Quick Guide for Understanding Towing Capacity in Danvers, MA
We at Michaud Mitsubishi have created this guide to help you understand the towing capacity of your Eclipse Cross and Outlander models. When you drive through Danvers, MA, and other areas, you will have confidence that the trailer, boat, or pop-up camper that is attached will remain in place. Your vehicle’s longevity can be prolonged by applying the information that you learn in this article.
Start With the Manufacturer's Towing Rating
Mitsubishi vehicles come with a manufacturer-specified maximum towing capacity, and that number is your starting point, not a suggestion. You'll find it in the Owner's Manual or on the manufacturer's website. For example, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Outlander are both capable towers for their class, with the Outlander offering a high towing capacity properly equipped. However, exceeding this rated limit puts unnecessary strain on your engine, transmission, brakes, and frame, and can create dangerous driving conditions.
Understand Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Before you ever look at a trailer's specs, you need to know your truck or SUV's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the maximum total weight your vehicle is designed to handle on trips down I-95, including passengers, cargo, fuel, and the tongue weight of whatever you're towing. You'll find this on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb. Subtract your vehicle's curb weight from the GVWR and you'll get your available payload capacity. Every person and piece of gear you load into the vehicle reduces how much you can safely tow, so this number matters more than most drivers expect.
Calculate the Trailer's Gross Trailer Weight
Next, look at your trailer or camper. The Gross Trailer Weight is the total weight of the trailer fully loaded, not just the trailer itself, but everything packed inside it. If you haven't weighed your loaded trailer, many truck stops and weigh stations offer this service for a small fee. Your trailer's GTW must fall below your vehicle's maximum tow rating. Simple enough, but there's another factor most people overlook. Contact us with any questions you may have.
Don't Forget Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward force that the front of the trailer exerts on your hitch. A reliable guideline is to keep tongue weight between 10- and 15-percent of the total loaded maximum. So if your camper weighs 4,000 lbs, the tongue weight should be roughly 400 to 600 lbs. Too little causes trailer sway and too much overloads the rear axle and affects steering. The hitch receiver will have its own limit, so never exceed it when going past places like Endicott Park.
Factor In Your Tow Package and Hitch Rating
Not all Mitsubishi vehicles are tow-ready out of the box. A factory tow package typically includes a trailer hitch receiver, a wiring harness for trailer lights, and sometimes transmission or engine cooling upgrades. The hitch itself carries its own weight rating that must be respected independently of the vehicle's towing capacity. Always match your hitch class to your actual towing needs.
Do the Math Before You Drive
Run through this checklist every time you plan to tow. Confirm your vehicle's maximum tow rating in your owner's manual. Calculate your payload capacity by subtracting your curb weight, passengers, and cargo from your GVWR. Weigh your trailer when it's fully packed to get the GTW. Towing safely isn't complicated, but it does require doing the homework before you leave the driveway. If you're unsure whether your current Mitsubishi Outlander Sport or Outlander PHEV is the right fit for your towing needs, stop by our dealership and we'll be happy to walk through the numbers with you and help you find the right vehicle for the road ahead. Those who need a Mitsubishi model with a decent towing capacity for your vacations should take a look at our current incentives.
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My husband just purchased a pre-0wned a 2021 (fulled loaded) Chevy Blazer through Mishaud Mitsubishi, we dealt with Kim Kowalski
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“ During my recent visit with your store, my purchase experience was very smooth. I always hate the pressure that car sales represent put on people to buy cars before provide the whole data. But Jamie, was very clear and understanding with me, he new I was taking my time to make my choices and he gave me the space to think about my options. And the when I did my choices to close with them, Jamie was very diligent and help to move fast.So, I could have my care sooner. ”
Thank you George Kastrinakis, Bill Murphy, and Mr Michaud for your kindness, your help, and your attentiveness.
