Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Towing: Towing Advice

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Topic: Towing Advice

Posted By: Paull6 on 04/18/17 06:54pm

I just bought a Reflection BHTS says in specs the trailer is GVWR is 9995 lbs and hitch weight of 997 lbs. I also have a 2017 F150 Super Crew Cab V8 5.0l engine. Ford satates it has 11,000 lbs towing capacity. I just want some opinions based on knowledge/experience of using that truck to tow. Just bought both so unsure of what other options I have. Usually only take the trailer 45 kms away from home.

Posted By: Lwiddis on 04/18/17 07:05pm

Your dry TT weight is 9,995 pounds? And your F150's max is 11,000? What is your TT's wet weight? We may not need to go further. I believe you've made a huge mistake...too much TT or too little TV.

Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad

Posted By: JIMNLIN on 04/18/17 07:41pm

Quote:

I just want some opinions based on knowledge/experience of using that truck to tow. Just bought both so unsure of what other options I have. Usually only take the trailer 45 kms away from home.

Looks like the first poster didn't read your trailer size which is a 9995 GVWR.

Need more specs on what your F150 GVWR and its RAWR numbers are..... which is found on the cert sticker on the drivers side door post.

It helps to know the trailers dry weight and its CCC numbers.
Some trailers have a large CCC and a low dry weight. In that case we know you won't be towing at full GVWR or towing a dry weight trailer.

"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" ............ Will Rogers

'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er 11200 two slides

Posted By: Lwiddis on 04/18/17 08:20pm

Let's see. Dry weight 8,498. Add 66 gallons of fresh water and water heater, 550. Now we are over 9,000 pounds without anything else like propane, camp chairs, mats, generator, food, levelers, hoses, electrical cords, pots and pans etc. or people that ride in the TV. Yup, looks like second poster pulls a completely dry and empty TT alone and weights in at 150 pounds.

Posted By: atwowheelguy on 04/18/17 08:20pm

I suspect your truck will be overloaded, but OP has not furnished enough information to determine that.

First learn what the terms mean.
GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The most the truck, fuel, passengers, cargo and trailer tongue can weigh.
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating: The most weight that can be on one axle.
GCWR Gross Combined Weight Rating: The most the loaded truck and camper can weigh
Payload: The most that all the passengers and cargo in the truck can weigh. This is equal to the GVWR minus the weight of the truck with a full tank of fuel.
Tow Rating or Max Trailer Weight: GCWR minus the weight of the truck.

Find the weight sticker from the edge of the door in the truck.
My truck weighed 7100 (GVWR) - 1607 (payload) = 5493 lbs.
[image]

Find the weight sticker on the camper.
In this case, the camper from the factory weighed 7765 (GVWR) - 2470 (payload) = 5025 (dry weight)
This usually does not include batteries, propane or water.
[image]

Find the weight sticker underneath the hitch receiver under the back of the truck.
On my truck, the max tongue weight is 500 lbs. without a weight distribution hitch (WDH), and 1050 with one.
[image]

When I loaded my toy hauler with water, propane, two batteries, one dirt bike, tools, spares, food, clothes, etc. it weighed 6640 lbs.

With just one person, a tonneau cover, spray in liner and a few tools in the truck, it weighed 5860 lbs., including 367 lbs. of passengers, cargo and after market equipment. The tongue on the 6640 lb. trailer weighs 900 lbs.

The WDH transferred 140 lbs. of that 900 to the trailer axles, leaving the truck weighing 6640 lbs. My truck has a "tow rating" of 9800 lbs. With a trailer weighing 6640 lbs., it has used up 71% of that 1607 lb. payload. It is just 460 lbs. under the GVWR limit. Two hefty passengers, or three skinny ones will load it to the limit.

I know the aluminum trucks generally have a higher payload, but I fear your trailer will overload your truck. It's not so much what it can TOW, but what it can HAUL. Most trucks run out of GVWR before they run out of GCWR.

[image]

* This post was last edited 04/18/17 10:23pm by atwowheelguy *

2013 F150 XLT SCrew 5.5' 3.5 EB, 3.55, 2WD, 1607# Payload, EAZ Lift WDH
Toy Hauler: 2010 Fun Finder XT-245, 5025# new, 6640-7180# loaded, 900# TW, Voyager wireless rear view camera
Toys: '66 Super Hawk, XR400R, SV650, XR650R, DL650 V-Strom, 525EXC, 500EXC

Posted By: MitchF150 on 04/18/17 08:49pm

All I can say is good luck with it... You already have the truck and the trailer, so hitch it up, take it to the scales and find out some real world weights...

