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Alpha Towing Questions ...

H

H3Ray

Guest
This question for Guys who Tow with their H3 Alpha ....

I'm looking to buy an Enclosed Car-Toy Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4UMFy91x3Q

The H3 Alpha is rated at 6,000 total pulling weight capacity.

Tools, tires, food, beer, etc: 300 Pounds
Corvette: 3,500 Pounds
Enclosed Trailer: 4,000
--------------------------
Total = 7,800 Pounds

Unfortunately, I am obviously over the limit pulling with my Alpha H3. That said, I'm thinking about buying heavy duty Truck like the Dodge Ram 3500.

Dodge Ram: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obB92gh1oJM

Question: If you were me, what would you do?

Thanks
 
H

H3Ray

Guest
06 H3 said:
pull the trailer with the alpha because tow ratings are overrated anyways.....
Click to expand...

Thanks for commenting .... The H3 Alpha can handle all that weight? Car + Enclosed Trailer + Tools?
 
06 H3

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
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I dont want to lead you down the wrong path as you might want to follow the ratings but it may be ok, they are usually conservative. I think the guy Zach would know for sure. He works for GM, you might want to PM him.
 
silvrzuki77

silvrzuki77

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Just remember when you crash into another car, cause you disregard tow ratings you will be sued. Sell the alpha and get something else.
 
H

H3Ray

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Happy Hummer

Happy Hummer

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How about ya drive the vet and ditch everything else. Lol.
I'd just do what you think works for you but always mindful of others too.

Chris
 
derian06

derian06

Red Rockett
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Madison, AL
You should just try towing with the alpha and see how it feels. If it is too hard on your brakes, or if it just doesn't feel right then upgrade. If not then just tow with the alpha.
 
f5moab

f5moab

Mr. Beretta
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In hiding.....
06 H3 said:
pull the trailer with the alpha because tow ratings are overrated anyways.....
Click to expand...

That is NOT true. For a good example, take a look at the new tow ratings the manufacturers are starting to use this year, per SAE specs. (Toyota actually started using those new specs last year). The tow rating of most dropped. There is a reason why manufactures test towing capabilities and it is not just how much a vehicle can pull down the road. Heck, a Tundra can tow a plane. It is now much strain the powertrain can take safely over a period of time, how much the suspension can take, the springs, etc. Most forget to check the tongue weight, which on the H3 is 600 lbs. Slap on a normal 6000 lbs trailer and you have (usually) between 600-900 lbs of tongue weight (using the normal 10-15% of trailer weight is tongue weight, which is not always true...I have a 2800 lbs trailer with a tongue weight of 520 lbs). And tongue weight is not the strength of the hitch it is the strength of the hitch and how it is attached to the vehicle, and how the vehicles rear suspension can handle the extra load. (Example, prior to 2013, Silverado/Sierra 1500 series had a max of 600 lbs, in 2013 that was increased to 800 lbs, using the exact same hitch. There were some pull ahead (for 2014 new model) changes made to the rear suspension that allowed for a great tongue weight.)

And let's not forget, in this day-and-age with our litigious society, overload a trailer to a tow vehicle, get in an accident because the trailer hitch fails, brakes can't handle the load, etc., that causes serious injuries and you might have at someone sue you or your heirs for damages beyond insurance limits.

Just read the article posted above....
 
06 H3

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,503
Location
Meridian, ID
f5moab said:
That is NOT true. For a good example, take a look at the new tow ratings the manufacturers are starting to use this year, per SAE specs. (Toyota actually started using those new specs last year). The tow rating of most dropped. There is a reason why manufactures test towing capabilities and it is not just how much a vehicle can pull down the road. Heck, a Tundra can tow a plane. It is now much strain the powertrain can take safely over a period of time, how much the suspension can take, the springs, etc. Most forget to check the tongue weight, which on the H3 is 600 lbs. Slap on a normal 6000 lbs trailer and you have (usually) between 600-900 lbs of tongue weight (using the normal 10-15% of trailer weight is tongue weight, which is not always true...I have a 2800 lbs trailer with a tongue weight of 520 lbs). And tongue weight is not the strength of the hitch it is the strength of the hitch and how it is attached to the vehicle, and how the vehicles rear suspension can handle the extra load. (Example, prior to 2013, Silverado/Sierra 1500 series had a max of 600 lbs, in 2013 that was increased to 800 lbs, using the exact same hitch. There were some pull ahead (for 2014 new model) changes made to the rear suspension that allowed for a great tongue weight.)

