So, I've had a few threads on here about getting a tow vehicle for my Stratus 186VLO. I'd love to get a pickup truck but it's just not in the cards right now. I looked at minivans but the max towing capacity is 3,000-3,500lbs. I have looked at the Subaru Ascent SUV which has a max towing capacity of 5,000lbs.
I was able to get my fully loaded boat and trailer weighed today. It weighed 2,960lbs. I was told that when vehicle says max towing capacity they are also including the weight of passengers and gear in the vehicle also and not just the boat and trailer.
So, if my fully loaded boat and trailer weigh 2,960lbs. and I add 2 adults, say, 400lbs. that makes it 3,360lbs. for my boat, trailer, people, and gear.
If the Subaru Ascent's max towing capacity is 5,000lbs. that leaves a cushion of 1,640lbs. Would this be enough of a cushion?
I know that your not supposed to tow anywhere near what the max said and that how much you tow affects your vehicle's ability to drive safely. So, what is the cushion from your max weight and the vehicle's max tow weight, 1,000lbs., 2,000lbs, 4,000lbs.......what is should it be?
