Uncertain regarding payload weight

[honeycut_mazda5]

family of six. My wife and I prefer not to have a truck or huge SUV, and we have seen that the CX90 Premiums had sufficient strength to tow a caravan weighing under 5000 pounds. Basic mathematics and reasoning indicate that any weight above 4500 pounds when fully laden is excessive. We have identified several trailers with dry weights of 3000 lbs, and we intend to load them minimally, including items such as clothing, a few pots and pans, and disposable plastic utensils to maintain a lightweight configuration. I estimate a maximum weight of 3700 pounds when completely loaded.

The issue I am encountering pertains to the payload. The payload placard on the door jamb indicates 1190, which is quite low to me. The method involves taking the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the CX90, which is 6,854 pounds for the Premium 340hp version, and subtracting the curb weight of our CX90, recorded at 4,889 pounds. The calculated payload number is 1955, significantly exceeding the specified payload limit.


The trailer in question has a tongue weight of 465 lbs, while the CX90 has a tongue limit of 500 lbs. The tongue weight contributes to the payload weight, leading to a total of 763 lbs for passengers, 20 lbs of additional cargo, 117 lbs for a full fuel tank, 60 lbs for a battery on the tongue, 55 lbs for a full propane tank and 95 lbs for a weight distribution hitch. The manual does not mention a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH), and I am aware that they are not advised for unibody vehicles. The representative at Mazda indicated that it is permissible to utilise an equaliser weight distribution hitch (WDH), resulting in a payload weight of 1,595 pounds, which exceeds the sticker weight by about 400 pounds, however remains far below the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to curb weight ratio.

If I adhere to the sticker payload, I will need to seek a significantly smaller trailer with an essentially negligible hitch weight. What is the purpose if the vehicle has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs yet can barely tow anything beyond 3000 lbs?

Kindly inform me if I have overlooked any details.

[johnmayerrr]

Having been involved in the development process that established GVWR, towing, and payload ratings for several different vehicles, I can assert that these figures were predominantly derived from arbitrary estimations. Manufacturers will establish a target value for a specific parameter, perform validation testing according to their prescribed safety or load factor, and thereafter display the final figures on the placard. The vehicles has greater capabilities, although the label will reflect what the manufacturer is willing to disclose. I can guarantee that a CX-90 will not ignite spontaneously when towing a 5001 lb trailer.

[vitessear3]

The payload indicated on the placard of your driver's side door jamb is, in fact, the payload specific to your vehicle. Exceeding the specified limit by one pound does not imply that your vehicle will detonate; nevertheless, it does indicate the maximum weight designated by the manufacturer for your particular car.
Not vehicles akin to yours.
Your vehicle precisely.

While you should not concern yourself with that figure, your inquiry suggests an interest in it. In legal matters in many regions of the US, the law and insurance companies would be concerned if you experience an accident.
Consequently, we shall presume that you do not intend to surpass that figure.

Subsequently, employing a weight distributing hitch with any unibody vehicle is generally criticised, owing to the underlying mechanics involved, which transmit forces throughout the vehicle's frame.
In a conventional truck, this occurs via a designated frame, unlike in a unibody vehicle. Notwithstanding the assertions of "the representative at Mazda," this practice is typically disapproved of.
Your vehicle will not detonate if you proceed.
More akin to incremental and meticulous adjustments over numerous tens of thousands of miles.

Ultimately, for camper trailers, the weight metric of primary relevance is the GVWR. This represents the maximum weight the caravan can accommodate, commonly utilised as a standard measure, as campers often underestimate the weight of their belongings and tend to overpack on each journey. By utilising this figure and estimating that 10 to 15% will constitute your hitch weight, you will possess ample margin for error, as well as the capacity to transport all your comforts.

[johnmayerrr]

Are you experiencing a stroke?

[vitessear3]

Indeed, please dispatch assistance.

[vitessear3]

😊

[johnmayerrr]

It is en route!