I guess if you are only going to go some 27 miles with it, you'll get down the road with it..

Not sure where you got the #11000 tow rating with the 5.0, but it's the 3.5 Ecoboost that has the highest tow ratings, even in 2017.

Again, good luck with it..

Mitch

2013 F150 XLT 4x4 SuperCab Max Tow Egoboost 3.73 gears #7700 GVWR #1920 payload. 2019 Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S.

Posted By: theoldwizard1 on 04/18/17 08:52pm

Paull6 wrote:

I also have a 2017 F150 Super Crew Cab V8 5.0l engine. Ford satates it has 11,000 lbs towing capacity.

Not for that combination ! 10,000 lbs towing and you are limited to 16,000 COMBINED weight.

Paull6 wrote:

Just bought both so unsure of what other options I have. Usually only take the trailer 45 kms away from home.

Drive slow (<100kph) and make sure the trailer brakes and controller are properly adjusted.

I hope you have the HD trailer tow option ! Worst case especially if you have any hills in your area, you may need a higher rear axle ratio, 4.10.

Posted By: atwowheelguy on 04/18/17 09:24pm

MitchF150 wrote:

OP has not offered enough information to ascertain the tow rating, but I think that doesn't matter. I think the truck will run out of payload first.

If I were saddled with this situation, I would put the family in a separate vehicle to travel.

[image]

* This post was last edited 04/18/17 10:17pm by atwowheelguy *

Posted By: Rainier on 04/18/17 10:24pm

No way...need a 3/4 ton or a smaller TT

Posted By: azdryheat on 04/18/17 10:59pm

You've already bought the truck and trailer. Never mind us, go camping.

2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually
2014 Voltage 3600 toy hauler
2019 RZR 1000XP TRE

Posted By: Old-Biscuit on 04/18/17 11:59pm

Now is not the time to be asking about which trailer with what truck

You have both.

As suggested.hitch up 'camp ready' (everything/everybody etc) and go to set of weigh scales and find out just what are the numbers
Truck & trailer with WDH
Truck Front and Rear axle weights-----trailer axle weight
Truck & trailer w/o WDH
Truck Front & Rear axle weights---trailer axle weight
Truck only
Truck Front & Rear axle weights

With those 3 weigh ins and weights you can see if over any ratings, how much tongue weight you have and if you need to make adjustments (if possible).

Real world numbers results in real world knowledge & options

Is it time for your medication or mine?

2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

Posted By: Grit dog on 04/19/17 12:42am

azdryheat wrote:

You've already bought the truck and trailer. Never mind us, go camping.

^This. I could think of much worse combos. Have fun, take er easy til you're used to pulling it.
Congrats on the new camper!

2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

Posted By: 2112 on 04/19/17 04:06am

azdryheat wrote:

You've already bought the truck and trailer. Never mind us, go camping.

I agree. Tow with tanks empty, all tires at max pressure including the truck tires, pack light, have the hitch properly adjusted and go camping.

You may consider changing the rear gear to 3.73:1. Going from a 3.55 to 3.73 improved the experience with my old truck.

Enjoy your new rig

2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost SuperCab Max Tow, 2084# Payload, 11,300# Tow,
Timbrens, PullRite SuperGlide 2700 15K
2013 KZ Durango 2857

Posted By: dodge guy on 04/19/17 05:33am

OK, as was stated. 8500lbs empty will weight near 10k lbs loaded for a trip! being a bunk house I`m going to assume you have kids, so yes it will weigh that much. that will put tongue weight at 1200lbs (12%). To put that in perspective I`m towing a 7100lb dry trailer that weighs in at 9200lbs loaded for a trip with an Excursion with a V-10 and 4.30 gears. You wont be happy with how it tows or its performance.

Good luck!

Wife Kim
Son Brandon 17yrs
Daughter Marissa 16yrs
Dog Bailey

12 Forest River Georgetown 350TS Hellwig sway bars, BlueOx TrueCenter stabilizer

13 Ford Explorer Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP Tow>
A bad day camping is
better than a good day at work!

