Does anyone know the mechanical/warranty consequences of exceeding the 1650 pound towing limit "without trailer brakes" on the 3.3? Our non-braked camper is 1600 pounds dry, which doesn't leave much room for propane, water, etc.

Since the vehicle is rated for 3500 pounds with trailer brakes, I'm hoping that the 1650 pound "unbraked" limit is more of a safety recommendation than a warranty-breaker. Most automakers specify a single towing limit, leaving the subject of trailer brakes up to local lawmakers.

Hi Don67

My question for you is how the heck they gonna know? Unless you are too honest and tell them !
No really the main concern for me would be if I am towing more than the recommended weight will the trailer over run when I apply my brakes -say in a bit of a hurry cos some idiot has pulled out on me and will that over run help push me into the other driver.

Have a look here :- http://www.hyundai.co.uk/newCars/santaFe/technical/

It shows a max towing weight of 750kgs (1,653 lbs) with a nose weight of 80kgs (176 lbs) Unbraked and 2000kgs (4409 lbs) Braked and that's for the whole range of Sante Fe's so at 1650 you will be Aok. (Personally I would still prefer a braked trailer)

All the Bestand keep the Water and gas in the Fe's trunk.

Itza :460: :460: :460:

This post has been edited by Itsatusconmatey: Mar 9 2008, 10:34 AM

Thanks Itza. The thought did occur to me that as long as the trailer itself is under the limit it's really just a matter of managing the cargo.

PS: If you ever see a Santa Fe pulled off the road with a blown transmission and a camper still attached, and some guy is frantically throwing propane tanks into the weeds before the tow truck shows up, it's probably me :innocent: