Forum Discussion
majorgator
Aug 26, 2014Explorer
Those numbers like payload which is based on GVWR are NOT RECOMMENDATIONS. They are SAFETY CERTIFIED NUMBERS verified by extensive safety related independently performed tests in accordance with a set of uniform testing protocols
Well, that's not entirely accurate either. There is no "uniform testing protocols". There's extensive online articles about how the manufacturers have never been able to agree to a uniform set of testing and rating protocols when it comes to determining what their product's capacity and capabilities are. Every time they've tried to agree, someone breaks rank and then no one participates. Supposedly, they've reached an agreement beginning in 2015 to a set of uniform standards, but there are no government mandates to do it. There are no "independent performed tests" which have a bearing on the door sticker, and all tests are done to the bias of the manufacturer. Some folks have come along and performed independent tests, but those are "informational only" and will never be published my the manufacturer. This has been a huge complaint since the 1990's.
Bottom line is that the ratings on the door sticker show what the vehicle ratings are in its "stock" configuration...right off the assembly line. Aftermarket mods can have a positive or negative effect. It is absolutely common for people to exceed the ratings after they've done some level of mods to their TV. I'm not saying its right or wrong, and one should never perform mods without very diligent research. Its the people that exceed ratings blindly that should scare you. If your TV is under warranty, that would obviously be a big NO-NO.
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