And let's not forget, in this day-and-age with our litigious society, overload a trailer to a tow vehicle, get in an accident because the trailer hitch fails, brakes can't handle the load, etc., that causes serious injuries and you might have at someone sue you or your heirs for damages beyond insurance limits.

Just read the article posted above....
Click to expand...

It was a joke...maybe took it to far but if you see all the started posts from the OP you will understand.
 
H

H3Ray

Guest
06 H3 said:
It was a joke ... maybe took it to far but if you see all the started posts from the OP you will understand.
Click to expand...

Sir: You are making a snide innuendo / derogatory remark about me and my question because ............. ? :hmm:

I own an H3 Alpha and have been a member of the forum a long time. And for you to poke fun at my question indicates what kind of person you are.

Good Day.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hunner

Hunner

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2,334
Location
Arkansas
I think you will be pushing the Alpha hard, with the trailer when you try to stop!!
You will crush the springs soon and will either have to address that of get air bags with that large of a wag behind trailer.

I towed an H3 on a trailer with my Alpha and it was not happy.
I also tow some other things that helped me decide to move up from the I-5 to an Alpha.


This trailer loaded is 3500 lbs most of the time, the max rated gross weight. It's all the Alpha wants and I should have got dual axles and brakes.


You could get a 3/4 ton, balance your trailer load and have brakes added to the second axle.
Think about all the times you will use the truck without a trailer and you are wearing dully's and how large that is to park and fuel mileage.

Also most of the 3500's are so jacked up in the rear for hauling bed weight there can be issues hooking up wag behinds.
Dodge now even makes a "lowering" kit.

3/4 tons have the same brakes and frame as 1 ton in most models.

I chose 3/4 ton for those reasons and a diesel for towing torque.

Unless you add a 10,000-12,000 pound after market hitch or bumper or equalizer hitch you will still be straining things.
Goose necks significantly increase the carrying capacity and weight balance and control, but take up some bed space.

When this comes up I usually post my shot of my set up to show the extreme end of this.
I don't think you would have much problem if you stay under 30,000 lbs.
DSC_0022.jpg




If you have friends with a toy hauler hook up and tow and see what you think.
Also check on the mileage on that Tundra, word around here is it's not great.
 
Hunner

Hunner

Well-Known Member
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Arkansas
H3Ray said:
Sir: You are making a snide innuendo / derogatory remark about me and my question because ............. ? :hmm:

I own an H3 Alpha and have been a member of the forum a long time. And for you to poke fun at my question indicates what kind of person you are.

Good Day.
Click to expand...

NAAH not really, that is the lighter side of 06H3 it comes from laying upside down on the driveway too long and all the blood goes to his brain. lol
 
Ghostbuster

Ghostbuster

Well-Known Member
Messages
862
Location
United States
You could probably get a nice used Ford F250 or Dodge 2500 or 3500.

OR

You could upgrade the alpha to handle the extra weight...

Duramax swap, upgrade suspension, new bumpers, wheels and tire, brakes the whole 9 yards.
 
06 H3

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,503
Location
Meridian, ID
H3Ray said:
Sir: You are making a snide innuendo / derogatory remark about me and my question because ............. ? :hmm:

I own an H3 Alpha and have been a member of the forum a long time. And for you to poke fun at my question indicates what kind of person you are.

Good Day.
Click to expand...

Ray I do apologize. I should be serious and offer real advice because towing can be dangerous. I was just joking around.

All the blood has rushed to my head though...I'm not all there. Hunner was spot on.
 
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