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raydf's avatar
raydf
Explorer
Nov 03, 2016

Towing capacity for older SUV?

I suspect that questions such as the one I'm about to make have been posted MANY times here but well, please accept my apologies for the repetition if so! The question is the following:

The tow vehicle (a sturdy but older SUV, Mitsubishi Sport 3.0 liter V6) is rated at 5,000 lbs and a 500 lbs hitch weight. The trailer in question has a dry weight of 3,650 per factory specs (Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser 23RSS), a hitch weight of 431 lbs, and a cargo carrying capacity of 2,411 lbs. Adding the cargo capacity to the dry weights gives 6,061 lbs, obviously way over the tow vehicle's limit. However, doing some computations on the size of holding tanks and the expected "stuff" that will be carried in the trailer, I doubt that the cargo will go over 1,000 lbs, for a theoretical weight, loaded, of 4,650 lbs.

My question is: can the noted SUV safely tow this trailer, loaded as indicated?

Thanks!
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    from maual: Maximum towing capacity for 4WD models is 4,500 lbs. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended when towing above 3,500 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD models is 3,500 lbs.
    bumpy
  • Jebby14's avatar
    Jebby14
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    its a moot point. power is not the problem. low payload and short wheelbase will both pooch him before towing capacity (or lack of power does)
  • RinconVTR's avatar
    RinconVTR
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    naturist wrote:
    What @soundguy said. You will find that the detail that scuttles this combo will bee aerodynamics. This is near the weight limits, as you note. It'll be fine as long as you stay beliow 45 mph. But above that, you are going to be hard pressed for power. If that were a 3.0 liter diesel, it would have enough grunt, but a gasser, nope.


    Enough already with the inaccurate info.

    It might require a heavy right foot and high RPM's, but the power is there for max towing @ 55-65mph without a problem.
  • RinconVTR's avatar
    RinconVTR
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    Bumpyroad wrote:
    RinconVTR wrote:


    I towed nearly the identical trailer with a Honda Pilot. So, yes you can do it. Use a 600-1000lbs bar rated WDH and buy the stiffest tire you can buy...likely a performance tire.


    when I was looking at Pilots, 2011s, they were only rated for a 3500 lb. TT, 5,000 if a boat.
    bumpy



    I recall correcting you Honda Pilot posts many times over the years.


    2003-2008 Gen1 Pilot is 3500lbs or 4500lbs for a boat

    2009-2015 Gen2 Pilot is 4500lbs with ATF and P/S coolers installed

    2016-2017 Gen3 Pilot is 5000lbs with ATF and P/S coolers installed
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Nov 04, 2016
    What @soundguy said. You will find that the detail that scuttles this combo will bee aerodynamics. This is near the weight limits, as you note. It'll be fine as long as you stay beliow 45 mph. But above that, you are going to be hard pressed for power. If that were a 3.0 liter diesel, it would have enough grunt, but a gasser, nope.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    RinconVTR wrote:


    I towed nearly the identical trailer with a Honda Pilot. So, yes you can do it. Use a 600-1000lbs bar rated WDH and buy the stiffest tire you can buy...likely a performance tire.


    when I was looking at Pilots, 2011s, they were only rated for a 3500 lb. TT, 5,000 if a boat.
    bumpy
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    raydf wrote:
    Thanks for the advice from y'all! This is a bit disheartening, since it seems that the rated towing capacity from the manufacturer is a sort-of a joke as noted by you guys above.

    I wonder if there is a "rule of thumb" that would tell me if the actual, real-world towing capacity is, let's say, 80% of the rated capacity, or some similar figure?

    If 80% were the suggested number, then the Mitsubishi Montero Sport's towing capacity would really be 5000 x 80% = 4,000 lbs.

    Is this how things work in the real world? If so, what would be that "magic" number, 80%?

    Thanks!
    You will run out of Payload capacity before you reach the towing capacity. We still don't know what year this vehicle is but a 2004 Montero had between 1000 lbs and 1200 lbs of payload capacity. From that payload number you have to subtract weight of passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of any towed trailer. If you can derive the full weight of the trailer as loaded for camping, you can multiply by 13% to reach a ball park tongue weight.
  • RinconVTR's avatar
    RinconVTR
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    Oh...FYI the dry weight for my 23BHD was about what your spec is, may be a tick higher. Fully loaded for a trip, with 2 bikes on the back, it weighed in at 4300lbs. I never scaled higher than that.

    With water however, with the tank being at the very front of the camper, you'll have to leave dry when towing with a mid-size SUV.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    colliehauler wrote:
    I don't know if a pop-up would work for you?


    SoundGuy wrote:
    I understand where you're coming from, but seriously?! Anyone talking about this travel trailer which measures 25' 11' is unlikely to be at all interested in a popup. :R




    colliehauler wrote:
    That's up to the OP, not you. That's why it was put in a question. No need to be condescending.


    Condescending? :h I'd call my observation realistic. :p

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