Lots of threads on here about towing. I've done my research about capability and tow a trailer weighing in when fully loaded about 5,000 pounds. 3.6 engine, manual trans jku with max tow package. Seems like every thread about towing includes someone thinking anyone towing over the rated limit is an idiot. So, my purpose of this threads is to have people respond with real world, first or second hand experiences of people getting in trouble for towing over the rated limit. Either got a ticket, caused an accident, insurance refuse to pay, etc. my guess is this almost never happens, but I certainly can be wrong, so let's hear it.

 

when I was in practice (prosthetics), I treated a number of people who lost limbs and survived accidents due to a trailer or something being towed by a vehicle that was under the rating for the trailer being pulled. For that, I have a personal issue with it. Aside from my personal stance, I can tell you a number of my patients successfully sued, won and also followed through with further legal action for their continued health expenses and loss of wages, wrongful dismemberment, etc. There were about 10 people I treated in about 4 years time. They all won their case. They all lost limbs and some with additional, permanent injury/disfigurement/disability all because somebody pushed the limits of the vehicle, neglected to secure a load properly, etc. in fact, I had one patient that was the largest settled law suit in the country. He won $17m. The load was excessive to the vehicle capacity and proven as such. He lost both legs, impotent, crushed skull, lost a lung. It was a commercially owned F350 hauling broken up concrete which released from the trailer when the driver of the truck lost control due to the weight of the trailer. The driver lost his license for 5 years with no option to ever get his commercial license again.

When I see a guy pulling something that obviously exceeds the limits, I just let them roll on by. We live in a world of liability. Tread wisely.

 

Well put JEEPSTIN12
That covers about both sides of the issue so I hope the debate is over.
Check the amount your liability insurance will cover and remember that the balance of what could be that 17 million is coming out of your pocket

 

Thanks jeepstin. I value your opinion based on your many knowledgable, common sense posts. Yes, it adds some risk, but I still plan to tow over the limit. I just wish there was some common sense to the tow rating. How is it possible that you can get a 5,000 pound rated Jeep Liberty. That is shorter, narrower, lighter, and has a less powerful drive train. I do a lot of camping. Sometimes I see a fully capable diesel pulling an enormous 5th wheel. Yes, I know it's rated to tow something that heavy, but it just simply looks un-natural and unsafe. I think my jku towing a 17ft toyhauler looks perfectly fine. Attaching that to a Jeep Liberty would look more silly, even though it's rated high enough.
Anyone else have real world experiences to share?

 

I'm with ya. I get it. And agree the JK should have a higher rating. The method of determination does not make any sense. I have contemplated getting a nice pull behind and if I do, I'm willing to face the consequences should I ever be in an accident. I think that's where the division lies. Some people, will just want to blame something else. One thing I've learned, if I am willing to break the rules, then I must be willing to face the consequences. Not to say nobody else is this way. But, I guess from my stand point, just know what your getting into should things go south. With that, Jeep on, RV on, trailer on. I'm not one to judge.

 

[QUOTE="rob_engineer;4028697"]Lots of threads on here about towing. I've done my research about capability and tow a trailer weighing in when fully loaded about 5,000 pounds. 3.6 engine, manual trans jku with max tow package. Seems like every thread about towing includes someone thinking anyone towing over the rated limit is an idiot. So, my purpose of this threads is to have people respond with real world, first or second hand experiences of people getting in trouble for towing over the rated li

 

I was towing a good 6000 lbs. 600 miles. Don't go over 60. Gets the death wobbles

 

I can't seem to blow this pix up any bigger. Cops said nothing

 

why would the cops care about the size of the pic?

 

the cops don't care. Until you crash.