Exceeding Towing Capacity

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

Those are good! Got a chuckle.

In reality we tow a 4500lb 25' express cruiser behind our GMC Jimmy. It's right on the limit of the Jimmy's capacity. We don't tow far, <mile twice a year. Here's what we tried to pull last night!

That's a 42' Bruce Roberts in steel weighing in at a lil' over 24000 lbs. Needless to say we didn't get too far!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

Even if the accident is not your fault...the other drivers insurance will probably not pay either since you would be operating your vehicle illegally.

Be careful out there and good luck.

Is it really illegal to tow more than the manufacturer's tow rating in some states? It is not in NH. In NH, you may not exceed the load capacity rating on any single tire, and there are certain limits that apply to semis. Nothing about manufacturer's limits though.

 

[captain zac]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

I have a 1995 2855
had a 2005 Expedition with tow package and v-8
did a poor job would tow but stoping was the problem
So I went out and bought a 2008 F-250 diesel

Harry

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

Is it really illegal to tow more than the manufacturer's tow rating in some states? It is not in NH. In NH, you may not exceed the load capacity rating on any single tire, and there are certain limits that apply to semis. Nothing about manufacturer's limits though.

Good point...maybe not illegal, but your insurance could very well deny the claim for not operating the vehicle within manufacturer's recommendations.

 

[jkru]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

I have a 1995 2855
had a 2005 Expedition with tow package and v-8
did a poor job would tow but stoping was the problem
So I went out and bought a 2008 F-250 diesel

Harry

Hey Harry,

This is really great info. Could you tell us a little more about the trailer? Were there brakes on at least two axles etc?

THanks!!
JKRu

 

[captain zac]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

2 axles
4 disc surge breaks and master cylinder and lines New
4 new tires plus spare aand jack
all new lights

 

[Fingernip]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

Yeah you prolly woulda been alot better offf with electric brakes with a good brake controller. Some can work soo well that the trailer stops YOU lol.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

Good point...maybe not illegal, but your insurance could very well deny the claim for not operating the vehicle within manufacturer's recommendations.

Can they really? I've heard people claim that this happened to someone they know, but I have never heard anyone say it happened to them. I plan to read my policy tonight to see if I really could be denied for towing over the limit. I know that in some places you can be denied a claim for operating over the GVW limit of your license. Not sure about manufacturer's recommendations though.

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

Can they really? I've heard people claim that this happened to someone they know, but I have never heard anyone say it happened to them. I plan to read my policy tonight to see if I really could be denied for towing over the limit. I know that in some places you can be denied a claim for operating over the GVW limit of your license. Not sure about manufacturer's recommendations though.

I am sure that insurance companies vary...and if you have a strong relationship with your agent, you might be get away with it. But there are all sorts of situations in which your insured vehicle becomes uninsured.

 

[Salty Joe]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

If you are just putting the boat in the water for the season and then taking it out at the end of the season hire a boat hauler. They will be a lot cheaper then a new truck.

 

[jkru]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

One more thing, I checked with my insurance agent who also talked to the underwriter and noted my account; and to my surprise they said that even if I am towing over the recommended capacity I will be covered whether at fault or not. They said they would not cover the boat, that would have to be through my boat insurance, but would cover any damages as a result of an accident. He said the only circumstances where this would not apply would be federal offences such as drug trafficking etc. I was surprised that this was the case but each person should check separately with their insurance provider. I thought that this was just interesting and worth sharing.

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

One more thing, I checked with my insurance agent who also talked to the underwriter and noted my account; and to my surprise they said that even if I am towing over the recommended capacity I will be covered whether at fault or not. They said they would not cover the boat, that would have to be through my boat insurance, but would cover any damages as a result of an accident. He said the only circumstances where this would not apply would be federal offences such as drug trafficking etc. I was surprised that this was the case but each person should check separately with their insurance provider. I thought that this was just interesting and worth sharing.

Sounds like a good deal...good luck.

