towing capacities

Towing capacities are almost always determined by the size of your
brakes...If your brakes are rated to be able to stop 8000#. and if your car
only weighs 5000#, you are supposed to be able to tow 3000#. Good luck if
you believe that this is all there is to it.
Published towing capacites have nothing to do with the size of your engine,
your suspension, or whether you car has a frame. Most modern cars are built
like an airplane and don't have a frame, or solid undercarriage. If you tow
with a car that is built without a frame, you will eventually stretch it.
You recognize this when your doors will no longer shut!
I had a V-6 Ford Bronco Two, and it had a hard time pulling 3000# eventhough
it was rated for 5000#. That tiny little V-6 (2900cc) slowed way down
going up the slightest grades and overheated easily. I traded it in for an
Expedition with a 5.4 liter V-8.
Finally don't try it unless the "Published capacity" is at least that of
what you are towing. If it is less and you have an accident, you will be
cited and will be found at fault if there is damage or injuries to someone
else.

Re the Towing package..This is usually an extra large radiator with extra
capacity to cool your automatic transmission fluid. Perhaps a radiator man
can tell you if you have it. If you have a stick shift, it may not matter.


"Dan" wrote in message
om...
I am looking to buy a boat and need to know if I can towe it with my
V-6 Olds 98 regency elite. The boat and trailer will weigh around 3000
lbs. My owners manual says I can towe up to 3000 lbs with the optional
towing package. How can I tell if I have the towing option. Also, when
I go to the U-haul web site and put in my vehicle, it says I can towe
a trailer with a weight of 4400 lbs. I have no idea if I can tow it. I
have a class II hitch.


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