Towing Capacity Questions

[Stefrobrts]

I see the advice to go bigger bigger bigger is from people towing 30ft Airstreams. I have a 17ft Airstream and we actually went down in size, because our 1/2T van seemed like overkill. We've been very happy, and Andrew at CanAm was really helpful in my research to pick out a vehicle. We have some issues with this particular vehicle's quality control, but it has been towing great. I would second the advice to talk to Andrew, he is really helpful, and I am convinced he knows his stuff better than just about anyone else around.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

That is a bit simplified.

Besides, who designed GM's ignition switches? Mechanics or engineers?


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow

Ah, probably Engineers, but the real applicable question is, who hung all the heavy dongles on the key ring that causes the switch to fail?

Users. Granted, the Engineers should have calculated that, but still....

[r carl]

I sometimes wonder if the bean counters have more power than quality control.

[phbarnhart]

Originally Posted by SteveH

Ah, probably Engineers, but the real applicable question is, who hung all the heavy dongles on the key ring that causes the switch to fail?

Users. Granted, the Engineers should have calculated that, but still....

Not to mention the 1000s of other parts they designed for the vehicles that haven't failed. The fact that the ignition switch failure is a big deal is partly because these guys don't screw up most of the time.

[J. Morgan]

I guess I have a problem with the way Andy and CanAm are frequently dog piled on by people who are not their customers while every one of their customers I have seen post are very satisfied.

It is kind of like rational explanation and reason is set aside by a kind of "mob rule".

The result is that where Andy and CanAm could provide input to people who could use it, it is just too much of a hassle and battle for him to participate.

Too bad.


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, Brian; Are you sure you're from Canada?

Heheh!

Well, actually UK a long time ago!


Brian.

[Garfield]

Originally Posted by Wingeezer

And meaning absolutely no disrespect whatsoever to Andy, whereas Canadians seem to have a reputation for towing with smaller vehicles, I am one Canadian who is firmly in the opposite camp!

I have progressively towed with larger and larger vehicles, moving from a Safari AWD minivan to a 1/2 ton truck to a 3/4 ton diesel truck

With each move, I have found the towing experience to be much more relaxing. I also now tow with a Hensley hitch - no doubt that, or a similar Pro-pride hitch designed on a similar basis further enhance the towing experience.

Apart from the physical increased comfort in towing, to me there is also a mental aspect!

From a possible liability aspect, I like to know that my tow vehicle is rated by the manufacturer to be capable of towing what I do in fact tow by a considerable margin - just in case.

For me, the peace of mind is worth it! Others may feel that this is meaningless.

You "Pays your money and takes your choice" as the expression goes! Not saying anyone is wrong! This can be a rather contentious subject!

The other thing for our style of camping is that we tend to take a lot of "stuff" with us on or trips. I have a Leer cap on the bed of our truck, so the truck as well as the back seat area (It is a crew cab) serves as the "basement" for our trailer and keeps the trailer relatively clutter-free on our trips.

Brian.

Do you really think this is relevant to the OP when you're towing a 30 foot classic?

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by Garfield

Do you really think this is relevant to the OP when you're towing a 30 foot classic?

If he will be towing at over the rated capacity of his tow vehicle - then yes, otherwise I wouldn't have offered the comment!

I have also towed 20' and 27' trailers with both smaller/shorter wheelbase as well as larger/longer wheelbase vehicles and every time, found the latter be much more enjoyable in every resect and offering a greater feeling of safety.

Maybe just my perception but that's me!

I also use a Hensley hitch for the same reason.

There certainly are some disadvantages to the larger vehicles, but on balance, I'm ok with that!

Brian.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by r carl

I sometimes wonder if the bean counters have more power than quality control.

A perfect example of this might be Thor.

[paiceman]

Originally Posted by r carl

I sometimes wonder if the bean counters have more power than quality control.

Trust me as one who supposedly "ran" a company I was often "questioned" by bean counters and especially attorneys to the point where I often used my sales managers philosophy, better to ask forgiveness than wait for approval.

Such is sometimes the case with Thor Industries I am confident.