[Metaxa]

Manufacturer tow limits are based upon an abundance of caution.
Local liability as well as insurance actuarial projections plus the stats built up over time all predicate the why of it all.

They need to keep us safe despite the vehicle ability if properly equipped.

I wouldn't want to overload or over-tow a unibody vehicle but I'm pretty certain my Patriot could and would pull more than 2,000 lbs. Again, I wouldn't take that load up a mountain pass...or down...but from here to there, with caution, sure.

Look at all the F150 owners who aren't really truckers with a 2,000 lb camper on board plus all their fuel, water, camping stuff and mom and three huge kids and a dog. Way over specs...but you see them every holiday weekend, right?

 

[Metaxa]

I would never consider a Patriot for towing the lightest of loads. If I had wanted to tow stuff I would have purchased a very different vehicle. So no bigger load than my groceries for me!

I'm with you on that...but then I also own a Suzuki XL7 with 3,000 lbs of factory approved ability. That is a frame vehicle not all that much larger than our Pats, longer tho.