SAE towing standards j2807

[Denis4x4]

Set to kick in a year before ObamaCare, the 2013 SAE towing standards are outlined here:

Tow Ratings Finally Pass the Sniff Test - The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - Automobile Magazine

[boondockdad]

good post. thnx

The requirements didn't seem that stringent... 12 mile run at ~5% grade seems pretty mild... 0-60 in 30 sec or less... from 20mph brake within 80' no trailer brakes...

my rig could do that with one tire tied behind its back

[JackMac]

This standard will be a base line to set the rating for all tow vehicles. Some TV"s will be able to maintain these standards pulling 3,000 lbs. Other TV's will be able to maintain these standards pulling 10,000 lbs. No one says you can't pull a 3,000 lb trailer with a TV rated for 10,000 lbs. What it will establish is that you can not pull a 10,000 lb trailer with a TV rated for 3,000 lbs. The rating will make it easy to compare vehicles from different manufacturers. No one can stretch the truth anymore.

[slowmover]

No one can stretch the truth anymore.

You mean, since all vehicles assigned a tow rating will have been thoroughly tested by the automakers and not simply assigned a number almost at random.

Vehicles sold in US and abroad can show different ratings. Which to believe?

A standard is rather meaningless without a goal. If all vehicles are tested, then the goal is met. If it is limited, then little has changed. Good on the SAE for only being about 40-years behind the times as to protocol. But will it be implemented? As our economy worsens over the years to come (flat, stagnant) expect to see Americans using whatever they have to pull a trailer of household goods.

If my V6 Charger can pull more than 3500-lbs, I'd like to know how. Obviously, it can.

I, for one, would like to see this standard made mandatory on any vehicle sold new. And a list of best trailer types (size/shape, etc) for each classification.

Thanks for the link.

[Finch]

good post, though some interesting ways of testing. like the TV must have the lowert numerical gear for the grade test. im not going to buy a truck to tow with a low gear (3.55), im going to get a taller gear(3.73 or 4.10). just my 2 cents