Towing Idiots!!!!!!!!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 867
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Hi SLE,
I understand completely your complaint. I am a fireman also and here in Alaska we get a lot of tourists hauling trailers and motorhomes towing smaller vehicles. The motorhomes aren't too bad, but the trucks pulling big trailers and fifth wheels are a pain. Sometimes we will get a convoy and all of them going so slow you have to pass them to get anywhere, but passing a whole line of these vehicles is impossible so you play "grown-up leapfrog" and pass a few at a time.
Other times you'll get someone who feels the moral imperetive to be in Anchorage (a 350 mile trip from Fairbanks here) in twenty minutes! They are ripping down the road hell-bent for leather and they don't care who the runn over or runn off the road to get there!
We love our tourists up here but can't they do a little research and realize that Alaska is a big place...take your time and enjoy the scenery - don't become part of it!
I understand completely your complaint. I am a fireman also and here in Alaska we get a lot of tourists hauling trailers and motorhomes towing smaller vehicles. The motorhomes aren't too bad, but the trucks pulling big trailers and fifth wheels are a pain. Sometimes we will get a convoy and all of them going so slow you have to pass them to get anywhere, but passing a whole line of these vehicles is impossible so you play "grown-up leapfrog" and pass a few at a time.
Other times you'll get someone who feels the moral imperetive to be in Anchorage (a 350 mile trip from Fairbanks here) in twenty minutes! They are ripping down the road hell-bent for leather and they don't care who the runn over or runn off the road to get there!
We love our tourists up here but can't they do a little research and realize that Alaska is a big place...take your time and enjoy the scenery - don't become part of it!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 851
Likes: 5
From: On top of a big hill...
As a rule, I always drive 5mph under the speed limit when towing my trailer. I just feel safer that way and it's alot more enjoyable to just cruise along at 60mph or so and just take my time rather than racing everyone and keeping up with traffic.
Last year I was passed by a minivan on I68 in MD, he was doing at least 80mph and pulling a good-sized pop-up camper trailer. About a 1/2 hour later I came upon him-he was in the median on the east downhill side of Sideling Hill. The van was on it's side and the trailer was in pieces scattered out about 100 yards behind him. Don't know if anybody got hurt but that was just an example of pure stupidity. My opinion is minivans ain't tow vehicles anyway and it's even worse when you get an idiot behind the wheel.
I guess it makes me sorta mad that I spent $30 grand on a 3/4 ton pickup to be safe and proper specifically for hauling firewood, my atv and towing my 3 trailers and then I see a guy towing a 27ft fifth wheel with a Dodge Dakota driving 85mph.
Last year I was passed by a minivan on I68 in MD, he was doing at least 80mph and pulling a good-sized pop-up camper trailer. About a 1/2 hour later I came upon him-he was in the median on the east downhill side of Sideling Hill. The van was on it's side and the trailer was in pieces scattered out about 100 yards behind him. Don't know if anybody got hurt but that was just an example of pure stupidity. My opinion is minivans ain't tow vehicles anyway and it's even worse when you get an idiot behind the wheel.
I guess it makes me sorta mad that I spent $30 grand on a 3/4 ton pickup to be safe and proper specifically for hauling firewood, my atv and towing my 3 trailers and then I see a guy towing a 27ft fifth wheel with a Dodge Dakota driving 85mph.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 106
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From: Worcester
It's amazing what people will do. I was at the lake last summer and a guy was pulling a 23ft boat with a Nissan Maxima. I waited to watch him pull the boat from the ramp. He then piled his 3 kids and wife in the car and drove off, what a accident waiting to happen.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,708
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From: North Dakota
Did you say a Maxima, Hmmmm, wonder how long that trany lasted???
That was a good point, I should have saved the $30k I spent on my truck and instead bought a Ranger, that way I could have more money to buy a bigger camper/boat!!! I could probably drive faster since it's smaller too...
As I named this thread, TOWING IDIOTS!!!!!!
That was a good point, I should have saved the $30k I spent on my truck and instead bought a Ranger, that way I could have more money to buy a bigger camper/boat!!! I could probably drive faster since it's smaller too...
As I named this thread, TOWING IDIOTS!!!!!!
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
I should have bought an F150 instead of an F350 to pull trailers with....
