Picture of my (stock) rig

[damdifino]

A few days ago I posted that I had a short fuse on the potential purchase of an '09 LC. I had some concerns about towing a 12,000+ lb. travel trailer with it. Anyway, I did the deal and here's the result:



Thanks for the input from people who contributed to resolving my dilemma. BTW, I find that I can't edit my posts here. Is that for everybody, or just because I'm new around here?

 

[THEROK]

Congrats!

 

[WoodyCreature]

How does that tow? Do you feel safe? I'm looking at a 25ft Airstream that's 7,300 lbs. Toyota maxes towing at 8,500 and you have 12,000!!! Other than the sag from the tongue weight how does it feel? Stopping ok?

 

[THEROK]

You guys really should play it safe with the tow figure. Just because the 5.7 still feels stout pulling the thing is just one narrow slice of the pie.

Braking is huge. Stability is huge. Stability during evasive maneuvers is a matter of life and death. You could be held liable.

I'm always amazed at how many drivers I see on the road at or close to the max tow rating thinking everything is hunky dory.

Err on the side of conservatism.

 

[damdifino]

How does that tow? Do you feel safe? I'm looking at a 25ft Airstream that's 7,300 lbs. Toyota maxes towing at 8,500 and you have 12,000!!! Other than the sag from the tongue weight how does it feel? Stopping ok?

I misspoke about the weight. The 12,000 lbs. is my Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (total of the LC and the trailer.) The trailer itself weighs 6020 lbs. wet. As it happens, the LC with me in it also weighs 6020 lbs.--pure coincidence! I'm using a certified CAT scale for my weights, by the way. I expect the weight of the trailer and LC will each be a few hundred pounds more when I get my gear all loaded up.

Handling on my short test drive was "acceptable," but as I said earlier, I'm used to towing with an F-350 where the weight of the trailer is barely noticeable. At this point, I think the short wheelbase of the LC will be the biggest factor in play.