Newbie Tow Help

Welcome

 

Irak, it's actually pretty simple.
You probably won't get a ticket for over the limit towing by itself, unless your rig is swerving left and right down the road.
But: if you are involved in an accident because you could not stop your vehicle, you'll get a ticket for wreckless driving. And if the damage is high enough, and/or personal injury is involved, it will be very easy for a good lawyer to show gross negligence in court if you were significantly over the tow vehicles limits. And that could ruin the rest of your life.

Do whatever you want, though, but stay out of my way, please.

 

You might. Towing a trailer that weighs more than the paperwork for your truck has nothing to do with that though. Crashing underweight could result in the same ticket. Like driving any other trip, be careful and lucky so you don't crash.

Again this has nothing to do with towing or not towing or having a trailer that weighs more or less than the magic number on the paperwork. This is why you have lots of insurance.

Luckily I have a 2008 with the tow package so I am "safe" to "crash into people" up to the 6500. Its not one of those wimpy 2011 models that are only "safe" up to 6300lbs or one without the tow accessories that is only "safe" to "crash" with 3500lbs.

However I have the same curb weight, tires, axles, brakes, and steering as those other models, and towing more than the number on the paperwork isn't against the law, so I dare to question why I am "safe" and the others aren't.

 

It all has to do a lot with towing more than the "magic number". That's exactly how a good lawyer will show just HOW negligent you behaved, even if you did not really cause the accident in the first place.

The rest makes sense (having the same stopping power in real life), but you better ask that question to Toyota. It is unfortunate that this is how it's rated, but that's how it is, and any good lawyer will use these numbers against you.
BTW, I think 6,500 lbs is too much for my '06 Tacoma with the tow package.