Exceeding hitch rating

[Pro Build]

I disagree. Seems like most of us are using either trucks or body on frame SUVs.

There are other things to think about with that tow rating. Cooling for your vehicle (ie do you want to wear it out faster), the weight of the trailer throwing your vehicle around (VERY hazardous), braking abilities, etc.

Your boat is an expensive investment. To enjoy it, you need to invest in a vehicle capable of hauling it. A midsize v6 truck could haul it no problem, let alone a full size truck or suv. Get the right tool for the job.

I'm not sure if you are saying you disagree with my statement, but I consider my F150 a passenger vehicle and even though I bought it with all the bells and whistles and factory rated for towing over 12000 pounds, it still "had" a class III hitch receiver with rating of only 5000 pounds.

 

[the MfM]

Ahhh... just go half ton with a goose neck in the bed! Skip all the hitch crap!

View attachment 92286

You think airbags would have helped?

 

[Pro Build]

I think a brain would have helped that guy, he is even crawling underneath it while it's still in the truck.

 

[bronze_10]

You think airbags would have helped?

View attachment 92331

Well theres your problem!! You left your brain at home!

 

[BlkGS]

I'm not sure if you are saying you disagree with my statement, but I consider my F150 a passenger vehicle and even though I bought it with all the bells and whistles and factory rated for towing over 12000 pounds, it still "had" a class III hitch receiver with rating of only 5000 pounds.

I may have misunderstood. I was thinking you were saying most were towing with crossovers that were rated to tow 5k pounds.

If your truck is rated go tow 12000 pou ds, the hitch must also be able to support that. That would be like claiming the car had 500hp, but then eqjipping it with a 200hp engine.

 

[Pro Build]

No problem, It's a shame automakers take such shortcuts to save money. I think they would have more integrity by making the components match the vehicles ability.

 

[Need A Vacation]

I may have misunderstood. I was thinking you were saying most were towing with crossovers that were rated to tow 5k pounds.

If your truck is rated go tow 12000 pou ds, the hitch must also be able to support that. That would be like claiming the car had 500hp, but then eqjipping it with a 200hp engine.

A lot of hitches have two sets of ratings. One when used with a weight carrying ball mount, and one set with a wdh (weight distribution hitch).

Those hitches that have two sets of weight ratings are usualy limited to 500lb tw/5,000lb trailer weight, possibly 600/6,000 when using just a ball mount.

 

[Mjolsen74]

Hey guys.. Don’t want to thread hijack but curious if you have any pics of the Q7 with the 242 behind it?
I’m picking up my 242x this week and also trading in 2015 pathfinder (5000lb capacity). Looking at the Q7 and Q8, leaning to the Q8 as it is 7700lbs too!

I’ve read a bunch of the threads here on the tow vehicle search and when I see all these SUVs I am always drawn back to the Audi Q7/Q8.

Curious how it handles with the boat behind on the interstate too, does it feel “scary” lol...?

I live in Florida and don’t plan on trailering out of Florida so not too worried about mountains. My primary launch ramp is pretty steep though.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Julian]

Here ya go:

Mine has the adaptive chassis option (air lifts) which is really nice....always rides level, and I can actually lower the hitch out from under the trailer without cranking the trailer jack (if I want to be really lazy!!)

MPG is no where near as good as my former Q7 TDI! I do miss that! I was getting 15 MPG towing with TDI, now I get between 10-11....and the TDI had a 26 gallon tank while they only went with 22 gallon on this one (no clue why they didn't make it BIGGER since they didn't need AdBlue tank).

I like it...it is my daily driver. The Q8 does have a much nicer touch screen.

 

[swatski]

Hey guys.. Don’t want to thread hijack but curious if you have any pics of the Q7 with the 242 behind it?
I’m picking up my 242x this week and also trading in 2015 pathfinder (5000lb capacity). Looking at the Q7 and Q8, leaning to the Q8 as it is 7700lbs too!

I’ve read a bunch of the threads here on the tow vehicle search and when I see all these SUVs I am always drawn back to the Audi Q7/Q8.

Curious how it handles with the boat behind on the interstate too, does it feel “scary” lol...?

I live in Florida and don’t plan on trailering out of Florida so not too worried about mountains. My primary launch ramp is pretty steep though.

Thanks,

Mike

I used to tow with a Q7 TDI, it was awesome


I use an adjustable trailer hitch, love it.


—

 

[Mjolsen74]

Here ya go:

Mine has the adaptive chassis option (air lifts) which is really nice....always rides level, and I can actually lower the hitch out from under the trailer without cranking the trailer jack (if I want to be really lazy!!)

MPG is no where near as good as my former Q7 TDI! I do miss that! I was getting 15 MPG towing with TDI, now I get between 10-11....and the TDI had a 26 gallon tank while they only went with 22 gallon on this one (no clue why they didn't make it BIGGER since they didn't need AdBlue tank).

I like it...it is my daily driver. The Q8 does have a much nicer touch screen.

Thanks for the fast reply! How does the Q7 handle down the interstate? Optimal speed trailering?

Sorry for all the questions.. Big week buying both! Hahaha

M

 

[swatski]

Thanks for the fast reply! How does the Q7 handle down the interstate? Optimal speed trailering?

Sorry for all the questions.. Big week buying both! Hahaha

M

I can’t talk about gas, but in general Q7 as a tow vehicle is incredibly stable on the highway, in part due to being fairly low to the ground, and another part due to magical traction control. Best in business.

If there are any cons, I would say one is the trailer hitch fits into the chassis, not frame , so if there is any wobble you’ll hear that throughout the body of the car.

The other one perhaps minor is those look fairly small on the ramp, at least in Missouri, LOL, next to a bunch of lifted pick up trucks. It’s only when you start moving people realize those are real tow tugs.

—

 

[Julian]

Optimal speed on the highway depends on how many MPG you want to get! While trailering I've been shooting for 65-70 on the highway. If I go slower my MPG climbs, but I'm too impatient!

 

[Arcadyus]

This is why we opted for the longhorn package on the 1500 with the 3.92 axle and the class IV receiver hitch.
Tow capacity 10,310 lbs.
Hitch capacity 14,000lb tongue weight 1,400lbs.
I just had to confirm all this with dodge since the new boat is 6400lbs just boat and trailer.

 

[Arcadyus]

Optimal speed on the highway depends on how many MPG you want to get! While trailering I've been shooting for 65-70 on the highway. If I go slower my MPG climbs, but I'm too impatient!

I've been told never tow over 70. Anyone else ever hear that?

 

[suke]

I've been told never tow over 70. Anyone else ever hear that?

I've heard the same all my towing life, soooooooo 23 years? Things happen really fast at 70 already, faster you go less time you have to react should something go bad. I personally stick to 65-70 when towing my boat and managed 12.2 mpg round trip the other weekend on a 3 hour trip to the beach each way.

 

[Bearsar240]

Use a real truck! ?

 

[Bearsar240]

Or do this its legit!

 

[Bluewater272]

If there are any cons, I would say one is the trailer hitch fits into the chassis, not frame , so if there is any wobble you’ll hear that throughout the body of the car.

I had that same problem towing my old boat with the explorer. Every bit of wobble sounded like someone was out back hitting it with a small sledge. I added this, and it took away all the noise. Extra 30 seconds with a ratchet I kept in the trunk dedicated to it.

Amazon.com: Hitch Tightener for 1.25" and 2"Hitches LIBERRWAY 304 Stainless Steel Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Stabilizer Rust-Free Heavy Duty Lock Down Easy Installation Quiet: Automotive

 

[Stevepro172]

This is why we opted for the longhorn package on the 1500 with the 3.92 axle and the class IV receiver hitch.
Tow capacity 10,310 lbs.
Hitch capacity 14,000lb tongue weight 1,400lbs.
I just had to confirm all this with dodge since the new boat is 6400lbs just boat and trailer.

Don't believe Dodge. the dealer and the people you talk to have no clue. Just ask me I was a truck/towing newbie 8 years ago. they sold me a Ram 1500 and said I could tow anything. 3 years later I needed a 2500 because I was over the payload. Sure I could tow my camper, but couldn't put any cargo or people in the truck without being overweight.

Just remember if towing rating is xxxxx (say 10,000lbs) and on average you need 10% tongue weight (1000lbs) and the max payload is 1400lbs you can only load 400 pounds in your truck between cargo and people (they give you an allowance of 150lbs for the driver!!!!!) Good luck and hopefully don't make the same mistake I made