CatonsvilleFred wrote:
2) The cargo version of this van with no seats can tow 9500 w/ a 950 lb. tongue rating... From talking with Nissan, it has the same receiver as the passenger version... Which means the receiver isn't the component creating the 870lb limit... and so if its not the receiver and its not the RAWR what is it?
It might just be coincidence, but ---
The SAE J2807 test standard defines procedures and requirements to determine Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and calculate corresponding Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) for any tow-vehicle.
The testing protocol specifies:
4.4.2.4 Trailer Tongue Weight (Conventional Trailers)
Ballast should be applied to the trailer in a distributed manner such that the trailer tongue weight is 10% of total trailer weight ±0.5%, or ±5 kg (11 lb), whichever is greater, at a nominally level attitude as described in 4.4.2.8. This is intended to provide a nominal longitudinal center of gravity (cg) position of the ballasted trailer that is 10% (of the effective tongue length) forward of the trailer axle(s) centerline.
Therefore, it seems that a manufacturer who is claiming compliance with J2807 cannot specify an allowable tongue weight which exceeds 10% of the "Trailer Weight Rating" -- unless they do their testing at a trailer tongue weight which is greater than 10% of total trailer weight.
For several years, Ford has been specifying "Max. Tongue Weight" to be 10% of "Max. Trailer Capacity".
An example is in the chart at the bottom of page 25 of the
14RV & TRAILER TOWING GUIDE.
Jeep also defines "Max. Trailer Tongue Wt." as 10% of the "Max. Gross Trailer Wt."
IMO, it is possible that those manufacturers who specify maximum tongue weight as 10% of maximum trailer weight have not established a physical basis for limiting the tongue weight.
Rather, it seems that their 10% tongue weight limit simply might be a weight used in a test procedure which establishes a value Trailer Weight Rating.
I guess it could be possible that their vehicles are fitted with receivers which are certified for a combined load consisting of a longitudinal force equal to the max trailer weight and a vertical force equal to the max tongue weight.
Ron