According to the published towing numbers for my year truck ('92), the F150 and F350 have the same Gross Combined Weight Rating. Ford made no distinction between half tons and one tons when it came to towing a trailer. Since my F350 crewcab longbed weighs about 2500 lbs more than an F150 regcab shortbed, I could tow a 2500 lb heavier trailer if I had an F150 (with the same engine, tranny and axle ratio I have in the F350). This is nonsense! No wonder people are confused. We know that the heavier, longer wheelbase one-ton truck handles a heavy trailer MUCH better than a short wheelbase half-ton and will last MUCH longer pulling it too. Too bad nobody clued Ford in on that before they wrote their rediculus tow ratings.
According to the published towing numbers for my year truck ('92), the F150 and F350 have the same Gross Combined Weight Rating. Ford made no distinction between half tons and one tons when it came to towing a trailer. Since my F350 crewcab longbed weighs about 2500 lbs more than an F150 regcab shortbed, I could tow a 2500 lb heavier trailer if I had an F150 (with the same engine, tranny and axle ratio I have in the F350). This is nonsense! No wonder people are confused. We know that the heavier, longer wheelbase one-ton truck handles a heavy trailer MUCH better than a short wheelbase half-ton and will last MUCH longer pulling it too. Too bad nobody clued Ford in on that before they wrote their rediculus tow ratings.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Yeah, those ratings are what is causing a lot of the idiots that we all hate. When I bought my old truck ('02 F-150 SCrew 4x4 5.4L 4 spd. auto), I did the research and found that the towing capacity was 8800 lbs. HOWEVER, that is dookie. ( got snipped the other day for cr....p) I bought a 5000 lbs 25' camper trailer and after 4 tranny's (NNNNEVer towed in OD either) I decided that either Ford was crazy, I had a lemon, or just needed a bigger truck. So, I bought a truck that I don't need to worry about. Bottom line, if manufacturers keep raising "towing capabilities/ capacities", then people are going to keep on believing them and overloading their vehicles. Most people do not know to deduct engine oil, coolant, fuel, passengers, luggage, dogs, cats, kitchen sink, from their towable weight capacities. Look at the new F-350's, 19,200 lbs. towing capacity is what Ford says you can handle with that truck. There are more than a few commercials touting that the new Ford Super Duty can pull 19,200 lbs and even one about the Tow Command brake controller that brags on being able to control that weight, not just pull it. This is crazy, buy a class 6 or 7 truck!!!!! You can get a F-650 with GIANT brakes and a Cat3126 and 6 speed allison for about 4500 more than the F-350 Lariat,ETC. ETC. Sorry, but we do bring this all upon ourselves sometimes. I also drive commercial trucks and I know what its like to be held up by ignoramuses that are too scared to get out of their own way, when I can see just fine from 10 feet above the road. Hope everyone has a safe New Year, Mat.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 164
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From: Cadiz,KY
Just my two cents. I recently sold a 21' celebrity ski boat with a 351 FORD in it. Very heavy modified trailer, tandem axle with no brakes. I bought it to fix up but never did. Never seen water. The guy who bought it came from northern Ohio. He showed up on a sat night at midnite ready to tow his boat home that night. I live in western Kentucky. You won't believe this. He was driving a 2wd S-10 with a 4 cyl. auto. I told him he needed a bigger truck. He laughed and said he would be fine. He emailed me back the next day and "SAID" he made it back fine. I'm glad I was not on the road ahead of him.
Fordman
Fordman
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 135
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Soccer moms talking on their cell phones towing a trailer in the fast lane with the kids screaming in the back and the Chebby Subooban saggin in the rear from all the camping gear with the roof rack piled full is always a treat.....
http://eurotuned.com/vw/image/Overloaded_Car_Jetta.jpg
http://eurotuned.com/vw/image/Overloaded_Car_Jetta.jpg
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Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: North Dakota
SoCalDesertRider,
I have to agree that these tow ratings are getting ridiculous!! According to ford the new F150 is rated to tow more than my 03 F250 V10, there isn't any way. The sad part is people are believing this cr&* and actually doing it. I was talking about this in another forum but a neighbor has a 97' EXt Cab Long Box F250 with a 7.3 PSD and pulls a 28' fifthwheel and a 18ft boat in tandem. He is now thinking of getting a new truck and is considering a half ton because they say the new trucks can handle his load. worse yet he's considering a Nissan Titon now because his son quit working for ford and got a job with nissan. I asked him why he would want to do such a thing and it's because he doesn't like the noise, smell, maintenece cost or ride of his diesel and he only pulls the load 15 times a year with one round trip being 300miles. He only puts like 10k on a year. I told him what he needs is a F250 with a V10, less maintenence, no noise, no smell and the new trucks ride much better than the old but he doesn't seem to listen. As he has stated "You know the new half tons are rated to tow xxxxlbs and everybody elses seems to be able to get away with a half ton pulling similar loads" I might as well be talking to a brick wall.
