Re: [VAC] help!!! GVWR?

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marlaine,
 There's several ratings, none of which may be exceeded.

Max towing rating, how much weight can be behind the vehicle
GVWR, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or how heavy the vehicle is, ready to
hit the road. Don't forget to include the passengers!
GCWR, Gross Combined Weight Rating, or how much EVERYTHING weighs when
you're ready to hit the road.

A Hensley Arrow doesn't allow you to exceed any of those ratings, it
makes it more comfortable to pull, as it eliminates all sway. Many, many
trailers are pulled with lesser hitches with no problems, so a Hensley
isn't strictly necessary. You must have no less than 10% of the
trailer's weight on the tounge if it's to pull decently.

Quite a number of other factors enter into the equation also: your
vehicle must have enough cooling capacity, IE: a large-enough radiator.
It should have an auxilary transmission cooler. And the axle ratio must
be 3.73 or higher, you will be very unhappy if it's a 3.54 or lower,
ESPECIALLY if it's lower. And don't forget to look at your owner's
manual for your vehicle to see what it says about towing; the GM700R4
transmission that's used in GM's rear-wheel drive vehicles must be
shifted into "Direct" for towing, don't EVER tow in overdrive. My Dodge
truck is supposed to have the overdrive locked out also. Don't go by how
much it 'hunts' between OD and direct, either, that's not the way to
tell if you're abusing your transmission. If the books says to lock out
OD when towing, do it or plan on becoming friendly with your
transmission shop. Maybe not 'your' transmission shop either because
it's likely to fail a long ways from home.

                        <<Jim>>