I recently learned that the Santa Fe XRT has a pretty low maximum tongue weight, which might limit towing options more than expected. Here’s a sample image I found that shows the specs:
I’m hoping to use it for towing an RV or a trailer, but from what I’ve seen, it might be cutting it close even with smaller trailers. The usual rule of thumb is 10% of the towing capacity for the tongue weight, but this XRT doesn’t seem to follow that.
Any thoughts on this? Has anyone else used their XRT for towing, especially heavier trailers?
I don’t think these SUVs were made for towing big stuff like RVs or heavy equipment. They’re more suited for smaller trailers, like if you’re moving a lawn mower or light gear. If you’re looking to pull anything larger, I’d probably go with a truck instead.
@Blake
I get that, but there are RVs that fall well within the Santa Fe’s towing capacity. Even a lighter RV at 2,900 lbs can easily exceed the XRT’s low tongue weight limit.
Usually, you figure around 10% of the trailer’s weight as the tongue weight, but with this limit, it’s hard to stay under.
According to this, tongue weight should generally be 9-15% of the trailer’s total weight (GTW).
With a 351 lb tongue weight limit on your XRT, a 2,900 lb trailer should still work within that range, right? I’m no expert, but I’ve been wanting to add a tow hitch too and want to avoid any issues. Nice to get some feedback from someone looking into this as well!
@Blake
It depends a lot on the specific trailer’s design. I was looking at a Dutchmen Colorado 17BHC, which has a dry weight of 3,089 lbs and a hitch weight listed at 399 lbs. Add a weight distribution hitch and propane, and it quickly exceeds the limit.
The XRT’s setup seems to really limit the kind of RVs it can handle without pushing the tongue weight too high. I definitely want to stay on the safe side.
@Fifer
Yeah, there’s definitely a lot to consider. Thanks for sharing your research! Sounds like the XRT may not be the best for towing heavier stuff, but hopefully you find a setup that works. Good luck!
@Fifer
Not sure I follow. Wouldn’t 10% of a 2,900 lb trailer be 290 lbs, which is below the XRT’s max tongue weight of 351 lbs? Unless there’s more to it based on loaded weight or something.
Van said: @Fifer
Not sure I follow. Wouldn’t 10% of a 2,900 lb trailer be 290 lbs, which is below the XRT’s max tongue weight of 351 lbs? Unless there’s more to it based on loaded weight or something.
The tongue weight guideline is usually based on the vehicle’s max towing capacity, not just the trailer. For example:
I have an XRT and tow a 2001 Aliner LXE pop-up. The hitch weight is around 200 lbs with propane. It tows fine, but the rear end sags a bit more than my old Jeep did with the same trailer. The XRT’s hitch is also pretty low, so you have to be cautious about clearance. Overall, it tows well even on steep roads. I’d avoid anything too heavy, though. Maybe adding some rear suspension upgrades would help.
