"and 100 more" (nth256)
06/04/2014 at 16:01 • Filed to: None
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"and 100 more" (nth256)
06/04/2014 at 16:01 • Filed to: None | 0
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¡Hola Oppito! Here's a VW towing a camper with a top-mounted hitch. What are those roof rails made of, unobtanium??
On to the question: why are FWD vehicles plagued with poor towing ratings? Is it a factor of the FWD drivetrain itself, or is the unibody more to blame?
EDIT: More video of the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
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TJDMAX
> and 100 more
06/04/2014 at 16:10 |
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That trailer probably doesn't weigh all that much...but still that is quite the interesting setup.
Fwd cars usually have much lower tow ratings because when adding the weight of a trailer to the rear of the car it will lift the front end so now the steering and drive wheels won't have as much traction. Also, because it is a fwd car the rear suspension isn't as robust because it doesn't have to contend with controlling the forces of a rear axle or diff transmitting the power to the wheels.
In a rwd vehicle, yes the front wheels steer the car like a fwd car, but the drive wheels would now have even more traction with a trailer than without. Also the same reason why a fwd car doesn't have a beefy rear suspension is the reason why a rwd car has a beefier rear suspension.
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and 100 more
> TJDMAX
06/04/2014 at 16:14 |
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Thank you, that makes sense. I just couldn't put it all together in my head.
davedave1111
> and 100 more
06/04/2014 at 16:26 |
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As well as what TJDMAX said below, also bear in mind that the US towing limits are completely different to those around the world. They appear to be a subtle form of protectionism aimed at driving people towards trucks. Here in Europe it's completely normal to see people towing with a FWD vehicle.
Not that I'm suggesting you get a caravan, but here are some caravanists' recommendations: http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/towcarawards20…
It gives you an idea. It's also not uncommon to see small FWD SUVs used. For heavier duties where you guys would use a truck, we tend to use bigger SUVs, so not a great deal of difference.