What are the risks of towing over capacity?

Answer by  brian7754 (243)

The main risk of towing over capacity is that you may suffer damage to your transmission or cooling system. Your transmission fluid may become overheated, causing damage to that very delicate piece of equipment. You can also overheat your antifreeze, which can cause all kinds of problems with your engine - blown head gasket, etc.

Answer by  NateB (571)

If your over capacity on the towing package attatched to the vehicle then you risk blowing your engine, frame damage, destroying your brakes, and the attatchment itself breaking off of your vehicle while in transit which will lead to the destruction of whatever you were towing and injury or death to anyone near your vehicle when that happens.

Answer by  matt42 (149)

The main risks would be stripping out your rear axles snapping your drive shaft or burning up your transmission its best to tow what the vehicle can handle.

Answer by  bb (674)

brakes can overheat and driveline components can wear out to soon. also, loss of control of vehicle can occur due to weight factors.

Answer by  H797H (157)

Some but I'm sure not all of the risks include: Increased wear and tear on the engine and transmission, increased change of tire blow-outs, and delayed braking time.

Answer by  icecreamman940 (82)

Towing over the recommended towing capacity can lead to engine strain that will shorten the life of the engine. This can also cause excessive engine heat which will ruin the oil causing an engine to seize. Over capacity towing can also void a vehicle warranty.

Answer by  KWags1977 (427)

The towing attachment can break right off of the vehicle your using to tow. There is also a chance that something could go very wrong and you lose the vehicle you towing. You also can do damage or blow up your engine. You can also damage the frame by twisting it, or completely breaking it.

Answer by  bb (674)

damage can result to the frame and suspension parts. also the tires can wear out too fast. when towing over capacity, the vehicle is harder to stop and start moving.

Answer by  julsbeau (87)

Over capacity towing can cause the vehicle to detach from the tow truck causing damage. The tow truck itself is also liable to tip over.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well there are a lot of dangers. First off the excess weight could overstress the engine and transmission causing either one or both to fail. The excess weight over the suspension could cause it to collapse causing permanent damage and possibly making it un-drivable. The extra weight can also overheat the brakes due to the extra weight.