dwe8922

I'm looking at trailers, and would like to get some opinions on my tow vehicle. I'll be using a '95 chevy caprice. Rear wheel drive, solid axle, 4.7 v8, automatic transmission. It has a 5,000lb tow capacity. I'm guessing that my whole rig will be pretty close to that limit. The drivetrain layout, components, and total vehicle weight (4,100lb) are very close to a full size v8 pickup, but the pickup tow capacity is 2,000 lb higher. I plan to add gas shocks in the front, and air shocks in the rear to stiffen up the suspension. And, add a transmission cooler, and maybe an anti sway bar. What causes the difference in tow capacity given the 2 are very similar except for the body? Is it the softer stock suspension of the sedan? Any thoughts?

Thanks!
David

SundayDriver

Some, but not all of the differences include:

Frame strength
Hitch rating may or may not be comprable
Axle (rear-end) strength
Spring rates
Tire load carrying capacity
Transmission
Engine (calibration and/or parts)
Cooling capacity

That car and a 1/2 ton pick-up are not fundamentally the same vehicle.

GratefulJED

Great question, and Great answer!