Most of these things and ratings are taken out of context
Like the MTWR (Max Tow Weight Rating) from most any OEM will have the test using
a stripper model TV (no options, except for the tow option), one driver weighing
in at 150 lbs (I was 150 only in my freshman year in HS).
The 'trailer' is a flat bed with NO frontal area (it is lower than the TV...there
is a picture and I'll dig it up later and repost here)
That 'stripper' model is the 'curb' weight model. No 4x4. No AC. No power windows,
nor power locks, nor power seats. No 2nd and 3rd row seats. No extended cab, nor
crew cab, etc. No optional sound system. No upgraded interior. Etc, etc, etc
Only two that I know of own strippers. Our Admin, Marty, and my dear uncle Bill who
taught most of this stuff to me. He used to laugh about the ratings using that one
driver at 150 lbs. Uncle Bill was a huge Dutchman with flaming red hair and at
5'8 weighed over 250 lbs of pure muscle (no fat on his body)
Here is a diagram showing how the WHOLE system looks like. The interactions of
each component/sub-system. How taking any ONE rating without factoring in the
others is to take that out of context
howmuchcanitow howmuchshoulditow
My Suburban weighs in at around 7,200 lbs with me in it (180), toolbox
(+200) and misc stuff
My MTWR is 10,000 lbs, but that is with a 6,000 lb curb Suburban and
one 150lb driver.
I'd have to loose 30 lbs and unbolt over 1,200 lbs of 'stuff' (options)
in order to really or actually be 'RATED' MTWR...and maybe 40 lbs
after the holidays... :B
My Calif SMOG certificate says my Sub weighs in at
around 5,200 lbs...so another 800 lbs to unbolt...
