All Trucks, Campers, Trailers, RV's and Motor Homes - Real world towing capacity
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suobs
08-16-09, 07:56 AM
Every few weeks I tow a 2000 lb utility trailer about 30 miles of flat road to get a cubic yard of gravel, topsoil, lumber, etc. Gravel weighs about 2800/yard, so the load is roughly 5000 lb max.
I've been doing this for years in my 4-cylinder 2.4L Nissan pickup with a bumper-mounted hitch ball. Not sure what the towing capacity of the truck is, but altho there's not much acceleration, it's no problem.
My understanding of towing capacity is that it assumes extended travel, possibly with hills.
I may replace the vehicle and am looking at new smallish SUVs. I'm wondering if a 2000-lb towing capacity (e.g. on a 2.7L V6) with a frame mounted hitch is enough for my needs (big rebates on some of these vehicles) or do I need to spring for 3500-lb capacity (3.3-3.5 L V6) or go with something huge?
Thanks for any advice!
I've been doing this for years in my 4-cylinder 2.4L Nissan pickup with a bumper-mounted hitch ball. Not sure what the towing capacity of the truck is, but altho there's not much acceleration, it's no problem.
My understanding of towing capacity is that it assumes extended travel, possibly with hills.
I may replace the vehicle and am looking at new smallish SUVs. I'm wondering if a 2000-lb towing capacity (e.g. on a 2.7L V6) with a frame mounted hitch is enough for my needs (big rebates on some of these vehicles) or do I need to spring for 3500-lb capacity (3.3-3.5 L V6) or go with something huge?
Thanks for any advice!