SAE J2807-2024 PDF

Full title and description

SAE J2807-2024 — Performance Requirements for Determining Tow‑Vehicle Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and Trailer Weight Rating (TWR). This SAE recommended practice defines minimum dynamic and structural performance tests and a calculation methodology used to determine tow‑vehicle trailer weight ratings for passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks (light‑duty vehicles up to 14,000 lb GVWR).

Abstract

SAE J2807-2024 (designated J2807_202411) sets uniform test procedures and assumptions so manufacturers can demonstrate and state tow‑vehicle ratings that are comparable across makes and models. The document specifies test trailers and instrumentation, dynamic performance tests (acceleration, gradeability, handling/understeer, sway damping), braking and parking‑brake performance with trailer attached, and structural/hitch attachment criteria. It also defines the calculation method used to derive a vehicle’s published Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) from the tested Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and the defined tow‑vehicle total weight (TVTW).

General information

• Status: Current — reaffirmed version (2024).
• Publication date: November 21, 2024.
• Publisher: SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers).
• ICS / categories: 43 Road vehicle engineering — relevant groups include 43.040 Road vehicle systems; 43.080 Commercial vehicles (trucks and trailers); 43.100 Passenger cars, caravans and light trailers.
• Edition / version: J2807_202411 (2024 revision/reaffirmation; revises the 2020 edition).
• Number of pages: Approximately 30 pages (typical published PDF length).

Scope

Specifies minimum performance criteria, test trailers and instrumentation, test procedures, and a calculation methodology to determine a tow‑vehicle’s Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and derive the Trailer Weight Rating (TWR). Applies to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks with GVWRs up to 14,000 pounds. The standard covers dynamic performance (acceleration, gradeability including the Davis Dam model grade), combined vehicle/trailer handling (understeer), trailer sway damping, braking and parking‑brake requirements while towing, and structural/hitch attachment strength and deformation limits.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined test trailer specifications and ballast distribution to create repeatable, representative test loads.
• Gradeability and cooling performance test (Davis Dam or equivalent long‑grade simulation) to verify sustained performance at GCWR.
• Acceleration and launch requirements from level and on grades (timed runs such as 0–60 mph and hill launches).
• Handling requirements: understeer behaviour up to specified lateral accelerations to ensure stable, predictable handling while towing.
• Sway damping test and minimum damping ratio requirements to limit trailer oscillation and ensure controllability.
• Braking performance and lane‑tracking during stops from specified speeds with/without trailer brakes; parking‑brake hold on grades.
• Structural strength and deformation limits for hitch attachment points (e.g., maximum permanent angular deformation and short‑duration load withstand requirements).
• Calculation methodology and standardized assumptions for deriving TWR from GCWR and tow‑vehicle total weight (TVTW) including specified allowances for occupants and equipment.
• Specific provisions for single rear wheel (SRW) vs dual rear wheel (DRW) vehicles and for different hitch types (conventional ball, fifth wheel, gooseneck).

Typical use and users

Used by vehicle manufacturers and their engineering and test teams to determine and certify tow/trailer ratings; independent testing laboratories and certification bodies conducting SAE J2807 test programs; regulatory and compliance teams comparing manufacturer claims; fleet managers, commercial purchasers and dealers who need consistent and comparable tow‑rating information; and aftermarket hitch and trailer manufacturers referencing vehicle rating limits.

Related standards

Closely related to prior and earlier revisions of the same document (SAE J2807 2020, 2016, 2012, 2010). It complements SAE and international standards addressing trailer braking systems, electrical connectors and towing couplings (for example, ISO/IEC documents dealing with trailer brakes and connectors such as ISO 7633/7634/7638 and related ISO standards for light trailers), and sits alongside applicable national vehicle safety regulations (FMVSS and similar regional requirements) and other SAE J‑series standards on vehicle/brake testing and hitch attachments.

Keywords

towing; trailer weight rating; TWR; GCWR; GVWR; TVTW; tow rating; hitch strength; Davis Dam; gradeability; understeer; sway damping; trailer braking; SAE J2807; tow vehicle testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: SAE J2807-2024 is a recommended practice from SAE International that defines test procedures, performance criteria and a calculation method for determining tow‑vehicle Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and the derived Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) for light‑duty passenger and commercial vehicles.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the test trailer specification and instrumentation, dynamic tests (acceleration, gradeability, handling/understeer, sway), braking and parking‑brake performance while towing, structural/hitch attachment strength limits, and the standardized calculation used to convert a tested GCWR into a published TWR.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Vehicle OEM engineering and validation teams, independent test laboratories, certification and compliance groups, fleet buyers and dealers, and aftermarket trailer and hitch manufacturers who need consistent, comparable towing ratings.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current. The document was reaffirmed/issued in 2024 (version J2807_202411) and supersedes earlier editions (including the 2020 revision). Always check the publisher for the absolute latest status before relying on a specific edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of SAE’s J‑series vehicle engineering standards and has a history of revisions (2010, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024). It is one element in the broader body of SAE and ISO standards that address vehicle performance, braking, towing couplings and trailer systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Towing, Trailer Weight Rating (TWR), Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), tow vehicle total weight (TVTW), hitch, Davis Dam, gradeability, understeer, sway, braking, SAE J2807.