Tow ratings are based on flat ground???? So as soon as you're climbing a pass the tow rating decreases? I hope uhp doesn't know this! I'd be pulled over on every pass.
The only thing elevation changes is the ability to hold 70...
Tow Rig Choices
- Thread starter KToy
- Start date
Tow ratings are based on flat ground???? So as soon as you're climbing a pass the tow rating decreases? I hope uhp doesn't know this! I'd be pulled over on every pass.
The only thing elevation changes is the ability to hold 70...
Maverick
old-school
- Location
- Anywhere, thanks to my geeky droid
Actually, I remember reading that tow ratings are based on the vehicle's ability to hold a given speed (45?) on a typical max grade (6%??) on the interstate system, in addition to braking and other capacity and durability issues. I did a quick search but couldn't find any references to that, other than the new SAE standard. Here is an article that was interesting, anyway, especially regarding the new towing standard, SAE J2807.
http://www.trucktrend.com/features/consumer/163_0910_truck_towing_capacity/viewall.html
http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/2013/163_news130410_j2807_truck_towing_standard/
Here is an article with the actual test parameters (or at least a summary):
http://www.caranddriver.com/feature...-sae-trailering-standards-explained-tech-dept
Note that none of the manufacturers are adhering to it yet, except Toyota for the last year or so.
Last edited:
Toad
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Millville(logan)
I have always wondered how a manufacturer figures tow ratings. Several years ago i read that the Nissan Frontier( there little truck?) had a tow rating of like 6500lbs. Thats what my cj7 and trailer weigh. Trailer is a nice 20 foot 10k rated trailer. I thought how would that truck manage pulling that up Sardine Canyon and over to Brigham City. How long would the truck last? How long until the transmission and rear axle blow up? What would happen in a panic situation? If anyone knows how this is figured please enlighten me.
zukijames
Well-Known Member
- Location
- not moab anymore
psh maddies truck is rated for 32000 and it has a hard time holding 45 down hill pulling like 10k.. but it stops amazing , trailer never sway and if it did.. it wouldn't make me roll and thats pretty nice
Tow ratings are kind of a farce - my '01 CTD is rated at just under 14k lbs max trailer weight, but with good trailer brakes and my exhaust brake I have towed gooseneck loads in excess of 20k and been comfortable with my performance. On the other hand, I've towed with medium sized SUV's and Trucks (Tahoes, F150's) rated for nearly 10k lbs and felt unsafe at barely over half their rated load. Wheelbase, weight, trailer type, and a good bit more come into play, but most importantly braking. Lots of vehicles can drag a good bit of weight- much fewer can safely stop that weight. Their is absolutely no way I'd tow the load you're talking about with either a tacoma, or 4runner. I'd think you'd be much better off with a properly set up LWB SUV or truck and good set of trailer brakes and well balanced trailer.