Questions About Towing Capacity

[surfrider]

I have read through some of the previous threads and still don't have a clear picture of what the LR3 can handle towing. I am aware of the 550 vs 770 which I have not been able to find a consistent or good answer as to why there are two numbers and what the real tongue weight is? Also I have heard the max tow capacity is based on towing in low range. What is the max towing capacity in the normal range?

It seems there are examples of people towing 6000 lbs + trailers and over 550in in tongue weight with no problems in both flat land and mountain conditions.

I am looking at getting a smaller toy hauler that has a dry weight around or under 4500lbs and estimate the gross weight will be between 6000-6500 when loaded (water, fuel, dirt bikes, gear, etc). Hitch or tongue weight would exceed 550, but would be under the 770.

Anyone have some good answers to the tongue weight issue and the real towing capcity/capability of the LR3?

Thanks!

[lexlaws]

I believe that you will be at the limit with the figures you are quoting for the toy hauler. I may be wrong, and someone will certainly chime in if I am... but I looked into this when I was considering an Airstream purchase earlier this year to be towed by my LR3. I recall being told that 6000-6500lb. loaded was as much as I could safely go in the LR3, and then you also had to be mindful of the load in the truck, and also that the LR3 has a short wheel base which factors into its towing capabilities... wouldn't want the trailer overtaking the tow vehicle under certain circumstances kind of thing...

[05LR3AZ]

I've seen conflicting information out there...550 tongue capacity per LR specifications but look at the LR drop hitch for the LR3 and it says 770/10%.

I had wanted a toy hauler but came to the realization that the LR3 may not be the ideal hauling vehicle when the load approaches 6500+.

I tow an 18' steel trailer (open, +/-24' inc. tongue), Polaris Ranger, 2 full size quads, fuel, camping equip, etc. which is about 5,000lbs.

[surfrider]

Thank you for your responses. It is interesting to read all the different opinions on the LR3 towing capabilities. It is hard to know how the LR will handle the some of the toy haulers I am looking at. I have read several comments about people towing 6500 pound trailers/boats with ease.

Anyone have any experience towing the 23 ft Xtra lite Rage'n or super light WW with an LR?

Thanks.

[ChuckD]

Originally Posted by surfrider

Anyone have some good answers to the tongue weight issue and the real towing capcity/capability of the LR3?

Thanks!

I pull a 23" enclosed car hauler (3,300lbs) plus whatever antique car I put inside (up to a 4,000lb '37 Buick) for a total of nearly 7,500 lbs. No issues, though I do use sport mode. Short wheelbase is a plus when backing up. Hitch weight is about 600 lbs.

Sensible speeds are always a must with a trailer like this. (I almost lost it behind my F-150 a few years back when I thought I could pass some traffic at 80mph!)

ChuckD