Vehicle Capacity Comparison
So there are lots of numbers to know when buying a truck and trailer. I have recently purchased a truck and camping trailer I knew all these numbers but got a little suspicious once seeing the numbers...
Forum Discussion
BenK wrote:skipnchar wrote:
Dot safety plate is prescribed by federal law and standard engineering mathematics are used in computing capacities. There is a LOT more to it than axle size. In determining GVWR numbers they take into account brake system, cooling system and the entire drive line from tranny through axles. it is all a standard formula where the weakest link determines the rating.
X2...perfectly stated !!!
This is where I disagree. Manufactures all but one in particular which I will not mention will at the drop of a dime change its numbers when they hear that others are higher. This is why when new trucks are coming out that they will not post numbers until the other does in hoping to out do the other. I can provide examples but I think you all get what i'm saying. I'm not just saying its all about the axles as thats like saying all you need is torque to pull your trailer, and don't worry about tranny gears or rear end gears.
Yes there is probably some way that they are rate these vehicle but thats like saying all manufactures abide by the same rules when calculating mpg and we all know thats not true.
Could Ford as provided in my example engineer everything to work till the same load and thats why the lower safety factor. Maybe. Could my truck have a weak link that I dont know about and thats the reason for the lower rating, maybe. But I will say I feel there is a lot of numbers that change from year to year and vehicle magically didn't change
