gross combined weight rating, towing, etc, [message #99229] |
Fri, 10 September 2010 09:52 |
hertfordnc
Messages: 1164 Registered: September 2009 Location: East NC
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The Revcon weighs 7800 lb- less than the GMC becasue it's a foot shorter, has two less wheels a bit less cabinet material and glass inside.
I am fairly certain I have 3.8 gears. That is based on 3000 RPM at 60MPH according to a GPS. I'm confident of the speed (GPS) but not the tach. Still, it 'feels' like the revs are pretty high.
I know people pull some enormous loads with their GMC's
Based on those numbers, assume I would only add 800 lb or so to the coach weight and that I am a long way from any real mountains, what would be a reasonable towing capacity that would not really strain the drive train and destroy MPG?
This pertains to whether or not the next vehicle in the family will double as a toad.
thanks
[Updated on: Fri, 10 September 2010 09:54] Report message to a moderator
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Re: gross combined weight rating, towing, etc, [message #99310 is a reply to message #99229] |
Fri, 10 September 2010 20:19 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576 Registered: February 2004 Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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hertfordnc wrote on Fri, 10 September 2010 07:52 | The Revcon weighs 7800 lb- less than the GMC ...
... Based on those numbers, assume I would only add 800 lb or so to the coach weight and that I am a long way from any real mountains, what would be a reasonable towing capacity that would not really strain the drive train and destroy MPG? ...
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Total weight and power are not the only things to consider when determining the amount you can tow. How good are your brakes? (You have two less than the GMC-- as good as they are.) Ratio of weights between the coach and towd is important as well. A light coach might have problems controlling a heavy towd or trailer.
So... no hard numbers. But as a general rule, pick the lightest towd you can find that meets your other needs. (We have a two door Sidekick, but should have gotten a four door for our other needs.) "Try" and keep the towd under 3,000lbs. We now have a '08 Malibu that I would like to tow, but at around 3500lbs, I'll want a very good towd brake system.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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Re: gross combined weight rating, towing, etc, [message #99315 is a reply to message #99229] |
Fri, 10 September 2010 20:39 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260 Registered: January 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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hertfordnc wrote on Fri, 10 September 2010 08:52 | The Revcon weighs 7800 lb- less than the GMC becasue it's a foot shorter, has two less wheels a bit less cabinet material and glass inside.
I am fairly certain I have 3.8 gears. That is based on 3000 RPM at 60MPH according to a GPS. I'm confident of the speed (GPS) but not the tach. Still, it 'feels' like the revs are pretty high.
I know people pull some enormous loads with their GMC's
Based on those numbers, assume I would only add 800 lb or so to the coach weight and that I am a long way from any real mountains, what would be a reasonable towing capacity that would not really strain the drive train and destroy MPG?
This pertains to whether or not the next vehicle in the family will double as a toad.
thanks
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The shop manual has GVWR as well as GCWR ratings but almost everyone exceeds those with no apparent problems. Being in the towing business, your adherence to those ratings may depend on how often and where you do it and how often you will expect to repair things. Many times those ratings are based on system capabilities (such as brakes) as well as durability concerns. I'm far from a purist, but litigation problems can be huge if something happens, even if it was not your fault initially.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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