Towing capacity vs max cargo weight rating

propchef wrote:

The entire insurance industry is based on "What if's"

The insurance industry is based on probabilities and statistics analyzed by an actuary. I don't think I'd describe it as "what ifs"



more weight = more momentum = longer stopping distances and more outward centrifugal forces during cornering. Factor in the million variants like weather, tires, number of axels, brake type and surfaces, is the trailer open or is it like a giant sail in the wind, etc. This is why the "official" numbers are conservative. Has anyone here ever been cited for being overloaded? Loaded dangerously? My guess is that this never comes up until there's an accident or mishap, then the insurance company will use the published numbers to direct the claims.
What 'if's maybe a bit of a simple term. But those actuaries and statisticians are trying to determine the likely hood of this or that happening. Again it's not that complicated. There are risk involved and the insurance company tries to foresee and limit their exposure to those risk.
There is a weigh station near me. You can tell the trucks that have been put out of service because they have faulty safety items or they are over weight. Granted this is commercial but the law is on the lookout for overloaded vehicles.
Another activity at the weigh station in MD are the stealth undercover Suburban's that will pull over all the vehicles trying to slip past the weigh station. Some of those pick up drivers also no the rules while many drivers do not know that they are subject to DOT rules if they exceed 10K GCWR.
These vehicles are generally not 18 wheelers or large trucks that know the rules.
These are often pick ups pulling trailers of some sort.
Landscapers, contractors, homeowners with equipment, racing enthusiast, etc. Seldom see RV's unless they are pulling some sort of race trailer.
RV's are specifically exempted from weigh stations.