Maximum towing capacity for 2020 Caravelle 20 foot

[robertcamp]

The towing capacity for my 2020 Kia Telluride is 5,000lbs. The 2020 Caravelle comes in at 4,300. Given normal use of two people and a 3lb dog is this pushing the limits of the tow vehicle. Tongue weight is around 500lbs.

[Carl n Lynn]

We went with the 20 Bambi because of lower weight. Didn’t want to push it.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by robertcamp

The towing capacity for my 2020 Kia Telluride is 5,000lbs. The 2020 Caravelle comes in at 4,300. Given normal use of two people and a 3lb dog is this pushing the limits of the tow vehicle. Tongue weight is around 500lbs.

Pulling/towing your TT is not the issue here; it's how much payload you can handle...what does your sticker say inside your drivers door jam? Add up your passengers weights, any "camping" cargo you plan to carry, and your TT tongue weight and see if your under the payload on that sticker. Then you should also evaluate the HP & torque of your Kia to see if you are comfortable towing a TT, where you plan to travel, etc...lots more then just looking at the tow capacity when your towing on the highway especially if your planning on going into the mountains somewhere. Let us know what you find out on the payload...

[KeithC]

Does the 4300lb weight for the Caravelle include all your supplies and gear? Full propane tanks, hot and freah water tanks, campfire cooking ware, bicycles and other personal gear add up quickly.

If you plan to traverse hills, foot hills or mountains, that would be a major strain on your tow vehicle and if it can perform as you expect. I tow in the North Georgia mountains, I tried a borderline tow vehicle and it was a bad experience. I felt like an old geezer holding everyone else up. I did not want to be that guy going 45 MPH on grades with cars backed up behind me.

I bought a larger tow capacity vehicle and am happy I did.

[drbrick]

IMHO you are OK on flat roads under 65MPH ... beyond that you are an accident looking for a place to happen. Once you add gear and water and people you are over weight.

You might be interested in reading my article on the exercise we did in choosing a tow vehicle for our Int'l 25 Airstream. how-to-determine-if-your-tow-vehicle-is-right-for-your-trailer/

[gypsydad]

Just re-read the article in last months Trailer Life, which mentions the new KIA/Hyundi SUV's. It does not mention payload, but HP and Torque seem light for towing on the highway? I suppose with a smaller TT they could be fine...heck, we see folks on the Forum pulling with all kinds of smaller TV's...

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by robertcamp

The towing capacity for my 2020 Kia Telluride is 5,000lbs. The 2020 Caravelle comes in at 4,300. Given normal use of two people and a 3lb dog is this pushing the limits of the tow vehicle. Tongue weight is around 500lbs.

What is the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) of the Kia? A photo of the door placards would help us give you a specific answer, based on real data.

There are three specification numbers that must be used to CALCULATE towing ability. GVWR, GCWR, and payload capacity.

Maximum trailering capacity is calculated with maximum trailer weight, with the driver only, and tongue weight at 10% of the gross trailer weight. As payload is added to the tow vehicles, its trailer towing capacity is decreased by that same amount, because GCWR will be exceeded.

Do the math, make sure NONE of the specifications are exceeded.

ps: IMO>
I think you will be marginally ok for flatlands. Mountain towing will be a challenge.
If you chose to tow with this Kia, then weighing will be required to make sure axles and tires are not overloaded with the loaded trailer connected.

[robertcamp]

I am very grateful for the comments to my post. We went with the 16 foot version as a result of the information you shared. Thanks again, I think the 20 foot version would have been too much for us.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by robertcamp

I am very grateful for the comments to my post. We went with the 16 foot version as a result of the information you shared. Thanks again, I think the 20 foot version would have been too much for us.

Well, congratulations! Hope it works out for you! If not, you can always get a different model...we are on our 4th AS in 12 years!