bimbert84 wrote:
Hi Gaia,GaiaGoddess wrote:OK, now we're back on the right track. But how are you figuring what the Escape can tow? Are you using its published "tow rating"? If so, please see the definition of "tow rating" here:For the last like 6 years, I have been trying to find a trailer with a GVWR lower than what my Escape can TOW. So I was looking at the trailers' GVWR, not my Escape's.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27206374/gotomsg/27217884.cfm#27217884
Yes, you basically have it. But carrying and pulling are very different, and impact very different aspects of the tow vehicle. Pulling impacts engine power, gearing, and especially braking. Carrying impacts frame, suspension, axles, and tires.
As an analogy, let's say you need to carry 300# of pebbles up to a garden at the top of a hill. Do you grab a backpack or a wagon? Either way, you're the one doing the work, which is moving yourself plus the 300# load. But clearly one way is easier than the other. If we assume you weigh 100#, then your GCW (Gross Combined Weight) in either case is 400#. If you choose the backpack, your GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is also 400# because your spine has to support the entire load. If you choose the wagon, however, your GVW is only 100# because the wagon carries 300# of the 400#. Towing a trailer, however, is more like a wheelbarrow. Most of the weight is carried by the wheelbarrow's axle, but you also have to bear some of the burden when you lift on the handles, maybe 100# of the 300#. That portion of the weight adds to your GVW, bringing it to 200#. The amount of weight you have to lift (not pull) is analogous to tongue weight.
