Overweight towing - Consequences?

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by mpco239

The bad thing is since the manufacturer says it's unsafe, so when you get in a wreck, you have effectively opened your checkbook. You have assumed PERSONAL responsibility, because you have deviated beyond a reasonable standard of care (criminal negligence)

But it's not unsafe.

In Australia we can tow 3300lbs with the patriot. So obviously it's not dangerous,
Just another example of stupid rules and regulations.


I hear CVT's are **** and don't last long anyway. So whether or not you tow the CVT doesn't last that long anyway.

[Jeep Frank]

You have the weight of the trailer, PLUS, you have the family, the dog, all their gear, etc., etc. The point is you will have lots of weight besides the trailer so your 2,200 turns into 3,000.

[MrMischief]

My m38 (80" wheel base, drum brakes, 72 hp) has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, according to the data plate on the dash. My TJ (93" wheel base, disc brakes, 190 hp) has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, according to the owners manual.

Seems to me that towing capacity is a number agreed upon by lawyers. Be safe, be smart and you'll be ok.

[Ignatz]

Originally Posted by jepstr67

Well there it is. A collusion between lawyers, manufacturers and insurance companies to pin down an artificially low towing capacity in hopes of avoiding coverage payouts.

As I said in my earlier post, there is a likely a margin built into most of these limits. I'm sure they test for a worst-case-scenario and then knock a certain % off to CTA. Some time ago I heard that speed limits are set at 80% of the maximum safe speed so someone can't come back and blame the state for an excessive limit. Officially the limits are for "ideal conditions" so if there's a cloud in the sky . . .

Back in the 80s there was a case, I believe in NH, where someone argued that before the double-nickel the limit was 70MPH. Since the state law only said "reasonable and prudent" and since the limit had at one time been 70 he beat the ticket.

That said, if you're severely over the weight limit the fines are punitive, because they're trying to stop trucking companies from treating fines as a cost of doing business. I knew of a guy hauling sand for his kids' sandbox (filling a pickup from a front-end loader is not a good idea). Obviously overweight, he got stopped and the fine was phenomenal. The judge knocked it down to something reasonable but you can bet he had sweatty armpits for awhile there. And in his case it was really quite frankly dangerous.

[cali-brate]

Originally Posted by jepstr67

If you lived in Europe, that would be well within the towing capacity for the Patriot. (same exact car)

Its very likely that the BUX vehicles with the higher towing capacities, have different brakes. While it might not be much of an issue how long it takes to get a trailer moving, it is a major issue when it takes too long to stop it. Braking power is the most important thing that dictates towing limits

[todde702]

2200lbs or even 2500lbs isn't going to do any additional damage if you take it slow and easy. Since we know the same chassis/drive train is rated to 3300lbs over the pond, you won't break anything any sooner. Long braking distances and slow, steady take-offs. As for the speed, stay in the right lane with plenty of stopping space ahead. More then likely, nothing will happen and no one will notice. I would definitely want some type of brake on the trailer though, whether surge brakes or full on electric, they can only help.

[Peebbo]

My SeaDoo Speedster 150 weighs 2100 lbs. dry on the trailer, with an 80 lb. tongue weight. With equipment and such, I'm sure you can tack on a couple hundred. I highly suggest that if you do not have a trailer with brakes, upgrade the Patriot's pads next time you do a brake job. I went with ceramics, but haven't pulled the boat with them equipped yet though. Anyhow, you should be fine if you're a little overweight, but also pay attention to the amount of stress that the hitch and receiver can handle, tongue weight and such. I do wish the Patriot had a little more torque though.