Posted By: Grit dog on 04/19/17 08:43am

Being happy with how it tows is a matter of opinion and my opinion is the 5.0 F150 I had pulled as well as the subsequent 6.2 F250s that replaced it. No it didn't have quite the mass or the 250 and yes I'm certain I was over the rawr a lot of days, but power and braking (trailer brakes y know) was on par with the bigger truck.
Would a 1 ton diesel with 900ft lbs and 8000lb curb weight do better? Of course, but so would a semi tractor.
The OP did not make a bad choice, he made a compromise between the intended uses of the tow rig and it's not a bad compromise.

Posted By: DiskDoctr on 04/19/17 09:58am

We've hauled heavy. Just keep in mind, once you get above the 80% of stickered capacity, you have to be extra vigilant in a number of areas.

Things we've done to help over the years.

1. Heavier tow vehicle tires with stiffer sidewalls and higher pressure

2. Sway bars, heavier springs on tow vehicle

3. Definitely Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) and Anti-sway bar/control

4. Slower speeds

5. Make sure the brakes on the trailer are in EXTRA GOOD condition, you'll need them with that weight

6. Larger transmission cooler

7. Transmission and turbo temp gauges

8. Take your time and enjoy the ride!

Not all of these are needed in every situation, but can give you some ideas.

IMHO, the max tow capacities are for stock vehicles and casual towing.

Heavy towing does put extra strain and wear on your tow vehicle, so follow the "Extreme Duty/Service" intervals for fluids and maintenance.

Have fun and welcome to the forum [emoticon]

Posted By: APT on 04/19/17 10:00am

I estimate you'll be at 9500-10,000 pounds loaded for a long weekend with 1300 pounds of TW. I do not think your truck will be happy with that kind of weight, nor will the driver and occupants.

A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R
2x 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Gray and Black Twins)

Posted By: atwowheelguy on 04/19/17 11:18am

Take it to the scales.

http://www.publicscaleslocator.com

Posted By: memtb on 04/20/17 06:29am

Grit dog wrote:

azdryheat wrote:

You've already bought the truck and trailer. Never mind us, go camping.

^This. I could think of much worse combos. Have fun, take er easy til you're used to pulling it.
Congrats on the new camper!

My thoughts exactly!! memtb

Todd & Marianne
Miniature Schnauzer's - Sundai, Nellie & Maggie Mae
2007 Dodge Ram 3500, 6.7 Cummins, 6 speed manual, 3.73 ratio, 4x4
2004 Teton Grand Freedom, 39'
2007 Bigfoot 30MH26Sl

Posted By: 1stgenfarmboy on 04/20/17 09:17am

Get-R-done.

pay attention and you will be OK

1993 Dodge W350 Cummins with all the goodies
2014 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn 2wd 395hp
2017 Forest River Surveyor 243 RBS
2001 Super Sherpa & 2012 DL650A go along also

Posted By: mkirsch on 04/20/17 09:42am

azdryheat wrote:

You've already bought the truck and trailer. Never mind us, go camping.

I agree. You will find out for yourself whether it is okay or not. The truck will get the job done, for a while anyway. You will feel uncomfortable driving it long before it becomes dangerous to drive, and by then you will decide if it's okay, if you want a bigger truck, or if you want a smaller trailer.

Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.

Posted By: DiskDoctr on 04/20/17 11:05am

OP never came back?

Posted By: atwowheelguy on 04/20/17 04:04pm

DiskDoctr wrote:

OP never came back?

The responses were not what he wanted to hear.

Posted By: Durb on 04/20/17 04:38pm

memtb wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

azdryheat wrote:

You've already bought the truck and trailer. Never mind us, go camping.

^This. I could think of much worse combos. Have fun, take er easy til you're used to pulling it.
Congrats on the new camper!

My thoughts exactly!! memtb

Cracks me up. What if the scales are farther away than his campsite? We are all fine towing the rig 50 miles to the scales but are appalled that he would tow 27 miles to go camping.

Posted By: burningman on 04/22/17 11:46am

This is kind of silly. He already bought the truck & trailer. If he hadn't, I'd tell him to stop looking at anything with a "1" in its name.
But he's got the thing and no matter what you rating-sticker adherents think, it WILL tow the trailer.
Suggesting the family ride in a separate car, as if a few hundred pounds will really make a difference, isn't practical or reasonable.

