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Dave Pelletier · 03-07-2022, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propchef

There is plenty of evidence to the contrary. IRS is far more stable than a live axle. Unibodies are stiffer than ladder frames.

Rather than write a novel i'll suggest you just ponder this, all HD pickups, all MDT's and all HDT's use frames and live axles...

Aaa · 03-07-2022, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propchef

Unibodies are stiffer than ladder frames.

Please share your sources on this, unibody vehicles are stiffer and therefor good for towing?

OP, the MDX isn't for towing a tall TT, as everyone mentioned it will be fine with a teardrop or small popup.

CRV2 · 03-07-2022, 11:24 AM

Stiffer is not the same as stronger. For example, if a tree didn't flex in the higher winds, then it would break and fall.

Dave Pelletier · 03-07-2022, 03:26 PM

There are several reasons why both IRS and unibodies aren't ideal for towing. I like those things on my 2020 BMW Z4 and our 2021 Audi SQ8, but I'll stick with the body-on-frame and full floating Dana 80 in my diesel Ram for any real towing.

Dave

propchef · 03-08-2022, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

There are several reasons why both IRS and unibodies aren't ideal for towing. I like those things on my 2020 BMW Z4 and our 2021 Audi SQ8, but I'll stick with the body-on-frame and full floating Dana 80 in my diesel Ram for any real towing.

Dave

Other than a slightly reduced payload, name one. Towing stability is not an issue with SUVs.

If you're towing less than 7700 lbs, your Audi is a better choice.

Body on frame is 1920's technology. It's heavy and flexes, and that flexing causes sway and instability. Add to that a live axle and a long overhang and a high center of gravity and I'll take my SUV over a half-ton any day. All numbers being equal, the SUV will be more stable and comfortable, and likely get better MPGs.

CRV2 · 03-08-2022, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propchef

Other than a slightly reduced payload, name one. Towing stability is not an issue with SUVs.

If you're towing less than 7700 lbs, your Audi is a better choice.

Body on frame is 1920's technology. It's heavy and flexes, and that flexing causes sway and instability. Add to that a live axle and a long overhang and a high center of gravity and I'll take my SUV over a half-ton any day. All numbers being equal, the SUV will be more stable and comfortable, and likely get better MPGs.

Unibodies are also 1920's technology, so I am not sure of your point here. If you are against using 1920's technologies, then you need to give up on unibodies and body on frame vehicles which leaves you with... ?

propchef · 03-09-2022, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigav

Unibodies are also 1920's technology, so I am not sure of your point here. If you are against using 1920's technologies, then you need to give up on unibodies and body on frame vehicles which leaves you with... ?

My point is clear. Sorry you missed it.

TXiceman · 03-09-2022, 07:44 AM

It is not a comment about frames and such. That is simply too much trailer for the MDX. Just read and understand the tow ratings.

Either get a larger tow vehicle or look at much smaller trailers.

Ken

xc-mark · 03-09-2022, 01:31 PM

MDX is going to be on the ground even with just the shipping weight never mind loaded ready for travel. Assuming you try this at highway speeds the short wheel base of that SUV will most likely have sway issue and jackknife very easy because its short , light weight with P metric soft sidewall tires.

Dave Pelletier · 03-09-2022, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propchef

Other than a slightly reduced payload, name one. Towing stability is not an issue with SUVs.

If you're towing less than 7700 lbs, your Audi is a better choice.

Body on frame is 1920's technology. It's heavy and flexes, and that flexing causes sway and instability. Add to that a live axle and a long overhang and a high center of gravity and I'll take my SUV over a half-ton any day. All numbers being equal, the SUV will be more stable and comfortable, and likely get better MPGs.

There is so much wrong in your post, I don't have the energy to bother writing a rebuttal and if you really think my Audi is a better tow vehicle than my 1 ton Ram, there is no point in even trying to enlighten you.

ArtJoyce · 03-09-2022, 05:58 PM

That sounds like its a little to much of a TT. The dry weight is most likely out of the specification on the manufacturer's web site. It not the actual dry weight. Most RV's manufactures use a dry weight without batteries, propane tanks, or any options on the trailer. The battery and propane tanks are most likely added by the dealers. Options of most of the time includes: AC units, awnings, spare tires, etc...

So add these options and battery propane tanks, then add another 1 to 1.5K lbs for the stuff you will load into the TT. Come up with the total and take 12 to 13% of the total as you tongue weight. Most likely the MDX max tongue weight is 500 lbs. Also there is a max load on the MDX (the weight on the MDX axles. The 13% tongue will add to the MDX weight, which by the time you fule it up bring the family and fill the back up with your stuff and add the tongue weight there a good chance the MDX is overweight on the rear axle.

I would look for a light TT. Another option might be a Trailmanor. There are light TT out there.

ArtJoyce · 03-09-2022, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propchef

There is plenty of evidence to the contrary. IRS is far more stable than a live axle. Unibodies are stiffer than ladder frames.

This has been a debate for a few hundred years engineers and the lay. Not to mention most of the 60 - 70's muscle cars.

But look at railroad bridges. You can have thick I beams 3-4 feet by 12-16 inches almost side by side or build a truss with a lot of thinner beams that give you more strength.

propchef · 03-09-2022, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

There is so much wrong in your post, I don't have the energy to bother writing a rebuttal and if you really think my Audi is a better tow vehicle than my 1 ton Ram, there is no point in even trying to enlighten you.

So...no response.

Got it.

I'll repeat it. For a trailer under 7700 lbs, your Audi is more stable and more comfortable. And likely has bigger brakes.

radar · 03-09-2022, 06:20 PM

We have an SUV as well. We went with a T@B400. 2900 Lbs dry. Fully loaded for us around 3470 pounds...ish. (Just not that much room for stuff). Our hitch weight is typically 325 to 345 pounds. The water tank, fridge and some of the storage are behind the axle so the hitch gets lighter when loaded. Separate sleeping and dining area. Worth looking at. Might work for you. Low profile as well. Basement air so no AC on the roof killing aerodynamics.

Good luck in your search.