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Topic: towing a vehicle weighing more than 4000 lbs (Read 11 times) previous topic - next topic
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towing a vehicle weighing more than 4000 lbs
Yahoo Message Number: 67009
Is anyone towing a vehicle weighing more than 4000 lbs and if you are did you modify the hitch for greater towing capacity?  I have a jeep liberty that weights 4300 lbs.  I am using a brake buddy to assist in stopping the vehicle.
Re: towing a vehicle weighing more than 4000 lbs
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67014
Is anyone towing a vehicle weighing more than 4000 lbs and if you are did you modify the hitch for greater towing capacity?  I have a jeep liberty that weights 4300 lbs.  I am using a brake buddy to assist in stopping the vehicle.


 We don't tow a vehicle that heavy.  However, according to the Owner's Manual for our 2004 LD, the maximum weight capacity of our hitch is 4,000# with a 350# maximum tongue weight.  The Manual states that if you're going to tow a vehicle heavier than 4,000#, you need to have a special frame-mounted hitch installed.

Linda Hylton

2004 Red 23.5' TK http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=1167 http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/
Linda Hylton
Re: towing a vehicle weighing more than 4000 lbs
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67026
Quote
Is anyone towing a vehicle weighing more than 4000 lbs and if you are did you modify the hitch for greater towing capacity?
If you are towing at any significant altitude there is an additional factor to consider.  The Ford manual states "For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% for each 1000 feet elevation."

To use slightly rounded figures, the GVWR for the LD is 14,000 lbs and the GCWR is 20,000 at sea level.  That allows a 6,000 lb trailer or toad if the hitch is modified to support it.  However at 10,000 feet elevation the GCWR is reduced to 16,000 lbs and the weight of the LD isn't going to change.  For a LD loaded to Gross weight, this allows a 2,000 lb vehicle to be towed at that elevation.

Obviously for those who run around at high elevations a heavy towed vehicle is not a good idea.

Monti

Monument, CO
 
Re: towing a vehicle weighing more than 4000 lbs
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67081
I occasionally tow a horse trailer that might weigh over 4000 at times.  For that reason I had the bumper arc-welded to the frame.  the trailer has electric brakes Evelyn

"Charles" wrote: