Exceeding GCWR when towing

mclarke · Jul 23, 2002

This summer, I've seen a lot of minivans towing larger (21 feet plus) "ultralite" trailers. I've done the math, and, assuming that the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is in the same ballpark for most minivans, these people are well over the GCWR (8160 lbs for my 1999 Ody).

One guy with a 1996 Windstar was towing a 23 foot Trail-Lite Bantam 23S with a dry weight of 3081 lbs. His van had been modified with stiffer springs and an air suspension and he was using a weight distributing hitch. The GCWR for my Ody with this trailer would be almost 8500 lbs. Are these people tempting fate wrt safety and vehicle longevity or can they get away with this?

Mike

Neo Fender · Jul 23, 2002

When it comes to towing with anything other than a truck, the transmission is the weakest link and it's usually the first thing that goes, even with a transmission cooler.

SuperDad · Jul 24, 2002

My Ody is around 4300 lbs, add to that 3100, and I only get 7400 pounds, somewhat below the limit.

nwf_snake · Jul 24, 2002

Yes, but that is 4300 lbs empty. Add, gas, passengers, and luggage to get the REAL GVW!

mclarke · Jul 24, 2002

He's right...

GCWR means the total weight of every bit of junk you can wedge into any possible nook & cranny of the trailer and car.

You'd be surprised how quickly those weights add up. If you're going to be at an unserviced campground, you'll need to run with (at least) a partially full fresh water tank (8.33 lbs/gal). Food, clothes, tools, and other personal items can easily add another 300lbs. Published trailer dry weights don't include water, propane tanks, a battery or optional equipment like A/C units or awnings.

Don't forget bicycles, firewood, a campstove, and a portable cooler.

Mike

Exceeding GCWR when towing

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