Chrysler Adopts New Universal Towing Testing Standard

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Here’s a tidbit about trucks that you may not be aware of, but whenever a truck company talks about towing capability, it’s not a uniformed test amongst the truck makers.  Each company has their own version of the test and that is what they are talking about in the talking points when it comes to towing in vehicles.  That means that consumer doesn’t have a real comparison point between trucks.  That is all changing however, as Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, and Nissan are looking to adopt a universal towing testing system.

Guampdn.com has the full details of what the truck makers are looking to do in the future.  They quote Bill Visni, a senior analyst with Edmunds.com as to why this will be so beneficial to buyers.  “This is good news for car shoppers.  They can compare apples to apples when they buy a new pickup.”

The majority of truck buyers are interested mostly in the towing capability.  It is the number that can really influence an owners buying opinion.  “People buy pickups to tow and haul,” said Bob Hegbloom, head of Chrysler’s Ram trucks. “These vehicles are tools. This brings a standard into place” to ensure all automakers measure their towing capacity the same way.

The Society of Automotive Engineers has already created a standardized test called J2807.  Although the companies agreed to it a few years ago it was only Toyota that used it.  The fallout from the test may explain why truck makers were so cold to using the test after initially agreeing to follow it.  By testing by J2807, the Tundra’s towing capacity dropped 400 pounds.  Moving forward, however, this will be the new standard.

It will definitely aid truck buyers in getting an honest comparison between trucks and their towing capacity.  To find out what the award-winning 2014 Ram 1500’s is, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see more news and monthly specials.