Here is the the link to the article the OP is quoting.
Payload limits RAM 1500 towing capacityIt seems some of the other smaller trucks(ute's) are having the same issue based on the link in the bottom of that article.
The truth about 3500kg towing---In the case of the top-spec Navara ST-X, for example, which has a kerb weight of 1921kg, GVM of 2910kg and GCM of 5910kg, towing all of 3500kg leaves just 489kg for occupants, luggage and any optional or after-market accessories fitted like a bulbar or canopy.
It’s a similar story with the other dual-cab utes, most of which have remarkably similar specs – a GCM around six tonnes, GVM around three tonnes and kerb weight around two tonnes, give or take 100kg or so.
In the case of the top-spec Navara ST-X, for example, which has a kerb weight of 1921kg, GVM of 2910kg and GCM of 5910kg, towing all of 3500kg leaves just 489kg for occupants, luggage and any optional or after-market accessories fitted like a bulbar or canopy.
It’s a similar story with the other dual-cab utes, most of which have remarkably similar specs – a GCM around six tonnes, GVM around three tonnes and kerb weight around two tonnes, give or take 100kg or so.
It’s all fine cruising along on the freeway, but try and overtake safely or accelerate up a hill – as you might need to in an emergency – and there’s often little in reserve.
It’s for this reason experts recommend towing no greater than 85 per cent, or no more than three tonnes for a 3500kg rated ute. And often that’s still pushing it.
Putting less strain on the engine also delivers significant fuel economy benefits, with both the Navara and Triton tow tugs regularly topping 20L/100km when tackling terrain more challenging than flat highway.---
Although it that article, they seem to recommend heavier American trucks for towing heavy due to better stability and more power.
---There’s also the outspoken owner of a well-known Queensland off-road caravan manufacturer who has firm views on the subject: a Toyota 200 Series LandCruiser is his pick for heavyweight tow jobs, with a converted American pick-up like the Ford F-Series the best all-round option (if comfort and passenger carrying ability remain important).
His favourite is the Dodge RAM, after trying many different models over the years. As well as the obvious advantages (3000kg-plus kerb weight, 4500kg-plus towing and 1100Nm-plus torque from the Cummins engine), he argues the Ram’s extended platform provides more control in an emergency swerving situation that might put a smaller, less stable ute on its roof.---
