towing capacity guide

It is IMPOSSIBLE to find a chart/list/guide of vehicles manufacturer rated towing capacities online and it is driving me nuts.

Anyone point me in the right direction? All of the truck forums are full of idiots throwing out random numbers, the old "I wouldn't tow without a 1 ton dually diesel blah blah blah" or whatever.

So yea, please help

Have you tried someplace like Consumer Reports to see if there's a pick-up comparison? Or Motor Trend, they do pick-up comparisons as well.

All else fails do a web search for "pick-up towing comparison".

I just use the "What hitch fits" kind of list from a hitch manufacturer to ball park what I can tow.

But, I have a Class 3 for a Ranger doesn't mean I should go out and hook up to my trailer and tow with a car attached either.

http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

A google search with the model and "Specifications" usually yields towing capacities.

RV supply stores have complete listings.

Dealers can always give specs from the VIN.

It's not impossible, I found the tow ratings for my 79 Dually online. Info came out of a factory manual. So it is out there, just takes some searching. BTW, what truck do you have.

tpwalsh wrote: http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

Awesome, thanks. I was able to confirm 5000 lbs with auto trans mission , trans cooler and trailer brakes.

tpwalsh wrote: http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

So I've been using http://www.decodethis.com/ to determine towing capacities but the Standard Towing vs. Maximum Towing has been messing me up a bit. What I'm seeing from these towing guides is the Maximum Towing capacity is dependent upon options installed at the factory (and possible aftermarket).
So what I'm wondering, in the interest of time saving, is how can I tell what options were installed and rear gear size by the VIN? Are there free websites that offer this or do I have to go visit the umpteen million dealers I've been looking at online to determine which vehicle is best for me?
Side note, I'm looking for something that tows a minimum of 5k lbs, seats 7 and is under $10k at a dealership that will allow me to trade in my 2011 Hyundai and deal with crappy credit.

this at least has 99 up

http://dunesport.com/toy_hauler_towing_guide.php

You might want to read this thread, might help.

My vote is Chevy suburban 2000MY can tow 7K LBS

http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/suburban/2000/features-specs.html?style=7195

Oops

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/tow-vehicle-discussion-2047/61814/page1/

chknhwk wrote:

tpwalsh wrote: http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

So I've been using http://www.decodethis.com/ to determine towing capacities but the Standard Towing vs. Maximum Towing has been messing me up a bit. What I'm seeing from these towing guides is the Maximum Towing capacity is dependent upon options installed at the factory (and possible aftermarket). So what I'm wondering, in the interest of time saving, is how can I tell what options were installed and rear gear size by the VIN? Are there free websites that offer this or do I have to go visit the umpteen million dealers I've been looking at online to determine which vehicle is best for me? Side note, I'm looking for something that tows a minimum of 5k lbs, seats 7 and is under $10k at a dealership that will allow me to trade in my 2011 Hyundai and deal with crappy credit.

in other words, you are looking for a 10 year old Suburban...

novaderrik wrote:

chknhwk wrote: Side note, I'm looking for something that tows a minimum of 5k lbs, seats 7 and is under $10k at a dealership that will allow me to trade in my 2011 Hyundai and deal with crappy credit.

in other words, you are looking for a 10 year old Suburban...

Or a V10 Excursion.

codrus wrote:

novaderrik wrote:

chknhwk wrote: Side note, I'm looking for something that tows a minimum of 5k lbs, seats 7 and is under $10k at a dealership that will allow me to trade in my 2011 Hyundai and deal with crappy credit.

in other words, you are looking for a 10 year old Suburban...

Or a V10 Excursion.

Or various full sized vans.

With domestic trucks, they are so dependant on option packages, drivertrains, wheelbase, suspension, transmission and brakes. Since you can build 100 different GM/Ford/Dodge trucks and never have 2 the same from each manufacturer, it is difficult to know without having the exact specs.