Re: will 2002 dodge intrepid pull 17 ft fish & ski with 115hp motor
Sorry for perpetuating a "war", but there is some mis-information in here:
Cars in USA are not built to less strict standards than Europe. Here, trucks are as ubiquitous as liability and litigation. Easier to let a moron tow with a truck than a car, since it is true a truck is more capable.
Europeans prefer cars, so manufacturers of cars, including models sold in USA also, are more honest about the real tow ratings of cars. I also believe Europeans are more responsible drivers than Americans, as many who've visited Europe will attest. They take personal responsibility seriously.
Unibody cars will NOT become damaged by reasonable towing. I can't even believe that statement for a second. For example, if I tow 2000 pounds with a 200 pound tongue weight, how does that damage my unibody? Speaking of which, we were rear ended in our Maxima by a Ranger towing a tinny. The Maxima had no damage. The jolt to the car was considerable, and we were pushed into a Astro van in front of us which suffered a "re-adjusted" bumper. The Ranger folded in his front bumper. That same rear part of the car supports the hitch assembly, there is no force any where near what that accident applied to the unibody. Like I said, the trailer will push the car around long before the frame can be damaged. Seriously, it's not tin foil back there.
There is nothing wrong with using a car, at it's maximum capacity to tow a SHORT distance at low speeds. Many people here live next to lakes, and that is how a car/CUV is used. We all know that momentum is multiplied by speed. So yes, I would NOT want to tow at maximum capacity with a car/CUV at higher speeds.
I hate to say it, but my Maxima can tow our boat very well. It panic stops just fine, even on sweepers. I will NOT take it on the open road, or above 30 mph because I don't want to be the guy that "knocks on wood". But in the community where I live, it is a safe tow vehicle.
BTW, I drive CDL on occasion for my job. I have driven rated rigs at near capacity and THAT is scary. Blind spots, poor handling/acceleration, the ability to cream ANYONE who gets in your way. NOT fun. I feel much more comfortable behind the wheel of my Maxima towing than a big rig.
HOWEVER, be sure that I will err on the side of caution with anyone who says "it's just better to get a 1/2 ton or bigger truck" because this is TRUE. I too will be getting a more "appropriate" tow rig sometime this year.
BUT, it is NOT TRUE to say European cars are built differently, that is why they can tow. Or that unibody will fail when towing smaller stuff (any car's unibody will easily tolerate <3500 pounds + 10% tongue, that doesn't mean I am saying it is safe!)
Car manufacturers doing business in America are more interested in protecting their butts from morons. My wife's 2007 Impreza was rated at 2000 pounds towing. Her 2008? 0 pounds towing. The 2008 is a stronger car overall, but Subaru retracted the tow rating? And in Europe the same car is rated over 2500 pounds? huh....