This is just an example but maybe ford should be looking at it as a safety aspect instead of a selling aspect (the tow rating). I realize dodge and chevy would just jump all over it if ford lowered there rating so they are in kind of a hard spot. although all of the manufactures should be more resposible with there ratings not just ford.
I have to agree that these tow ratings are getting ridiculous!! According to ford the new F150 is rated to tow more than my 03 F250 V10, there isn't any way. The sad part is people are believing this cr&* and actually doing it. I was talking about this in another forum but a neighbor has a 97' EXt Cab Long Box F250 with a 7.3 PSD and pulls a 28' fifthwheel and a 18ft boat in tandem. He is now thinking of getting a new truck and is considering a half ton because they say the new trucks can handle his load. worse yet he's considering a Nissan Titon now because his son quit working for ford and got a job with nissan. I asked him why he would want to do such a thing and it's because he doesn't like the noise, smell, maintenece cost or ride of his diesel and he only pulls the load 15 times a year with one round trip being 300miles. He only puts like 10k on a year. I told him what he needs is a F250 with a V10, less maintenence, no noise, no smell and the new trucks ride much better than the old but he doesn't seem to listen. As he has stated "You know the new half tons are rated to tow xxxxlbs and everybody elses seems to be able to get away with a half ton pulling similar loads" I might as well be talking to a brick wall.
This is just an example but maybe ford should be looking at it as a safety aspect instead of a selling aspect (the tow rating). I realize dodge and chevy would just jump all over it if ford lowered there rating so they are in kind of a hard spot. although all of the manufactures should be more resposible with there ratings not just ford.
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2
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I agree with most but....
I have driven truck (48 states and canada as well as local truck and trailer) for 15 years so I consider myself "well informed" about truck drivers. There was a time when safety came first but now the trucking industry has made it easier to keep a job by flying down the road and wrecking once in a while rather than going safely and not get as many miles (miles pay the bills for both driver and trucking company). I'm by no means defending the idiots out there because there are many but trying to explain the actions of newer truck drivers who are trying to make it in the industry (it's still not right but it's my opinion on why your seeing more truck drivers driving unsafely).
As for passenger vehicals and pickups, a small vehical with a large trailer is unsafe if there is an inbalance of weight between towing vehical and towed vehical. I'll agree some vehicals shouldn't be towing at all and others are towing to much but some are not. My F-250 6.0 will pull 10,000 pounds at the posted speed limit up most hills and because my trailer has brakes on both axles I can stop in a very safe distance (in good weather) but I think (in my area anyway) this is the exception. The problem doesn't lie with the vehical, it lies with the driver. Common sence is not something that is being taught today in my opinion, it is only that common sence that keeps us from jumping off of bridges, puting our hands on burning stoves, driving to fast for conditions, or towing a vehical that is unsafe (wether it be because it is to heavy for the towing vehical or it has no lights or brakes).
I think EVERY drive should have to take a test before being allowed to pull another vehical.
As for passenger vehicals and pickups, a small vehical with a large trailer is unsafe if there is an inbalance of weight between towing vehical and towed vehical. I'll agree some vehicals shouldn't be towing at all and others are towing to much but some are not. My F-250 6.0 will pull 10,000 pounds at the posted speed limit up most hills and because my trailer has brakes on both axles I can stop in a very safe distance (in good weather) but I think (in my area anyway) this is the exception. The problem doesn't lie with the vehical, it lies with the driver. Common sence is not something that is being taught today in my opinion, it is only that common sence that keeps us from jumping off of bridges, puting our hands on burning stoves, driving to fast for conditions, or towing a vehical that is unsafe (wether it be because it is to heavy for the towing vehical or it has no lights or brakes).
I think EVERY drive should have to take a test before being allowed to pull another vehical.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Eastern PA
Eventually the Towing Idiots will cause an effect of BLACK BOX INSTALLATION in all motor vehicles to be used as tool by law enforcement, lawyers and insurance companies for processing of claims and fines and also to litigate us all to death..... HEY YOU OVERLADEN TOWING IDIOTS !!! PLEASE SLOW DOWN SO MY INSURANCE RATE DOES NOT CONTINUE TO CLIMB DUE TO YOUR LACK OF THINKING !... Maybe an automatic governor to withhold speed due to weight ratio? Sorry to rant, my a.m. coffee just kicked me into turbo overdrive.
