Towing requirements
My camper trailer is 3500 Lbs. I am looking for a SUV that will tow it.Should I have a SUV that can handle a higher amount than that like 5000? Or am I safe getting a vehicle that just tows that amoun...
Forum Discussion
Boomerweps wrote:
WDH or WD is Weight Distributing Hitch.
TT is travel trailer.
TV is Tow Vehicle in these forums.
GTWR gross trailer weight rating.
CC cargo capacity
GAWR is gross axle weight rating.
A truck, older cars, and SUVs based on trucks have a full solid frame that everything attaches to. By itself, it is somewhat ladder shaped.
A Unibody is a vehicle that depends on a sheet metal shell for its unit strength, common on front wheel drive vehicles. There is a sub frame that attaches to the front of the body that the drive components (engine, transmission, transaxle) are mounted on. Many of the so-called crossover "SUVs" are also built this way. The sheet metal shell or cocoon is often not strong enough to tow much weight.
A WDH levers the hitch weight forward on the TV and some rearward on the TT axle. This allows better control for towing and helps keep the TV level. A unibody usually doesn't have the strength to handle the torque from this lever action and without a real frame could actually rip the hitch mounting bolts out of the sheet metal, or at least twist the unibody.
So why do they make these Kia Sorentos so they can tow 5000 Lbs if they are not meant to tow that much and are weak? Heck our TT will be 3500 so will this vehicle be adequate or not?