“ I’ve had a hard year with a lot of sudden changes, so when my car lease was coming to an end, it felt like more stress, more change, and more loss. It wasn’t an easy task for me to figure out, but a necessary and timely one. I’m grateful that I was able to work with George Kastrinakis for a second time, though. George first helped me two years ago, when I was first matched with my 150lb Great Dane service dog, Fred. Back then I had a little Subaru Impreza that I loved, but it was comically small with Fred and my son struggling for space in the back seat. I knew I had to upgrade to a much larger vehicle, and after quite a bit of research, I selected a Mitsubishi Outlander. George just happened to have been my salesman that first time around. It was an easy and joyous process, and he helped me fall in love with Outlanders. As the end of that lease was coming, George reached out to go over my options. I was feeling down, and anxious, and a bit sad about losing my car that I had grown to love— but I knew I didn’t have a choice. Another lease was going to be my best option all around financially, and I was out of time. When I met with George last week, I was in a hard place. My PTSD and depression symptoms had been flaring up. I had been up for several nights struggling with insomnia, and I wasn’t the typical, smiling customer as I tried to hold myself together in public. Even without knowing the full story, George knew that I was going through something, and he handled our time together with great care and gentleness. We went through all of my options— and I mean all of them— before deciding on the best fit. I had gone into that appointment feeling alone in my decision, but George was right there with me. He didn’t push me or try to upsell me, even when he had a clear chance to. On the contrary, he weighed the pros and cons with me between a few options, and helped me find the best fit for me— both for necessity (size with Fred) and financially. George was also attentive to Fred. He checked in about water for him, and helped get the test-ride ready by putting the back seats down for him so he could comfortably ride along. The entire office was warm, welcoming, and respectful. I received kindness at every turn, and even though I was exhausted and emotional, I was immensely grateful for the easy experience. Now I’m home with Fred, my son, and the peace of mind of a brand new vehicle— another Outlander. Thank you George Kastrinakis, Bill Murphy, and Mr Michaud for your kindness, your help, and your attentiveness. I will be back. -Dani ”
Excellent service from start to finish!
“ Excellent service from start to finish! The purchase process was the best I've ever had in the fifty years I have been buying cars. No pressure and everyone was friendly and professional. ”
Would highly recommended the team at Michaud Mitsubishi for all your car needs! ☺️
“ the team at Michaud Mitsubishi was amazing in helping me get into a safe reliable car! Not to mention they didn’t give up on me, when the banks said no they kept trying until they said yes. They worked on getting me approved for days & we’re so fast and trust worthy. I got into 2021 HYUNDAI IONIQ ELECTRIC and I am obsessed ”
“ My husband just purchased a pre-0wned a 2021 (fulled loaded) Chevy Blazer through Mishaud Mitsubishi, we dealt with Kim Kowalski. I could’ve not asked for a better , and easier experience. Kim was excellent if I could give her 10 stars I would from dealing with her online, she would reach out with different vehicles and pictures and links for us to look at and this was more than a three week process just going back-and-forth via email. We finally came in. After 2 test drives of completely different vehicles, my husband loved the Chevy, it was a “five *** vehicle), Kim went back over everything that they did to get it ready for a new owner, explained all the features and everything that the current entailed plus more she was so knowledgeable, we could not have been happier between Kim just having so much knowledge and experience, and honestly she was just a delight to talk to and deal with….. She was a nonsense, no rush no hurry, no hassle, Kind of sales woman, She made everything easy and honestly, we were there for probably five hours. I didn’t even realize that that’s how nice the experience was .You can tell she loves what she does and she’s great at it! I would highly recommend her and everyone at this dealership, if you’re looking for a vehicle (new, used, pre-owed certified whatever) Kim’s your go to sales women or if you’re looking online reach out to Kim Kowalski you will not regret it we didn’t!!!! We are so happy we definitely will be back and I’ve already referred my company to purchase vehicles from Kim and the dealership!!!!! Thank you everybody from Bill in the finance dept. Who is so easy to work with and will do whatever he has to do to get you the best rate that he can possibly get for you and he tries and tries. He’s wonderful. He takes care of everything from A-to-Z. He’s just great at what he does as well. I could’ve sat and talked to Bill and Kim all day… Plus, I don’t wanna leave outeveryone in the office to Sam the dog and to all the other great salesman who are friendly and would help you with any questions You needed answered everyone was fantastic and so personable and it was just a great experience from start to finish . But, it all started with our outstanding sales woman Kim. Thanks so much The Squadrito‘s. (Dana & Paula) ”