47 replies to this topic

[dadasracecar]

I bought a used 2010 BMW X5d.  It has a 6000 lb towing capacity and I get 18 mpg towing. I'm just starting out so don't have that much gear.  I use it for daily driving and it gets 28 mpg on the highway/24 mixed.  Scoots pretty good with over 400 lb-ft of torque.  I recommend. 

 

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[av8tor]

Everything You Need to Know About the New Truck Tow Ratings

Christian Wardlaw

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Starting with the 2015 model year, several automakers are adopting Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard J2807, which defines a uniform method for calculating maximum towing ratings for pickup trucks. The goal is to make it easier for truck buyers to compare different makes and models on a level competitive field, and the resulting tow ratings are based on specific performance tests and situational assumptions.

SAE J2807 test protocols include:

• 
  
• Cooling capability on a long highway upgrade
• Launch and acceleration on a level road
• Launch and acceleration on a 12-percent grade
• Handling performance in terms of understeer and trailer sway
• Braking performance in terms of stopping distance and parking brake hold on a grade
• Structural performance for the vehicle, the hitch, and hitch receiver
• 
  

Furthermore, SAE J2807 assumes the following when calculating trailer weight ratings:

• Light-duty truck ratings assume inclusion of any options with higher than 33-percent market penetration
• The driver and the front passenger each weigh 150 pounds
• The vehicle is equipped with up to 70 lbs. of hitch equipment
• For conventional towing, 10 percent of the trailer weight is on the tongue
• 
  

In creating these standardized test protocols and assumptions, SAE took into account feedback from automakers and tow equipment suppliers. After SAE J2807 was finalized, automakers informally agreed to use the standard by the 2013 model year.

Trouble was, the new standards frequently lowered maximum tow ratings, and when 2013 rolled around, everybody except Toyota — which by that point had been using the standard for two years — chickened out.

Now, for 2015, Chrysler is using SAE J2807 for its range of light- and heavy-duty Ram trucks. Ford will only use the standard for its redesigned F-150, which goes on sale closer to the end of 2014. General Motors is complying with its 1500 series Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models. Nissan says it will switch to the standard when the 2016 Titan arrives.

[av8tor]

2009 Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton with 6.2 and Max Tow package.  Pulls a 24ft enclosed trailer with Miata, generator, AC on top, tools, spares, beds, microwave and fridge.  Loaded trailer usually weights about 8000#s.  Has 160k miles (most with the trailer behind it, as it is not my daily driver).  Also use it to haul my 8500# boat all over the SE coast.  Truck gets 11/12 mpg at 70 - 75mph.  It sways laterally a little more than my 3/4 ton did, but the truck rides so darn much better empty that it is worth it.  You have to look at the package.  This truck has the same brakes, cooling package, and tow receiver as the 3/4 ton, but lighter springs,  wheels, axles, and drive line.  I have never liked this 7 speed auto tranny, it is clunky and doesn't shift smoothly, but it has held together for 160k so far.

[Ron Alan]

• "The driver and the front passenger each weigh 150 pounds"

 

Obviously not talking about any of the SE or the US in general...

[Bench Racer]

My towing ego matches my wallet. 2000 Ford ranger 4L 5 speed manual, tandem axle open trailer with SM 16-17 mpg (was my daily driver at 21-22 mpg for 12 years, also had a 94 Underbird Super Coupe 5 speed manual that got worse mpg than the Ranger), absolute minimal extra stuff taken to track because I made this self rule that works for me. Brakes, L/S (change) and other minor stuff gets fixed at track, engine, transmission and home it goes. One long big a$$ hill on the trip to the Farm requires a down shift to 1:1 4th gear and we keep on going at 65 mph. Now have a Ford Edge EcoBoost daily driver that would be on the edge for towing. Frameless, need I say more.

 

Hey were all different folks, with different strokes.

[Erik Hardy]

04 Duramax crew cab 4x4 170k

12-14mpg pulling 20ft enclosed ; 19-21mpg daily mpg

Pulls the trailer like a dream, hardly even notice the trailer is there honestly. Its incredibly stable in the highest winds, something that scared me towing with the 1/2 ton. I went the Chevy route mostly due to the deprecation curve, ride quality, and Allison trans. The engine braking with the Allison is awesome on the downhills!

[Brandon]

'05 Expedition 5.4L-3V with towing package (coolers, electrical hookups, & Class IV hitch) bought in '09 with 89k.

Gets nearly 16MPG "empty" (drove to TX & back from NJ), and dropped to 11-12MPG while towing (Pocono, Pitt Race, & The Glen "hills & mountains" suck!)

 

Pulls the dual-axle open trailer with the Miata pretty well.

I've got a tongue box and tire rack on the trailer and with both rows of seats folded I have a 6.5' long flat floor to sleep on at the track!

 

Currently has 159k, but I've done a quite a bit of maintenance on it over the years (stupid oil pressure problem with the chain tensioners) but that's typical on a 8-10yo vehicle with 100k+ miles on it IMO.

 

In the market for something else since....since....everyone needs to at least keep an eye out!

Hoping for a diesel and a beefy transmission since it's used (nearly) exclusively for towing.

[Andy Mitchell]

I'm also in the 'old dually' camp. I have an '04 Silverado 3500. It's a crew cab with a long box. It only has the 6 liter gas motor, but it's equipped with the HD tow package (oil and transmission coolers, extra springs, etc.) and does OK towing my 24' enclosed trailer.

 

This thread got me thinking, though. I remember feeling I was getting in a bit over my head years ago when I bought my first 'dedicated' tow vehicle (a little SUV that I used to haul my motorcycle stuff to and from the track). Now look at all the crap I own! I've also developed a strange fascination with trucks just for their own sake, giant roll-around tool boxes and neat paddock set-up gadgets of all kinds as my racing addiction has progressed. Is this normal? lol.