'03 trailercapacity

[eaglestar]

Trying to pin down exactly what I can pull with an '03 extended base model (no drivetrain/load options). The book is slightly vague with "SHOULD" be no more than 2,000 lb, not must be or can be no more than. Anybody know if this is an absolute or simply recommended? And if recommended, how much "push" can it REALLY handle? Thanks for any help you can give.

Ray

 

[melsg5]

the book statement is below and with 2 people 2,000 is the limit unless you are going to modifications like an external transmission cooler.

It should never weigh more than 1,400 Ibs. (630 kg) with
up to six occupants in the vehicle or more than
2,000 Ibs. (900 kg) with up to two occupants. If you
have the optional trailer towing package, your vehicle
can tow up to 2,900 Ibs. (1 300 kg) with up to six
occupants or up to 3,500 Ibs. (1 575 kg) with up to two
occupants. If you have the Thunder, your vehicle
can tow up to 2,600 Ibs. (1 180 kg) with up to six
occupants or up to 3,200 Ibs. (1 410 kg) with up to two
occupants. But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.

 

[eaglestar]

Thanks for the reply. What I'm really looking for is if someone has experience with pushing the numbers -- can it be done and if so, how far? I know for some things the published numbers can be overly conservative. I just don't know if that's the case here. If so, great. If not, I'd rather know before breaking something. My last experience with passenger car trailering dates back to when cars were built to actually do work -- a real chassis and a drive train that won't wimp out when you need it.

Ray

 

[melsg5]

why would anybody want to know how far you can push trailer capacity, sounds to me like playing Russian roulette with your vehicle, can be very pricey and what works for one person may end up costing you a transmission. Good luck.

______________________________

 

[eaglestar]

The fact that with over 100 views only one person has replied says a lot. It tells me that no one has tried it - at least no one willing to talk about the experience! So I'll take it that this not a case where published numbers are overly conservative.

Just for the curious, the contemplated load was an ultralight travel trailer. It was a last ditch effort to rescue a much-desired trip after the camper had too many issues to correct in time. I knew going in this was straw grasping, but when you're up that legendary creek some questions just have to be asked.

Ray

 

[jbeazell]

I think Melsg is right. The specs are there for a reason. They've given predictable results from their knowledge of the vehicle, and know what the safe limits are. I don't think that anybody is going to likely give you advise on how far beyond those numbers you should push your luck. It could be a matter of destroying the vehicle or plowing it uncontrollably off the road or into somebody else.