How do vehicle tow rating laws work

[barry1me]

Im trying to figure out how vehicle tow ratings work. So for instance I have a 2012 Jeep wrangler unlimited with a 3500lb tow rating. Does this rating change if the trailer has brakes on it? I spoke to Tony (at Tige) and he was under the impression that those ratings are if you dont have trailer brakes. Any help would be appreciated.

[skippabcool]

Im trying to figure out how vehicle tow ratings work. So for instance I have a 2012 Jeep wrangler unlimited with a 3500lb tow rating. Does this rating change if the trailer has brakes on it? I spoke to Tony (at Tige) and he was under the impression that those ratings are if you dont have trailer brakes. Any help would be appreciated.

I believe every vehicle has a GCVW, gross combined vehicle weight, meaning the weight of both the tow vehicle and the item being towed. If you go over that your insurance may not cover you and you can get a ticket. Bigger engines, brakes, helper springs, tires, etc.. do not add to the GCVW.

[barry1me]

I believe every vehicle has a GCVW, gross combined vehicle weight, meaning the weight of both the tow vehicle and the item being towed. If you go over that your insurance may not cover you and you can get a ticket. Bigger engines, brakes, helper springs, tires, etc.. do not add to the GCVW.

so it doesnt matter whether trailer has brakes on it?

[tigeidaho]

so it doesnt matter whether trailer has brakes on it?

it absolutely doesn't. Trailer brakes are required for loads over a certain weight.

[barry1me]

ok thanks so much for this information. Looks like I may have to spring for the hemi now on the tow vehicle.

[Timmy!]

How far are you towing barry? If you are just towing a few miles or something, you might be ok. Sorry if I caused you to worry with the other thread....

[skippabcool]

ok thanks so much for this information. Looks like I may have to spring for the hemi now on the tow vehicle.

It is a good reason to get a Hemi.

I just bought a Durango with a Hemi. I am going to see what it will do towing my boat. Probably not as good as my Ram diesel but still I am interested to find out.

[barry1me]

How far are you towing barry? If you are just towing a few miles or something, you might be ok. Sorry if I caused you to worry with the other thread....

you cost me $10k! lol.

[barry1me]

It is a good reason to get a Hemi.

I just bought a Durango with a Hemi. I am going to see what it will do towing my boat. Probably not as good as my Ram diesel but still I am interested to find out.

what kind of fuel mileage are you getting?

[skippabcool]

what kind of fuel mileage are you getting?

I won't start really driving it until the end of the week. It is replacing my current work car. For the first 300 miles it is at 16 mpg.

[wired1236]

you cost me $10k! lol.

Not saying that your thinking is wrong but just be careful. It's a common misconception that the engine changes tow rating. This is not true. While it may help you in towing larger loads, tow rating is based on several factors such as transmission, driveline, suspension,brakes, unloaded weight of the vehicle, and frame capabilities. Don't think just because you buy a vehicle and opt for the larger engine that your tow rating goes up. Check the manual and the hitch limitations.

You wouldn't tow a Tige with a Charger would you?

[skippabcool]

You wouldn't tow a Tige with a Charger would you?

Funny you mention this because my dad hauled his ski boat around with his '73 Charger.

[skippabcool]

Not saying that your thinking is wrong but just be careful. It's a common misconception that the engine changes tow rating. This is not true. While it may help you in towing larger loads, tow rating is based on several factors such as transmission, driveline, suspension,brakes, unloaded weight of the vehicle, and frame capabilities. Don't think just because you buy a vehicle and opt for the larger engine that your tow rating goes up. Check the manual and the hitch limitations.

You wouldn't tow a Tige with a Charger would you?

Depending on which vehicle adding the hemi changes the transmission and the gearing which does increase the tow limits.

[barry1me]

Not saying that your thinking is wrong but just be careful. It's a common misconception that the engine changes tow rating. This is not true. While it may help you in towing larger loads, tow rating is based on several factors such as transmission, driveline, suspension,brakes, unloaded weight of the vehicle, and frame capabilities. Don't think just because you buy a vehicle and opt for the larger engine that your tow rating goes up. Check the manual and the hitch limitations.

You wouldn't tow a Tige with a Charger would you?

I have a 2012 Jeep wrangler rubicon unlimited tow rating 3500lbs

looking at a 2013 Jeep grand cherokee 3.6L tow rating 5000lbs....same motor and same trans as my Wrangler yet 1500lbs better tow rating....this is due to load leveling rear suspension option

or

2013 Jeep grand cherokee 5.7l Hemi tow rating 7500lbs

[Timmy!]

you cost me $10k! lol.

Doh!