2017 Kenworth T680 Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2017 Kenworth T680 is a heavy-duty commercial truck designed for a wide range of demanding applications, and its towing and hauling capabilities are extensive, varying greatly based on configuration.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: Up to 140,000 lbs (GCWR dependent)
• Max Payload: Varies significantly by configuration (often tens of thousands of pounds)
• GVWR: Up to 60,000 lbs (single unit) or higher in combination
• GCWR: Up to 140,000 lbs (combination)
• Curb Weight: Varies widely, typically 16,000 to 20,000 lbs for a tractor
• Hitch Class: Class VIII+ (Pintle hook, fifth-wheel, or gooseneck mounts, not conventional receiver hitches)

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The Kenworth T680 is a Class 8 truck, meaning its towing and payload capacities are far beyond light-duty and even most heavy-duty consumer trucks. The ratings are highly dependent on the specific engine, axle configuration, transmission, and frame specifications. Kenworth does not provide a simple consumer-style towing chart, as each truck is often custom-ordered for its intended application. The below table provides general ranges for common configurations.

Note: These figures represent the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) for towing and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for standalone payload capacity. Actual payload and towing capacity will always be limited by the lowest-rated component in the entire setup (tires, axles, suspension, hitch, trailer, etc.). Always refer to the specific truck's door jamb sticker (Federal Certification Label) for its exact GVWR and GAWRs (Gross Axle Weight Ratings) as well as the manufacturer's documentation for GCWR.

Tow package contents

Unlike light-duty trucks, the Kenworth T680 doesn't offer a "tow package" in the traditional sense. Instead, towing capability is inherent in its design and specified through various heavy-duty component selections during the build process:

• Heavy-Duty Frame Rails: Designed for extreme loads and torsional stress.
• High-Capacity Axles and Suspension: Axle ratings can range from 12,000 lbs up to 22,000+ lbs for steer axles and 23,000 lbs up to 46,000+ lbs (tandem) for drive axles, with corresponding heavy-duty suspensions (air ride, spring-leaf).
• Powerful Braking Systems: Full air brake systems with ABS are standard, often including engine brakes (jake brakes) or exhaust brakes for enhanced stopping power with heavy loads.
• Integrated Trailer Brake Connections: Standard 7-pin (ISO) or 13-pin (ISO) electrical connectors for trailer brakes, lights, and auxiliary power.
• Heavy-Duty Cooling Systems: Transmissions, engines, and other components are equipped with robust cooling to handle continuous heavy loads.
• Engine & Transmission Power Take-Off (PTO) Options: For operating auxiliary trailer equipment.

Due to the nature of commercial vehicles and the variety of trailers they pull, features like "trailer sway control" or "integrated brake controllers" as seen in consumer pickup trucks are handled differently. Trailer sway is mitigated by proper trailer loading and hitch setup (fifth-wheel/gooseneck) and driver experience. Integrated brake controllers for air-braked trailers are part of the standard air system.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

The Kenworth T680 is primarily designed for fifth-wheel and, less commonly, gooseneck trailer applications. These trucks excel at pulling massive trailers that require these types of hitches for stability and load distribution.

• Fifth-Wheel Capacity: The kingpin rating of the fifth-wheel hitch itself (which is mounted on the truck's frame) and the truck's GAWRs and GVWR will dictate the maximum permissible vertical load. Fifth-wheel capacities on a T680 can easily range from 40,000 lbs to over 60,000 lbs, with GCWRs of up to 140,000 lbs or more depending on jurisdiction and permits.
• Gooseneck Capacity: While less common for the T680, a gooseneck ball can be installed in the bed for certain trailer types. Gooseneck capacities would also be limited by the truck's axle ratings and the gooseneck hitch's specific rating, typically also in the tens of thousands of pounds for pin weight.

Always ensure that the fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch selected is rated appropriately for the anticipated trailer kingpin weight and the overall gross trailer weight.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

Weight Distribution Hitches (WDH) are not applicable or necessary for a Kenworth T680. WDH systems are designed for conventional bumper-pull trailers with a relatively high percentage of tongue weight on the hitch receiver, typically found on light-duty and some medium-duty trucks.

For a Kenworth T680 pulling a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer, the design of these hitches inherently distributes the trailer's vertical load more effectively over the truck's chassis and drive axles, negating the need for a WDH. The immense weight and robust construction of these commercial trucks are designed for direct load bearing through the fifth-wheel plate or gooseneck ball.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

1. Understand Your Ratings: Commercial towing is strictly regulated. Know your truck's specific GVWR, GAWRs, and GCWR from the door jamb sticker and Kenworth documentation. Never exceed these. Your trailer also has its own ratings (GVWR, GAWRs).
2. Proper Loading: Load the trailer correctly to ensure optimal weight distribution over its axles and appropriate kingpin/tongue weight on the truck. Improper loading is a leading cause of instability.
3. Pre-Trip Inspections: Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections (DOT Pre-Trip Inspection) of your truck, trailer, tires, brakes, lights, and coupling every time.
4. Braking Distances: Commercial truck and trailer combinations require significantly longer stopping distances. Allow ample space and anticipate stops.
5. Gear Selection: Use appropriate gear selection for ascents and descents to maintain control and prevent overheating of brakes or drivetrain components. Utilize engine brakes effectively.
6. Tire Pressure: Maintain correct tire pressures on both the truck and trailer for safety, stability, and fuel efficiency.
7. Maintenance: Regular and diligent maintenance is crucial for commercial vehicles under constant heavy loads.

Common towing-related issues

• Overheating: Continuous heavy hauling, especially in hot weather or steep grades, can lead to engine or transmission overheating if cooling systems are not adequately maintained or rated.
• Brake Fade/Failure: Overuse of service brakes on long descents without proper use of engine brakes can lead to brake fade or even failure.
• Tire Issues: Blowouts or rapid wear due to improper inflation, overloading, or poor alignment on either the truck or trailer.
• Suspension Sag/Failure: Overloading can damage springs, air springs, or other suspension components.
• Driveline Stress: Excessive loads or improper driving techniques can lead to premature wear of U-joints, axles, and differentials.
• Coupling Problems: Improper coupling of the fifth-wheel or gooseneck can lead to dangerous detachments.

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