Newbie needs TV - please help me choose?
Hi folks, I'm shopping for a tow vehicle, and I'd like to hear your input. I don't have the trailer yet, but it's going to be a low-profile hybrid such as a Trailmanor, HiLo or Chalet, or maybe a C...
Forum Discussion
karyj wrote:
................snip...............
* Hyundai Veracruz* Hyundai Veracruz, #3500 regular, but #4500 for boats (interesting distinction, lower drag, maybe?)...................snip...................
* Are aftermarket tow packages just as good as factory-installed? If I find the perfect TV but without a factory tow package, is that a deal-breaker?
Thanks!
Kary
Per the first point quoted above:
That "two numbers" tow limit is very common in vehicles of this size range. The boat number is higher because in addition to frontal area/drag advantages, they can be safely towed with a lower tongue-to-total percentage than can RV trailers. This mostly due to boats having the majority of their weight over the trailer axles. Word to the wise on this point: If any vehicles you look at give a tongue weight limit in pounds that's less than 10% of the so-called "tow limit", said tow limit must be reduced until it meets that number- at a minimum.
Per aftermarket tow packages, at least as regards hitches:
An excellent question- it can make a huge difference depending on the vehicle brand. I know Subaru's not on your list, but just as an example of this phenomenon:
The factory hitch for the Subaru Forester actually has parts that slide into the frame tubes to provide stiffening, and if I remember right is attached at fourteen different points to the body/"frame" of the car. By contrast, the off-the-shelf aftermarket hitch is entirely external, and attaches at four points- all of them in sheet metal! No contest, as far as I'm concerned...
Do look long and carefully at that particular component.
