Why 75% to 80%

[mikeblare]

Can someone explain to me everyones fascination with only pulling 75 to 80% of the recommended tow weight? I can understand if thats the boat and trailers dry weight it leaves you room for fuel and toys and other gear but limiting everything to that. I know it pays to be safe but I think I trust an engineers ratings especially these days when they factor in a safety margin because of the sue happy nature of the nation. Just on a hunch I had a relative of mine who all though he doesnt work for the auto industry but who deals with a lot of their engineers, ask them. They confirmed my suspicions when almost all of the new vehicles are rated they are under rated to prevent the average moron from hurting people when they figure well hell a few more lbs wont hurt. I know its good to be safe but after reading alot of these posts Im beginning to think half of you work in the aftermarket towing parts business. I know for alot of the old timers that these upgrades were necessary on their older machines. But for any full size truck newer than ten years old about the only upgrade you might need is a tranny cooler and most dont. Now I am talking about your average post author who is pulling around 4k to 5k lbs. So words of advice to those who wonder about their trucks if its not fullsize with a strong v8 and solid tranny THEN DONT. If it is and you still have questions go to a dealership where they can tell you exactly whats on your truck. Your average V8 powered full size will easily pull upto 5K with the right hitch and brake setup

 

[blifsey]

Re: Why 75% to 80%

I think some folks just like to have that little cushion. Kinda like with your bank account - you want a little reserve in there just in case. Also, I'm curious as to what conditions the ratings are spec'ed at - need to look in my manual. If they are for flat, open roads and you live in a hilly, mountinous (sp?) area or driving in heavier than normal traffic that should be taken into consideration.<br /><br />Plus, sometimes you never know what you might find along the road that you want to throw in back of the truck and haul home. If your towing at 100% capacity and find a Miller Lite truck turned over, you can't take any of the unbusted cases home Sorry for the sad attempt at humor...Point is, sometimes you can't forsee what you'll encouter while towing and if the safety cushion makes you comfortable then use it. I do agree with you that some poster's are a little too pushy with it. My view is if you want a safety cushion, fine, just apply it to all the weight rating (GVWR of tow vehicle and trailer, GCWR, and technically the GAWRs). If your under the GCWR but have way overloaded your tow vehicle's GVWR, then what use is the 15% margin.<br /><br />BL...