Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and have been reading here for probably an hour or so to see if I can answer my question but no luck. I have an 08 H3 with the towing package. I've towed a few things with it but nothing over 1500lbs. I'm trying to buy a toy hauler/camp trailer and the weight of the hauler is around 6-7k lbs. I know the towing capacity of the H3 is 4500lbs. I read somewhere that towing capacity is the weight of the trailer being towed minus the weight of the vehicle. so that would be around 2000lbs. Is this right? Would I be able to tow a 6000-7000lbs toy hauler? tongue weight is less than 1000lbs. thanks for the help.

 

That might be a little too much to try. With a much lower tongue weight and just doing a short trip where I don't have to climb any hills or do a lot of starts/stops you could probably get away with a higher tow weight, but probably not 7k lbs. If you did, it wouldn't be long before breaking something.

 

That is not correct. Tow capacity is what your towing plus cargo and passenger weight in the vehicle. You will also be a danger to everyone else on the road, braking ability will be severely reduced.
Imagine trying to come to a stop and being pushed through a red light with 7k pounds behind you into something else.
Buy an H2 they tow 7800

 

ok, thanks guys. so that means no toy hauler. =P

 

Or a toy hauler and H2!!!

 

I'm a bit more optimistic. I'd venture to say with a weight distributing hitch and electronic brakes 5k is acheivable. 6-7k short distance would be ify.
Chris

 

Do you have the i5 or Alpha V8?

 

With e-brakes and a properly balanced trailer/hitch I might say that a little over 5k is going to be alright. The motor will be holding you back now.

I would not walk away from a load just because it weighed 4501 lbs. 7000 lbs is a whole nuther weight class.