Posts: 1751
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | Guest - 8/28/2012 12:29 PM
Then why do auto manufacturers say you actually can tow something of a certain weight - if you really can't? If the prevailing wisdom is that it should be half of whats listed as capacity then why don't they just say that? Much like the EPA MPG estimates that were brought down to reality a couple years ago.
If its that you can tow 1700 pounds once or twice a year for 15 mile trips maybe its okay to list as a 2000 capacity. But if you tow that weight 30 times per year an average of 2 hours per trip then I think there should be that disclaimer and maybe a different rating.
To me, it does seem if you have a turbo charged 4 cylinder that can tow 2000 pounds, with a transmission cooler, and heavy duty enough brakes to be used also on the 6 cyl that tows 5000 pounds...that its do-able. More a matter of how much/often...
Are you 100% sure that the brakes are the same size? Are there more pistons in the calipers for the V6 model? Are any suspension components different? Are there different shock and spring rates? Are the sway bar(s) the same diameter? Do both vehicles have the same trailer sway control? Does the 4 cylinder have front tow hooks incase you get into a jam? Do you tow in the snow? Do you tow on hilly roads or flat ones?
There are many other variables other than size of the brake discs and transmission cooler that come into play with how much a vehicle can tow. Most of us here have the mentality that overkill is better. We have experience with failures and that is why many of us buy bigger trucks than are needed. The harder something has to work, the more likely it is to fail. Components these days are designed with a much lower factor of safety than those of yesteryear due to EPA regulations. More weight means lower MPG. |
