Mini Vans as a Tow vehicle

[Silvertip]

Re: Mini Vans as a Tow vehicle

One last thought on this issue. Exceed the manufacturers GVWR, GCWR, and/or Tow ratings, get into a serious accident, and all your stuff will belong to someone else after the legal system finishes shaking you down.

 

[tommays]

Re: Mini Vans as a Tow vehicle

The rateings are kinda funny a 4.3 silverado gets a 5000# rateing more or less if you put in a Vortex Max package on a 1500 it jumps to allmost 10000# with the same brake package<br /><br />The trailer better have REALLY good brakes<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[dorelse]

Re: Mini Vans as a Tow vehicle

Originally posted by RubberFrog:<br /> <br />So your theory is that a minivan exceeding its towing capacity will be ok? <br /><br />My truck is rated for 8900 pounds.<br />My old suv was rated for 5300 pounds.<br />I pulled the same 4200 pound load behind both of them.<br />Guess which one stops better?<br />Don't give me that "manufacturer rating" is gospel routine.

Show me where I said Exceeding your tow capacity (on any vehicle) is ok? I said if you were UNDER you tow capacity you are ok. UNDER.<br /><br />Um...yes, I'm going to tend to believe the company that built & tested the car. So yes...manufacturer's rating is the gospel...they designed it, built it, tested it, and retested it. They're the ones who are liable if the car is sold with an unsafe tow rating. So they're the ones who are going to make darn sure that its safe to tow the rated load. So yeah, they are the gospel.<br /><br />I'm not arguing which one stops better...(although that's a highly subjective statement), I'm talking about which stops the load safely...the right answer...both. <br /><br />No where have I ever said it was safe to tow loads over any limits, combined limits, or individual limits.<br /><br />I agree with Upinsmoke you have to know all your weight limits and equally important is to know what you're doing before you get on the road.

 

[artburr]

Re: Mini Vans as a Tow vehicle

A few years back, I had a fairly new Ford sedan (rear drive) with a small V8 and automatic which I thought would pull my 16' camp trailer - w/o tow pak. I lived four miles away from where I bought the trailer and blew up the tranny before I got home.<br /><br />I did have a stick VW Rabbit that would pull almost anything. <br /><br />On the other hand, I have witnessed front-wheel-drive minivans spinning their wheels on a easy ramp. My advice, get something with rear wheel or four-wheel drive and a tow package.<br /><br />I now use a Mazda Tribute 6 cyl. 4X4 with tow pack for a boat your size. Mine is a 2002. You can pick those (or Ford Escape) up pretty cheap now.

 

[Keefbikes]

Re: Mini Vans as a Tow vehicle

Go for a SUV. Everyone here has a point, but what it all comes down to is towing is dangerous in general for all regardless of vehical. But ask your self "How much Danger am I willing to put my CHILDREN IN. Trust in common sens. Do what is right for your family, the space? Or the capability?