2017 Northern Lite 10-2 EX CD SE
99 Ram 4x4 Dually Cummins
A whole lot more fuel, a whole lot more boost.
4.10 gears, Gear Vendors overdrive, exhaust brake
Built auto, triple disc, billet shafts.
Kelderman Air Ride, Helwig sway bar.

Posted By: Paull6 on 07/05/17 06:41pm

I'm the OP and another poster was right I didn't come back because I didn't like what I heard, which was ill advised alarmist posts about what a mistake I made. The F150 had absolutely no problem hauling the 10k lb trailer inclines, wind rain were all present on the trip and the F150 barely felt it Not all posts were as unhelpful as the "experts" so thanks for those. Ask for advice with caution on this forum a lot of guys think they know more than they do.

Posted By: BarneyS on 07/05/17 07:05pm

Paull6 wrote:

You asked in you original post " I just want some opinions based on knowledge/experience of using that truck to tow."
You got just what you asked for. Not everyone has the same opinion and if the expressed opinions are not what you wanted to hear - so be it!

I am very glad that your experience was good and you did not have any problems on your trip but please don't bash our members who tried to help you out - based on their experiences, many of them quite extensive. They don't have any skin in your game but just wanted to make sure you knew what you were getting into.
Frankly, I find it quite unusual for a small V8 gas engine to have "barely felt" a 10,000lb trailer. That is what my trailer weighs and even my 6.7 liter Cummins Turbo Diesel feels it on a grade or strong headwind.

These forums are the largest RV based forums in the world and you can expect to get many varied opinions on just about any subject. It is up to you to weed out the ones you feel are helpful but that does not make the other ones eligible to put downs and bashing.

I should delete your post for flaming but will leave it so others can learn something.
Barney

2004 Sunnybrook Titan 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch (Sold)
Not towing now.
Former tow vehicles were 2016 Ram 2500 CTD, 2002 Ford F250, 7.3 PSD, 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 gas engine

Posted By: time2roll on 07/05/17 08:08pm

If your truck is properly optioned to actually have 11,000 tow rating and the trailer is 9995 GVWR I would just go for it. You will know it is back there but that is fine. Take it easy and go have some fun.

2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
675w Solar pictures back up

Posted By: Hannibal on 07/06/17 05:52am

Paull6 wrote:

We go camping a lot since I retired in April. I was thinking while reading this thread how many 1/2 ton trucks we see with trailers the size of ours and a few bigger in campgrounds and on the interstates. I've learned here that my 5.4L is barely enough engine to move my F250, much less tow a trailer. We've been towing a 32' 5th wheel and now a 32.5' TT around the southeast with it for 7+ years. Best truck I've ever owned "in my opinion". The negative posts here are well meaning but you'll have to decided what works for you. If your truck is set up right with a good hitch and tows straight and stable, here's wishing you many years of happy travels with it.

2020 F250 STX CC SB 7.3L 10spd 3.55 4x4
2010 F250 XLT CC SB 5.4L 5spdTS 3.73
ex '95 Cummins,'98 12v Cummins,'01.5 Cummins,'03 Cummins; '05 Hemi
2017 Jayco 28RLS TT 32.5'

Posted By: DinTulsa on 07/06/17 07:13am

Paull6 wrote:

I have a trailer similar to that size and pull it with a F250 psd and know it's there. The advice you received by the other members is solid advice, you will be over most if not every rating including your axle ratings. You might have got to your spot without issue this time, but I would caution trailering in high winds.

There will be a day when the tail wags the dog then you will be back on this site trying to figure out what happened.

* This post was last edited 07/06/17 07:39am by an administrator/moderator *

Posted By: wowens79 on 07/06/17 07:33am

If the 27 miles is relatively flat, and lower speeds, it probably does not tow too bad. If it is mountainous, or interstate, I don't think it would be very pleasant. My 6.0 gasser with 3.73 gearing definately knows when it has out 8000lb (loaded) camper behind it on the highway of in the mountains.

I like to go different places, so I'd not be happy staying at the same place all the time and would want to venture out. Hitting the mountains, and the highway I think the towing experience won't be the best.

2022 Ford F-350 7.3l
2002 Chevy Silverado 1500HD 6.0l 268k miles (retired)
2016 Heritage Glen 29BH
2003 Flagstaff 228D Pop Up

Posted By: JIMNLIN on 07/06/17 09:03am

Paull6 wrote:

Good reply and spec on and thanks for letting us know how it worked for you.
You asked ......."I just want some opinions based on knowledge/experience of using that truck to tow."

