Willie via EV wrote:
It really depends on your anal retentiveness or how risk averse you are.
EVDL Administrator via EV wrote:
And on whether you're willing to discard the warranty on a $30K+ vehicle.
Willie via EV wrote:
Agreed. The risk averse should not install a trailer hitch on a car whose maker prohibits towing. The less risk averse realize that installation of the hitch does not automatically void all aspects of the warranty.
The physics of the matter is that towing increases the strain on the batteries, controller, motor, and brakes. Manufacturers prefer to skimp on them to save cost. Towing just might put some part a little above its maximum design limit. Thus, towing increases the chances of a failure during warranty.
But of course, how you drive and how often you tow makes a huge difference. Do you do it often? Do you still drive at 80 mph with a trailer? In the mountains?
But if you drive very gently when towing, the strain on the drive train can actually be less than the "stop light racers" who drive like the accellerator and brake pedal are on/off switches.
So it's easy for the dealer and manufacturer to say "no towing". If it breaks during warranty, they can use the hitch as evidence and deny any coverage. Even if you have never in fact towed anything, they win; you lose!
Me; I tow with older vehicles that don't have any warranty anyway. And, I'm a very conservative driver. I've never had any problems due to towing.
Lee Hart -- If happiness is on your mind, here's a daily list to find: - something to do - something to look forward to - someone to love - someone to take good care of - and misbehave, just a little -- Lee Hart, 814 8th Ave N, Sartell MN 56377, www.sunrise-ev.com _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub ARCHIVE: http://www.evdl.org/archive/index.html INFO: http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org Please discuss EV drag racing at NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