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 290
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From: Birmingham, Al U.S.A.
Originally Posted by soupy264
I can relate with most of the statements and replies. I do have a different light to shine on a couple. The law enforcement establishment gives tickets to the easiest offenders, ie seatbelt non-use, that they can generate the most revenue from. No matter how good safety ideas are, they can't all be made into laws. People need to learn to drive with a little more responsibility and respect for the others on the road.Not hurray for me and 4Q.
In some cases bad ideas are taught as a rule to be followed. NY State has taken the idea that when leaving a stop,each car should count 3 seconds before starting to move after the car in front has moved away. Thus generating the spacing between cars. It also generates traffic conjestion, and wastes gas. Good drivers should know how to space themselves down the road, not at stop lights.
As for commercial vehicle operators driving in weather, I have driven large vehicles all my driving life and although every driver knows what it's like to drive an 18 wheeler, very few have ever had a ride around the block in one, much less spent 10 hours getting the 600mi. needed to make a living in one. I know that visibility is MUCH better from a drivers seat 8 feet higher than car seats. I have driven in NY snow storms where cars were barely moving,and was comfortable in my ability to do so, So no one should second guess a commercial vehicle operator doing his job,anymore than they would second guess a doctor doing his. This is not to say there are none who are not doing their job as well as they should. Driving in weather is THE test of driving ability. Im my humble opinion, if a driver is so scared as to drive up the interstate with the 4 way flashers on, that driver should think about sitting out the storm in the coffee shop.
thanks for letting me vent too Phil
In some cases bad ideas are taught as a rule to be followed. NY State has taken the idea that when leaving a stop,each car should count 3 seconds before starting to move after the car in front has moved away. Thus generating the spacing between cars. It also generates traffic conjestion, and wastes gas. Good drivers should know how to space themselves down the road, not at stop lights.
As for commercial vehicle operators driving in weather, I have driven large vehicles all my driving life and although every driver knows what it's like to drive an 18 wheeler, very few have ever had a ride around the block in one, much less spent 10 hours getting the 600mi. needed to make a living in one. I know that visibility is MUCH better from a drivers seat 8 feet higher than car seats. I have driven in NY snow storms where cars were barely moving,and was comfortable in my ability to do so, So no one should second guess a commercial vehicle operator doing his job,anymore than they would second guess a doctor doing his. This is not to say there are none who are not doing their job as well as they should. Driving in weather is THE test of driving ability. Im my humble opinion, if a driver is so scared as to drive up the interstate with the 4 way flashers on, that driver should think about sitting out the storm in the coffee shop.
thanks for letting me vent too Phil
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: North Dakota
I agree completely, Pay em more and limit the speed. It would save alot of hassels. unfortunatly that isn't gonna happen and wouldn't solve the problem of the guys towing with there pickups and not having any commen sense. Just have to make one more complaint. It snowed 10 inches after raining up here over the weekend. That means there is a layer of ICE underneith the 10 inches of snow and it is as slick as snot around town and on the highway, yet nobody changes there driving habits for this and of course they wouldn't want to slow down at all because they would have to leave and extra 5 mins early to get to work! There were more poeple in the ditch and sliding through intersections than I care to see while I'm driving on the same road as these people. I am by no means a perfect driver but at least try to use some commen sense when conditions are less than favorable. Also gald I have 4 wheel drive. Makes leaving intersections a whole lot easier.
Happy New Year to all in FTE land.
Happy New Year to all in FTE land.
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4
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Okay had to put my 3 cents worth in! My gripe. I don't mind big rigs and trucks pulling trailers going slower than me, but what I do mind is when there is plenty of shoulder and they are hugging the dashed center line, so that you have to pull out into opposing traffic to see around them. Now I usually leave myself at least two or more car lengtht, but even then you can't see around them. Why don't they move over? The fog line doesn't bite. When I'm towing my trailer, if I have cars behind me and it is safe for me to move over to the right, I do. I don't want some tailgater getting over anxious and trying to pass me without enough sight distance causing some wreck. Now if you're traveling on a Friday or Sunday you can forget about leaving the two or more care lengths between you and another driver, cause some flatlander in a Humvee will fill it up for you because they want to arrive at their destination 20 minutes sooner.