danielyonker

OK Boyz -

I know this subject has been discussed about 10,000 times or so, but I could use a clarification. I have a 2011 Cayenne S that I tow with occasionally. With it I have towed a Trailex enclosed trailer to Sebring from Philadeliphia - no problems. I have an electric brake set up and everything works well.

I recently sold my F350 and 24-foot ATC, and am downsizing to an ATC all aluminum, enclosed 18-foot +2-foot V-nose, which I will tow with my Cayenne. The trailer will with about 2,700 pounds and my car about 2,300 pounds, plus 1,000 pounds of crap puts me about 6,000 pounds, well below the 7,700-pound Cayenne tow capacity. I have heard of people towing more weight than this with a Cayenne. I'm looking for specific confirmation that some of you have towed 6,000 pounds+ with the second-gen Cayenne, and also if you use load distribution bars. The guy at the trailer place advised that Porsche may have restrictions on or otherwise not recommend the use of weight distribution bars, which is supposedly the case with VW and their Toureg.

Thanks in advance -

KaiB

No clue, but...

How are you running GT4 at 2500# driven?

Or is this a different car?

danielyonker

i think 2525+/- is my weight for a 3.4L

GuyIncognito

what's the reasoning behind not using weight distribution bars? something to do with air suspension or the PSM/PASM system?

other than that you should be fine with that setup.

KaiB

ahhhhh....I thought you were running a monster 3.8 or 3.9.

danielyonker

I am a member of the "Light and Nimble" camp

BlueBarchetta

That is a common restriction on uni-body vehicles. Essentially the weight distribution bars use the hitch mounting to distribute weight forward. Not having the hitch receiver mounted to a frame makes manufacturers leery of the distribution forces, and their path thru the uni-body.

This is also a contributory factor in low tongue weight ratings on unibody SUVs with comparatively high tow ratings (tongue weight ratings less than 10% of tow ratings)

To the OP, check your tongue weight rating, this will likely be your limiting factor. If your good there, and you can't use weight distribution, at least get a hitch setup with anti sway

KaiB

Ditto! I hope we can race this year - and give the monsters a run for their money. Glen's old car is in good hands though, should be fun to watch.

Phokaioglaukos

Back on topic.

Maximum payload is 1,709 lbs. and towing capacity is 7,716 lbs. (info attached) Usually the payload is the limiting factor, and the rule of thumb is 10%-15% of towed weight on the tongue. For your 6,000 lbs. rig you want from 600-900 lbs. on the tongue. I like the larger amount, so that gives you 809 lbs. for passengers, fuel and other gear. Not too bad. Just be careful if you ever tow with three passengers because you will not have a lot of capacity for much more.

danielyonker

Thank you, but it is not helping with the question of whether or not I can or should use load distribution bars. Tongue weight for the vehicle is 616 pounds, which I should have no problem staying under.

I will likely tow without load diet. bars and see how it handles and then make a decision.

Veloce Raptor

Dan, just keep your eyes on the road & both feet on the wheel. You'll be fine.

turbochad

I tow more than 6,000# with my '09 GTS and it works great. The key to happy towing with a Cayenne based vehicle is air suspension. I wouldn't tow without it. That is one of the main reasons I bought a GTS. You certainly don't need load distribution bars on an air ride pig.

tkerrmd

Yes no problem and mine is the Hybrid

26 foot enclosed featherlight and 2800 pound car

agree air suspension a must

no bars

no problem

ninjabones

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danielyonker

Thanks for input, dudes.

Ninja, still Bitter? If you accompany me to the dinner at Sebring this year, as my guest, I'll let you stand in for me during the photo shoot, if it will make you feel better.