Posted by rgv on May 02, 01 at 09:36:29:
there is a lot of discussion on this board about what engine/tranny/axle combo will or will not tow "adequately".
I am interested in hearing what peoples definition of "adequate towing ability" is.
To some people, getting from point A to point B without a breakdown means the tow vehicle is adequate. To others, unless you can pull the Grapevine in high gear and get 20 mpg, the engine is a useless POS.
I am somewhere in between. My opinion is that if I can accelerate to safely merge onto freeways and hold 55 mph in 2nd gear up ANY paved highway, then I am not unduly stressing any part of my tow vehicle. Also I do not want to EVER see the water temp past 220 or the tranny to get hot enough to shift funny.
As a general rule, it seems that pulling much more than 2/3 of the manufacturers rated capacity can get iffy under high ambient temps and steep country.
Comments welcome !