Quote:
Originally Posted by Shelley Glassgow
I recently had a jeep liberty with a 5000 lb tow capacity and pulled a 3023. It was ok if you were on smaller roads, but on the interstate, there were times when I thought that it may not be very safe. I would really have to hang onto the jeep when a big rig passed me. It would cause a nasty sway. I just traded the jeep for a nissan pathfinder. It has a 6000 tow capacity .I am hoping that the longer wheelbase will make towing easier.
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There are some rules of thumb published on the web somewhere that help model the ratio of trailer length to wheel base of the TV. Long trailer with short wheelbase is not a good idea. Here is one such chart:
http://canada-buysellrv.com/TowingTips.asp
My 1500HD has a wheelbase of 153 inches and my 2500HD long bed has a wheelbase of 167 inches. I can tell the difference between them. The longer wheelbase porpoises a lot less. I attribute that to the longer wheelbase and also, I think, to the stiffer suspension in the rear of the larger truck.
According to this chart, my short truck can tow a 31 foot trailer and my long truck can tow a 34 foot trailer. Both trucks have the same engine and brakes. I am only towing a 20 foot trailer.
I believe that the wheelbase issue is most important:
when making a panic stop in a turn
keeping sway under control
You could probably modify an old Willy's jeep to have enough power to pull a long trailer down the road, but it would have inadequate brakes and an entirely too short wheelbase.
How long is long enough to be safe and how long is long enough for you to be comfortable with the risk? Only you can decide. This is not legislated by the government. You make the choice and live with the responsibility of that choice.
I am very conservative in my risk, but my budget is not your budget.