As usual on this website you got opinions from those that were clueless of your trucks tow rating and load carrying ability and some who don't think a 1/2 to truck can pull a 10k trailer regardless of its ability and ratings.....and you got some very good advice from others.
Enjoy the combo

Posted By: drsteve on 07/06/17 10:40am

wowens79 wrote:

2006 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab 2WD 6.0L 3.73 8600 GVWR
2018 Coachmen Catalina Legacy Edition 223RBS
1991 Palomino Filly PUP

Posted By: buck n duck on 07/06/17 11:11am

Paull6 wrote:

I highly doubt that you will not be over on Payload, GVWR and GAWR for your vehicle.

What about when you cause an accident that kills someone and get charged with negligent homicide because you ignored several ratings that were issued for your vehicle. If not formal charges don't think for one minute someone couldn't take you to small claims court and get a large settlement for your gross negligence.

Think it can't happen? Here is just one of several websites that talk about the "Law of Negligence". http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/pickup-trucks-tow-ratings-and-liability/

That camper is TOO large for your tow vehicle. Period!!!

* This post was edited 07/06/17 11:22am by buck n duck *

Brian

Posted By: Hannibal on 07/06/17 12:40pm

What if you cause an accident and you are well within the ratings of your vehicle? Same outcome. If manufacturer's GVWR and tow ratings were law, just about every minivan loaded with kids and luggage on it's way to Disney World would be driven by a negligent homicidal criminal maniac endangering the lives of children and others. I'd bet the most dangerous sin committed by trailer towers is the proverbial 10-15% tongue weight law. A car loaded backward on an auto transport trailer will be well within the limits of a 1-ton dually. It'll also turn it around in a flash once it starts whipping on the interstate. There's a lot more to it than OMG he's 200 lbs over his tow rating.
Should we stay within our ratings. Of course we should for many reasons. But the key words in the article are, "Just imagine". I'd like to see some cases of lawsuits won against private trailer owners due to being slightly over their tow ratings. Maybe just one?

Posted By: buck n duck on 07/06/17 12:58pm

http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/improperly-equipped-pickups-costing-businesses-millions-in-lawsuits/

http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/expert-advice/1703-tow-ratings-and-the-law-discussing-limits-of-trailer-size/

* This post was edited 07/06/17 01:04pm by buck n duck *

Posted By: drsteve on 07/06/17 01:49pm

buck n duck wrote:

The money quote from the Truck Trend article:

Quote:

When it comes to negligence or the failure of the driver’s “duty to tow only that which the vehicle is designed to tow,” Dean and other attorneys we spoke with about this issue agree: If there’s an accident and the towing vehicle isn’t properly configured for the trailered weight, the injured person or persons will probably win any ensuing lawsuit.

Posted By: DiskDoctr on 07/06/17 03:55pm

buck n duck wrote:

http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/improperly-equipped-pickups-costing-businesses-millions-in-lawsuits/

I didn't find any correlation of any of the mentioned cases in this article with towing RVs.

The closest items was an overloaded towing SUV that was towing a boat and trailer over 60% above the HITCH rating...in a COMMERCIAL situation.

The other cases involved improper loading, unsecured loads, etc. of COMMERCIAL entities. More of a "failure to train employees" issue IMHO.

One was improper tires for the overload and the trailer came loose.

None relevant, except for a few buzz words in common.

Posted By: DiskDoctr on 07/06/17 04:07pm

drsteve wrote:

The money quote from the Truck Trend article:

Quote:

Read carefully...

Quote:

Dean and other attorneys we spoke with about this issue agree: If there’s an accident and the towing vehicle isn’t properly configured for the trailered weight

Carefully crafted legal-ease to avoid tying to "tow ratings"

For example:

A vehicle with a tow rating of 5k is supplied by the Mfr with "P-rated" tires. Owner upgrades to LT tires of a higher rating and tows within hitch and axle ratings but exceeds the Mfr sticker tow rating.

Is it "properly equipped" ? Probably. It is industry practice to supply SUVs in particular, but also many trucks with lower weight rated (softer) tires for a softer, "fake" ride. Driver wins this suit easily.

