Towing capacity for older SUV?

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.