rival178 wrote:
Looking at an 2019 infinity qx80.
Do both versions (standard and tow) have the same towing capacity and payload?
Matt
True towing capacity is limited to the weakest link in the tow vehicle's overall ratings. In most cases, the weak link is payload.
Manufacturers advertised tow ratings and payloads are both generic "up to" numbers, and the owners manuals will often say no more than "when properly equipped".
You can calculate an approximate loaded trailer weight that puts the vehicle at it's max capacity by first, look at the tire / loading sticker (on driver door jamb). There will be a number for "max occupant / cargo weight" (AKA payload). Take that number and subtract the combined weight of passengers and cargo (everything you're going to stuff into the car) and 80 lbs for added hitch equipment. The remaining payload is available for carrying tongue weight from a trailer. Divide that remaining payload by .13. That will be a ball park number of what loaded trailer weight will put that tow vehicle at it's max capacity.
Depending on what options are installed on the vehicle, every one of them will have a unique payload number.
Note: Tongue weight is NOT a constant number. Depending on what gets loaded, where it gets loaded, grocery levels, and on board fluid levels, it goes up and down during every trip. Give yourself some wiggle room.
Here's a calculator that may help. http://www.towingplanner.com/Calculators/TowingPayloadEstimate
