidity to handle a rated load. Your customers can know that their Toyota truck, SUV, XUV or minivan has survived some of the industry's harshest test methods and is built to pull its SAE-rated tow weight in some of the most extreme driving conditions. The proven reliability of Toyota vehicles has always been a strong selling point.
Toyota Leads The Way: Toyota's vehicle lineup stands out for another reason. As mentioned previously, Toyota was the first to certify all of its vehicles' tow ratings to the SAE J2807 standard. While other manufacturers claim they were planning to incorporate the SAE J2807 protocols into their pickup truck tow ratings for the 2013 model year, they still haven't, and don’t plan to until at least the 2015 model year. (It is rumored Ford may adopt the standard for the 2015 model year, after which all other manufacturers presumably will follow).
Bottom line: If a customer's Tundra is SAE J2807-certified to tow 10,000 pounds, he’ll know for sure that his truck can handle the job. The other manufacturers? Customers can only take the manufacturer's word for it. For future sales of the Toyota brand, that's a big selling advantage.