What is the towing capacity of your current proposed tow vehicle?
The weight of either an S or X aren’t far off from each other.
Be Free makes a great point regarding the capability to stop safely being more important than moving.
It really is! Especially with a family!
The towing capacity is only one part of the equation.
The other equally as important is the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) capability of the combined tow vehicle, boat, trailer and cargo (like people, coolers, gas, toys, etc…). This is arguably more important than just tow capability alone.
An awful lot of work goes into determining these rating and capabilities to keep people safe.
Both those in the vehicle as well as those outside the vehicle.
Yes we can an have towed with our Dodge Caravan which has a 3500 lb tow capacity but we traveled light with minimal cargo to keep below our limits.
For example:
Our 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan has two different weight ratings that define its capacity: the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Capacity: 6,050 pounds.
Definition: The maximum total weight of the vehicle itself, including all passengers, cargo, and fluids. To find your maximum payload, subtract your van's curb weight (approximately 4,510 pounds) from the GVWR.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
Capacity: 7,000 pounds.
Definition: The maximum total weight of the loaded vehicle plus any attached trailer and its cargo. The GCWR is a crucial number for safe towing.
Maximum towing capacity:
The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan can tow up to 3,600 pounds when properly equipped with the available trailer tow package. This package includes a heavy-duty hitch receiver, a wiring harness, and a load-leveling suspension.
Our scale weighed Mac26X on its trailer with our minimal stuff (including Engine but with empty fuel tanks, water tanks, etc..) came in below 3000 lbs. This is below the 3600 lbs max towing capacity. But given the curb weight of the van being roughly 4510 lbs this doesn’t allow for much spare weight for cargo capacity. So we rigorously limited our highway travel speed to never more than 55 mph. (Basic Physics Note: The kinetic potential energy of an object increases by the square of the velocity at which it is traveling.)
For two adults a dog and a cat this worked for us. Not sure that this would work for a family of five.
Now eventually we decided to upgrade our tow vehicle to a very good well maintained used 2017 Ford Tranist Van with a max 5000 lb tow capacity and a GCWR above 10,800 lbs. This expanded our margin capabilities allowing us to have more cargo flexibility and stay within our vehicle limits.
Something to note is that virtually any transportation law enforcement officer can require that a vehicle can be required to undergo a physical weight check if it just looks like the vehicle exceeds capacity based upon the officer’s perception. Now should an accident occur while towing where an official accident investigation is incurred and the rated capabilities are exceeded then there are further ramifications to contend with. What those are would depend upon the particular circumstances involved.
Personally I’ve always found it’s best to be cautious and responsible… especially when others safety are even potentially involved.
Please take a good hard look at what your proposed tow vehicle capabilities are and your potential cargo needs are.
You may find that getting a good used vehicle with greater capabilities is what is a better option for your situation and family.
The increased capabilities can also be of benefit with a growing family allowing you greater flexibility to undertake additional home related projects as well depending on the vehicle. (Four door pickup trucks can be a great asset with kids and a lot of home projects!)
Best Regards,
Over Easy
