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Originally Posted by sigo'suite
Historically, this has always been the most contentious topic on the "Forum".
In reality, it is probably best summed up by the insertion of this statement: "IN MY OPINION!"
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I have to agree here, particularly when folks continue to ignore the published GVW and GCVW of the tow vehicle in question. The numbers from the manufacturer are out there and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to apply them. That's where opinion and actual certification collide and you are left with the choice of believing opinion or the folks who built and certified the tow vehicle through the Dept of Transportation. They are also the only ones who can make a change to the GVW and GCVW. After market add on's like chips, air bags and helper springs do not change the figures or add additional capacity that the vehicle was not certified for.
The nice thing about having the numbers and understanding the ramifications is not having to go to a PM to get your side across so as to not have it rebutted or relying on derogatory terms such as "weight police" to make a point.
Look at the numbers, get actual weight from a scale, contact your local DMV if you like for additional info. Just get the real world info and not opinion to base a decision regarding your safety on.
Semi trailers also have their own brakes, but a semi with a trailer does not stop as short as a semi alone same for a light duty tow vehicle vs the PU with a trailer. Weight plus momentum still have to deal with friction of the brakes and the coefficient of friction of the pavement. If you exceed the weight capacity you are losing braking power as the weight will still be pushing.