Correct-- and for the record the OB is a class II vehicle so it doesn't matter what class hitch you have bolted to it your still only Class II. They only started building 2inch receivers in late 09 for cars when bike racks for more than 2 bikes needed the extra strength a 2inch piece of framing could provide. The actual frame that 2inch receiver is welded to is identical to the 1 1/4 receiver the difference being the receiver size nothing else.
Towing with XT
I'm hoping to tow a Spec3 racecar (spec weight w/ driver 2900lbs) on an aluminum double axle trailer with brakes (1300 lbs) with a 2005-2009 Outback XT manual. So, I'm looking at 4200lbs loaded trailer weight with a corresponding tongue weight of roughly 420lbs (10%).
The US towing specs are 2700lbs gross trailer weight and 200lbs tongue. Apparently, European models (self-leveling suspension?) are rated at nearly 4000lbs though I haven't found tongue weight.
I figure I can stiffen up the suspension and get that at least as good as Euro spec with King Springs, maybe stiffer struts of some kind, and upgraded swaybars. I'm not sure how to increase max tongue weight, though.
Long story short, any thoughts on how to increase the max tongue weight? What's the weak link?
I've done tons of searching on this forum, legacygt and subaruforester etc. with no luck. I'm aware that this might be dangerous. Please don't respond with safety first, buy a truck, think of the children etc. Thanks for any responses.
The US towing specs are 2700lbs gross trailer weight and 200lbs tongue. Apparently, European models (self-leveling suspension?) are rated at nearly 4000lbs though I haven't found tongue weight.
I figure I can stiffen up the suspension and get that at least as good as Euro spec with King Springs, maybe stiffer struts of some kind, and upgraded swaybars. I'm not sure how to increase max tongue weight, though.
Long story short, any thoughts on how to increase the max tongue weight? What's the weak link?
I've done tons of searching on this forum, legacygt and subaruforester etc. with no luck. I'm aware that this might be dangerous. Please don't respond with safety first, buy a truck, think of the children etc. Thanks for any responses.
41 - 46 of 46 Posts
But, if you're using a weight distributing system, bending due to a down-force induced moment isn't (as much of) an issue. Also, I assume that the wheel chair was attached to the back of the car all the time. I don't think he'd be towing this trailer more than once a week.If you sit in the back seat your butt is the bend point beefing up the over hang behind the rear wheels doesn't do a thing to address where the unibody bends at the back of the passenger cage.
Keep in mind OC, you're still exceeding the Australian tow rating by 700 pounds. That's almost 20% of the Australian rating, and 160% of the US spec rating.
Find a hitch system that extends to the rear axle assembly and ties directly to the core passenger cage/frame of the car and your argument would be correct. I have never seen any hitch system that did this.But, if you're using a weight distributing system, bending due to a down forced induced moment isn't an issue. Also, I assume that the wheel chair was attached to the back of the car all the time. I don't think he'd be towing this trailer more than once a week.
Keep in mind OC, you're still exceeding the Australian tow rating by 700 pounds. That's almost 20% of the Australian rating, and 160% of the US spec rating.
My post (#30) half-handily explains the end effect of "weight distributing" systems on the tow vehicle.
EDIT: here's an excellent write up on weight distributing hitches if you have an engineering mindset.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/14265335/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1
EDIT: here's an excellent write up on weight distributing hitches if you have an engineering mindset.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/14265335/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1
How often are you trailering your race car? Would it be feasible to rent/borrow a vehicle to pull the race car? Then you could get the car you really want as a DD since it seems you are trying to find a vehicle that is a compromise between the two duties.
jschuk,
I'm hoping my car won't have to tow very often. My brother lives nearby and has a 2012 Touareg TDI which will be the primary tow vehicle. My OBXT or whatever I end up getting will be the secondary tow vehicle.
st3mpy,
Thanks for the link re: weight distributing hitches. I'm not sure I'll really get how they work until I see one in person. I imagine it's fairly simple, just difficult to describe and illustrate.
I'm in full-on search mode for an XT. I'll post some pics and stuff when I finally find one.
I'm hoping my car won't have to tow very often. My brother lives nearby and has a 2012 Touareg TDI which will be the primary tow vehicle. My OBXT or whatever I end up getting will be the secondary tow vehicle.
st3mpy,
Thanks for the link re: weight distributing hitches. I'm not sure I'll really get how they work until I see one in person. I imagine it's fairly simple, just difficult to describe and illustrate.
I'm in full-on search mode for an XT. I'll post some pics and stuff when I finally find one.
41 - 46 of 46 Posts
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