towing with suv???

Ron Gratz wrote:
... can you please tell us how your "gravity, wind, levers, and all that good stuff" gives a better maximum trailer weight than the values determined by TV manufacturers.

First, yes, I am having a little fun with the discussion. I figured a little over the top humor could lighten the discussion. But I will do my best to respond to your comments, as the discussion does have merit. I suspect you are having some fun at my expense, too, and that's okay, too. ;)

I am not redefining or defining anything. There are ways to get things that need doing, done. Towing heavy is not as simple as 'turn the key' I expend a fair amount of extra effort to monitor many different items when in that situation.

80% is in most cases a no-brainer. Sure, it takes caution and proper equipment, but IMHO the average experienced driver of the TV can handle the situation with little more than WDH and sway control, combined with a healthy dose of care and caution.

Above that, one needs to make the effort to be properly prepared, both in their own skillset and experience, and equipment. It is the driver + equipment that makes the grade (pun intended). Use what you have and don't be afraid to stack the deck in your favor ;)

DiskDoctr wrote:
In any case, I tow regularly with my 4Runner V8 Limited (rated @ 7k tow) at about 6000-6500 lbs with a full cargo area in SUV. A bit of lugging on the steep mountains, but never had a handling or braking issue.**

By my math --
80% of 7000# is 5600# and
6000-6500# is 86-93% of 7000#.

Does that mean it's really okay to tow at 93% of the rated towing capacity? How about 100%?

Ron

If you are asking if it is okay to tow at full-rated TC,I believe it is certainly possible. After all, your TV isn't going to explode at TC + 1lb :D

For legality purposes, it is my personal opinion that GCVW is the rule here. Mine is 12k. It is also my personal opinion that TCs are based upon equipment performance and wear and tear. Mfrs will honor warranties at those numbers and below. They are in essence 'guaranteeing' the capability up to that level. GCVW is more of the 'safety' part of the equation.

As I've stated, the above is my personal opinion and should not be imitated or relied upon by anyone for any reason. Always obey the law and all safety ratings and make your own choices. IOW, I am not responsible if anyone tries to follow or imitate the above and makes a mistake. <--Disclaimer, since we are talking about 'capabilities' and are not condoning any disregard of anything.

The poster between us put it well when he said mfrs do not use a common standard. IMHO, it is just like the horsepower ratings a few years back. Mfrs were free to use their own standard, and they did. Some have even been accused of cheating or fudging the numbers.

Personally, I think it is a shame when mfrs deliver a TV with say 12k published TC, then give a 1k cargo rating, knowing the two shall never meet :(

I also offroad my 4Runner. Yep, it takes a toll, too. More repairs, the occasional fender dent, etc. It's a choice. I tow heavy and know it will take its toll. But when the trans is shot in the next 100k or so, I'll put in a bulletproof rebuilt one (send mine away) for about $6k. It is about 170k now and trans was serviced and fine about 20k ago.

My 4Runner was paid for many years ago and even if I had to put $10k in it over the next 5 yrs, I'm still far ahead of buying new. Less than $2k/yr? Heck, that was 4 monthly payments :o The other 8 months of the year are 'free' :D

Hope this helps clear things up a bit ;)