What factors Determine Tow Rating

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Originally Posted by Dan Fahey

So far not planning on towing more than 6000#.
Trailer and car are at 5800#

Dodge RT Durango has 8 speed.
GM uses 8 and 10 speeds.

Was looking at the GMCanyon Diesel.
Has tow rating 7600#

Dodge RT at 7400# but has more torque and power.

GM Tahoe and Pick ups are at 8400#

Operating well within the rated towing capacity of a vehicle (like for example towing a 6,000-pound trailer behind a one-ton dually that has a 13,800-pound rated towing capacity) would be much safer than towing something that is at or near the maximum rated towing capacity of a vehicle (like for example towing a 6,000-pound trailer behind a vehicle with a 7,400-pound rated towing capacity).


It's not like you're 100% safe towing 7,399 pounds and the truck spontaneously blows up at 7,401 pounds- the laws of statistical probability are at work here. If you're maxxed out on your towing capacity, then it stands to reason that you would be expected to be the first one to have problems. Heck, I've seen plenty of tire, brake, wheel bearing, and rear drive axle failures in half-ton trucks that have never carried or towed a load.