[Linda405]

How much weight can we really safely tow?We just purchased the 2020 Passport with AWD and the tow package. We are looking for a small camper and know that it is recommended that we stay quite a bit under the 5000lb maximum towing. I’ve been researching weights. I am trying to find something with a dry weight under 3000lbs, since loading it could add additional 800-1000 lbs. so do I look at the GVWR? Why does one camper have a dry weight of 3140 and GVWR of 4000-4200 while a camper that I love has a dry weight of 3250 and GVWR of 5000? Many thanks if you can help me with this.

 

[HarveyW]

If you haven't done so yet, start by going to page 442 of the Owners manual and read the section on towing. It explains to you how to determine what you can tow based on the number of passengers, cargo in the vehicle as well as well as if your vehicle is equipped with an ATF cooler or not. I have found that people often underestimate the weight of the things they take along as well as what they pack in the trailer, which is why it is good to weight everything on a public scale before proceeding.

 

[MattyNice]

How much weight can we really safely tow?We just purchased the 2020 Passport with AWD and the tow package. We are looking for a small camper and know that it is recommended that we stay quite a bit under the 5000lb maximum towing. I’ve been researching weights. I am trying to find something with a dry weight under 3000lbs, since loading it could add additional 800-1000 lbs. so do I look at the GVWR? Why does one camper have a dry weight of 3140 and GVWR of 4000-4200 while a camper that I love has a dry weight of 3250 and GVWR of 5000? Many thanks if you can help me with this.

Probably because one has a higher rated axle (beefier) and can support the additional weight.

 

[MrFred]

How much weight can we really safely tow? We just purchased the 2020 Passport with AWD and the tow package. We are looking for a small camper and know that it is recommended that we stay quite a bit under the 5000lb maximum towing. I’ve been researching weights. I am trying to find something with a dry weight under 3000lbs, since loading it could add additional 800-1000 lbs. so do I look at the GVWR? Why does one camper have a dry weight of 3140 and GVWR of 4000-4200 while a camper that I love has a dry weight of 3250 and GVWR of 5000? Many thanks if you can help me with this.

The GVRW is the "dry weight" plus the cargo capacity of the trailer.

Honda doesn't use GVRW in its literature though the NHSB sticker on the door jam does. I have a 2WD and have calculated my max GVRW for the entire RV rig at 2800lbs. That gives me the recommended 20 % safety margin ( hills , passing ect). I have a small 2 person RV dry weight of 2100 lbs leaving 700 lbs for cargo even though the trailer is rated for 1300lbs of cargo.

If this wasn't confusing enough, don't forget the cargo capacity of the vehicle. For the 2WD the max cargo capacity is 936lbs giving the vehicle a GVRW of 5k lbs (936 + 4071 curb weight). When you add up passengers, fuel and fluids , spare tire and tongue weight of the trailer. that capacity is eaten up pretty fast.

Here is the best spec breakdown for the Passport I have found