 

[Silver Heels]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

Hello,

My advice is to give 'er a whirl. Based on "towing capacities" probably every farmer around me exceeds the sticker on their vehicle everyday. The thing is, they're smart about it and know the limitations of their rig. Just be cautious and if things aren't feeling safe, slow down. 3 miles is not much. I'd sooner tow a load heavier than the ratings of the truck for three miles at slow speeds on level terrain than tow at or below the truck capacity at highway speeds, up and down grades, etc.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

jkru- just a few points to ponder. Although your insurance says they will cover you in the event of a negligent act, it does not mean that there won't be other consequences. In many states, you can be charged criminally if you are found to have acted negligently or recklessly and caused enough monetary damage or any personal injury.

Your insurance company is only bound to cover you up to the policy limits. There is no limit on how much you can be sued for and, if awarded, the insured is responsible for amounts exceeding their insurance policy.

I would expect a judge/jury to look unfavorably upon intentional, negligent acts...

 

[jtexas]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

I would also be worried backing that set up down the ramp. Thats not a heavy truck, trying to ease a heavy boat down a wet ramp. Eeek.

The load will lighten considerably once it reaches the water.

 

[jkru]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

jkru- just a few points to ponder. Although your insurance says they will cover you in the event of a negligent act, it does not mean that there won't be other consequences. In many states, you can be charged criminally if you are found to have acted negligently or recklessly and caused enough monetary damage or any personal injury.

Your insurance company is only bound to cover you up to the policy limits. There is no limit on how much you can be sued for and, if awarded, the insured is responsible for amounts exceeding their insurance policy.

I would expect a judge/jury to look unfavorably upon intentional, negligent acts...

I guess the question is if exceeding your "recommended" towing capacity is negligent when also considering the tow distance and speed. I see your point but I would consider it more negligent by a order of magnitude to tow at maximum capacity at highway speeds. I think it?s a very complex subject actually, I?m glad I started this thread. I think the best solution ultimately is to have a vehicle that way exceeds the tow capacity of anything you?re towing.

After much thought I have decided under the specific circumstances of my situation it is safe to tow my boat. Ill likely move it once the next hot day shows up; in Seattle that is likely never . If I find it to be too dangerous at any point ill obviously suspend my activities, I doubt that will be the case. I'll be sure to update the thread about the experience as well as pictures.

Cheers
JKru

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

I guess the question is if exceeding your "recommended" towing capacity is negligent when also considering the tow distance and speed.

If it's considered to be a contributing factor to the accident, it will be deemed negligent. Regardless, I can't imagine any individual arguing successfully against the manufacturer's recommendations under any circumstances.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I deemed that the manufacturer was just erring on the side of safety when they arrived at these figures. I am not at fault because I was going slow and being careful...

 

[Blue Water Runner]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

jkru, Its a shame I you are not close by. I would go get it for you. Don't you have any friends with a 3/4-1 ton truck that can help a fellow boater out for a couple of hours?

 

[jkru]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

jkru, Its a shame I you are not close by. I would go get it for you. Don't you have any friends with a 3/4-1 ton truck that can help a fellow boater out for a couple of hours?

Thats very kind of you to make that offer. I think i need to join a yacht club and meet more people in my area.. I actually found a GMC 1 ton for rent at a Uhaul. It turns out there is a Uhaul in my area that rents trucks with hitches. I had to call around all weekend but I did find 1 place that seems to rent trucks and only 19.95 a day plus mileage. I only need it for < 10 miles total

 

[Blue Water Runner]

Re: Exceeding Towing Capacity

Thats very kind of you to make that offer. I think i need to join a yacht club and meet more people in my area.. I actually found a GMC 1 ton for rent at a Uhaul. It turns out there is a Uhaul in my area that rents trucks with hitches. I had to call around all weekend but I did find 1 place that seems to rent trucks and only 19.95 a day plus mileage. I only need it for < 10 miles total

Thats the ticket. Good luck.