Re: [A/S] Faulty Tow Vehicle Recommendation

[Rick Kunath <k9ao@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>real scientific facts?
> 

Yep... the manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.

I don't suppose anyone knows more about the limitations of their design 
better than they do. And no one does more exhaustive testing than they do.

There is a lot to such a specification from an automotive manufacturer's 
end of things. It isn't only the ability of the vehicle's suspension and 
frame to handle stresses. It also involves the GVWR of the running gear 
(chassis, springs/shocks/struts, differentials, transmissions, torque 
converters, oil and transmission cooling, engine cooling system reserve 
capacity, etc.) as well as the wheelbase of the vehicle. Short wheelbase 
vehicles have real limitations and safety issues when it comes to towing 
larger rigs.

Exceeding the manufacturer's recommended towing capacity is always a bad 
and unsafe thing. Even staying within the recommendations can be 
dangerous if the vehicle is not set up correctly.

There is a big difference in the ability of vehicles to tow these days. 
There is not the overbuilding of components in cars as there once was. 
Even in trucks and larger heavy SUVs the differences can be large 
between the bulletproof towing capabilities of the larger GVW rated 
vehicles and the smaller ones.

To suggest that someone violate the manufacturer's towing recommendation 
is pure irresponsibility.

The odds are that if someone does, and gets into trouble, they'll harm 
other innocent persons along with themselves on the road.

It's just not worth it.

The manufacturer says the vehicle is not up to the task. Who are you 
going to believe?

Rick Kunath
WBCCI #3060