Manufacturers often boast that their pick-up truck has better towing capacity than the competition, but this isn't some made up figure by the automakers - it's a real measurement of the absolute upper limit that your vehicle can safely handle.
Those experienced with pick-ups or cars in general might think that they can get away with hauling something slightly above the weight limit. Wrong. Towing capacity is not an overly conservative estimate - and ignoring this figure can have serious consequences, reports Popular Mechanics.
Exceeding this amount will put an undue amount of stress on your brakes and tires. Not only can you damage your vehicle, but you are also putting yourself and your passengers in a dangerous situation. Brake performance and handling ability will be impacted to the point of being unsafe.
Before you tow anything, be sure to take your truck and payload to a scale in your area so you know exactly how much weight you're dealing with. It's also a good idea to take your truck in to a certified auto maintenance expert for brake service and perhaps some new tires.