Trailer Life helps perpetuate the 1/2 ton towable myth

TXiceman wrote:
I am tired of the people that want to tell everyone that it is OK to go over the manufacturers rating and they will do fine. I have no additional comment where folks like to spread false information. I like seeing that I spent 5 years getting an engineering degree and over 40 years as an engineer and these years were totally wasted according to the "self-proclaimed experts."

Good luck on the road.

Ken

Here we go with the name calling and whine that your some kind of engineer you were good at on IRV2 website as a moderator Emeritus. Its evident your sure not a truck frame/chassis engineer.

I looked back through the replies and didn't find where anyone said or commented that your 5 years were wasted. Come on TX we sure don't need your usual bullying replies/comments on RV.net.
Like Jeremy says you sure like to put words in others mouths.

X2

I am tired of the people that want to tell everyone that it is OK to go over the manufacturers rating and they will do fine. I have no additional comment where folks like to spread false information. I like seeing that I spent 5 years getting an engineering degree and over 40 years as an engineer and these years were totally wasted according to the "self-proclaimed experts."

Good luck on the road.

Ken

JIMNLIN wrote:

Mootpoint wrote:
I don't know any safe drivers with experience, professional or recreational, that will deliberately tow an overweight unit. Some will argue that it is done all the time with no problems. Those drivers are not safe. Just luckier than others.

Over weight by who's definition.

Just call me Mr. Lucky.

Mootpoint wrote:
I don't know any safe drivers with experience, professional or recreational, that will deliberately tow an overweight unit. Some will argue that it is done all the time with no problems. Those drivers are not safe. Just luckier than others.

Over weight by who's definition.

nomad297 wrote:
Bad link

Why bother?

Rise and shine - wake up call!!..:W

For trailers & vehicles- TL is another version of a manufacturer's brochure.

TL wouldn't print anything negative about a product - no matter what it is.

Potential advertiser/s..:S

The staff is small - most articles (compare generators, etc.) featured are submitted for publication (and pay).
You can do the same!

Simple axiom: It had better be positive or it will *never* be in print..;)

~

I don't know any safe drivers with experience, professional or recreational, that will deliberately tow an overweight unit. Some will argue that it is done all the time with no problems. Those drivers are not safe. Just luckier than others.

jerem0621 wrote:
Why is an overloaded half ton unsafe while an overloaded 3/4 ton or 1 ton is just business as usual?

Jeremiah

Break a rear axle on the half ton and the wheel falls off. Break a rear axle on a 3/4 or 1T and you coast to a stop or really tax your limited slip diff. Also most new 3/4 T and the same vehicle as the 1T SRW except for the rear springs. Chris

jaycocreek wrote:
Times have changed since the old days. The newer so called 1/2 tons are the 3/4 tons of yesterday!

Off the Ford site.

No half ton has full floating or semi floating rear axles like 3/4T have had from the beginning. You can do anything you want with a half ton(springs, air bags, tires, gear ratios etc), but you are still carrying the load on the axle itself.

Chris

Ken,

You are putting words in my mouth concerning things I have never spoken about. I did NOT say a Ranger can pull a 40ft toy hauler. I also never have alluded to the drivers liscense controversy.

I do think that "payload" is calculated arbitrarily and there is no standard...not sure how you got me saying you can pull anything with anything out of that. I would love to see a standard but right now there is none that I can find.

My message always has been and always will be to tow within YOUR limits. Even a Toyota chief engineer agrees with me.

How you can tell a person to "stay under your ratings and you will be okay" is a TOTAL AND INSIDIOUS disservice to them.

In plain English....one more time...just so I am clear...

Being under ratings DOES NOT make you safe....being over ratings DOES NOT make you a danger to society.

Your ability as an operator has everything to do with safety.

People towing under/over ratings traveling at 75-85 mph can be a danger to society...

Someone under/over ratings traveling reasonable for conditions, giving the car in front plenty of room... Is not a danger to society.

So really Ken, are you really comfortable telling a Newb who has never towed that they are going to be fine and "enjoy the ride" with their brand new PSD and 40 ft Toy Hauler? After all they are under ratings...with zero experience..

I'm not, in going to tell them they need to get some experience and that's a LOT of rig to handle.

Also, if you reply, please stay on point and don't make up things to accuse me of. I don't make things up about you.

Thanks!

Jeremiah