I do believe if you are going to haul heavy, you should properly equip your tow vehicle and trailer and learn/train/practice how to safely and properly inspect, repair, and operate the vehicle with the load.

But I don't believe either of those articles are the "smoking gun" of the weight police [emoticon]

BTW, the Truck Trend article is very poorly written. Comparing "properly equipped" tow vehicle with a speed limit? One varies based upon the vehicle, but the speed limit does not. You cannot add higher rated tires and you get to drive 100mph in a posted 55mph zone.

And this statement: "Towing more weight than the vehicle manufacturer recommends (per the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s towing-related websites)...{snip} is considered towing with an improperly equipped vehicle. "

Not an absolute, certainly not established case law. If they said "could be considered" or "along with other factors" or "in some cases" but making it as a broad sweeping statement of fact is unsubstantiated and (IMHO) irresponsible.

Then there would be the causal relationship. Did the "improperly equipped" portion CAUSE or CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY to the accident? In some cases, probably. In others, no.

For instance, if an "overloaded" combination couldn't stop and hit a car that ran a red light in front of the towing driver, and it is (quite easily) determined that even if towing within or below the ratings would not have been enough to prevent the accident or severity thereof, it would be an irrelevant factor.

Certainly not the 'case deciding fact for an automatic win' as Truck Trend seems to imply.

Be safe, but don't be alarmist. It's like 'crying wolf' and often has the OPPOSITE effect [emoticon]

PS- What about tire pressure? Low tires will get you a multi-million dollar judgement? "Improperly Equipped" per the door sticker, right?

* This post was edited 07/06/17 04:18pm by DiskDoctr *

Posted By: wing_zealot on 07/06/17 05:13pm

There is no law regarding towing overweight for a non-commercial vehicle.
If you are involved in an accident and it's your fault your Probably going to be sued Whether your overweight or not. That's why you buy insurance.

Posted By: Hannibal on 07/06/17 05:42pm

buck n duck wrote:

The second article state that tow ratings are like speed limits. Here's the Florida Statute concerning speed limits. It's the law. Can you post a link to any statute concerning manufacturer's tow ratings for private owners? Manufacturer's don't write law. You won't find it.
My truck is rated to tow 9700 lbs with it's 5.4L gas V8 and 3.73 ratio. This is a performance issue, not a safety or legal issue. If I tow a trailer that exceed that rating, what written law statute have I broken. The same truck with diesel is rated to tow thousands more. Aside from performance, what's the difference. I might exceed my tow rating down here in mostly flat Florida and not notice the difference. I'd still be well within the tow rating of the duplicate diesel powered truck so brakes, suspension and handling will be the same. What statute dictates I cannot do this?
If you cause an accident, you're at fault and subject to lawsuit regardless if you're over or under you manufacturer's weight ratings.

Posted By: DiskDoctr on 07/06/17 08:06pm

Hannibal wrote:

Exactly

I would have expected better from Truck Trend Magazine [emoticon]

Posted By: buck n duck on 07/07/17 06:51am

wing_zealot wrote:

What happens when your insurance agency finds out your were over your ratings? Do they still have to cover you?

Insurance will not pay anything for you in small claims court due to negligence.

Posted By: Hannibal on 07/07/17 07:03am

buck n duck wrote:

wing_zealot wrote:

What happens when your insurance agency finds out your were over your ratings? Do they still have to cover you?

Insurance will not pay anything for you in small claims court due to negligence.

Same thing that happens if you run a red light or were speeding or intoxicated and you cause an accident. These are violation of written law.
What if your tires are worn and you hydroplane or your shocks are worn and you lose control in a bouncy curve? Tie rod breaks, brakes fail, bee flies in the window and you freak out. You swerve to avoid a squirrel and crash. These are not law but could be attributed to negligence. Insurance pays.
Any exclusions will be listed in your insurance contract. Usually acts of war, damage due to racing or intentional damage is not covered.

Posted By: dodge guy on 07/07/17 08:09am

Hannibal wrote:

buck n duck wrote:

wing_zealot wrote:

What happens when your insurance agency finds out your were over your ratings? Do they still have to cover you?

Insurance will not pay anything for you in small claims court due to negligence.

I am with Hannibal.

I always love to hear the people say we'll the insurance won't pay! Sure they will, they have to, it's part of the contract. They may/will drop you afterwards, but they will pay.

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