There seems to be an emerging trend in this section. It's "tell me what I want to hear".

Example- the poster comes on asking for advice about a towing combination. Through the thread, he gets sound information- from him under-estimating the weight of his trailer to him not considering the thousand pound of fuel he'll have in the boat and so on. Then they'll hear about how they've over-estimated the towing capacity of their vehicle. (Interestingly enough, it seems like they come to ask these questions AFTER they've purchased everything)

Then, someone comes on and says, "No problem! I've towed exactly the same thing with the same truck and I've never had an issue". Imediately the person is willing to go with that.

Am I just wasting time responding? I'd like to help someone not kill themselves or push my insurance any higher but I wonder if those of us who offer common sense and fact are anything more than flame-bait.

I agree, and it always seems to come down to tow rigs and trailering.

"Well, i'm only going 5 miles to the ramp once a week. My 1995 Nissan Pathfinder will pull my DCB F-29 that far!!!!!!!"

I ALWAYS do my research before i get into something. Granted I am just as guilty as the next of pulling something too big for my truck, but atleast i know it is too big!!!!!!

Maybe its just a majority rules type thing. If i put it out there enough will answer and the law of averages will kick in? Who knows!!!!

Here here, Chris.

I agree, every week, sometimes every day; someone thinks their situation is different. They come here and get advice anywhere from "folks in the know" to the "14 year olds" that post here.

I've never seen a more accurate reason to do your own due diligence, and cut the crap when it comes to "oh, I'll be fine for a couple miles."

How long before "the experts at OSO" get subpoenaed in to appear in court after an accident, when someone here posted that someone else would be A-OK with their setup?

so does this mean i should'nt put a hitch on the Jetta?

I have pretty much quit replying to any and all threads in this section. Not so much for the reason you point out, but more for the fact that everyone seems to know someone who knows how to do it.

For each question that is posted on here the same handful of people reply with their own "opinion" of how it should be. It's rare that any of these replies are the same either.

"I had a truck like that once and it was fine".

"I have a buddy who knows someone that does this all the time. No problem".

"Don't run those tires they are junk". Just because that person didn't have any luck with them no one on the entire planet should EVER buy them again.

If one posts a reply on here and it doesn't go along with a certain group of people you can forget it. You're an idiot.

I could go on and on....

Buck

I think one of the advantages of a forum of this nature is gathering lots of info from people who have experience with something, regardless if they are "experts" or not or how much experience they have. When I seek info on a forum, I consider the number of responses, the depth of experience that one appears to have and other factors as well. Then I use that as part of a decision process that involves MANY other forms of research and/or consultation.

However, I agree that information should not be presented as fact so often. It seems that so many people here are "experts" just because they tried something once, and there always seems to be someone asking a question that is just waiting for the 1 "expert" response that matches what they want to here.

How can this be fixed? I don't think it can, but it is good to point out now and then.

John

Unfortunatly, Insurance Companies pay out millions of dollar a year and continue to insure people who don't have any sense. Keep building on land that continually floods, pay claims that stem from just stupidity. Although insurance my pay for people mistakes, It doesn't pay for what would be an eternity of guilt over other families losses when something goes out of control on the road or water.

I just read the thread that started this one.................Funny how the guy perked up when someone agreed with him despite the math not adding up.

I think you should just have a short reply to dumb questions: Can I tow.........................? Answer: NO

I've put a hitch on just about every vehicle made. Doesn't matter what kind of vehicle it is. The trailer they plan to tow is where the problem lies.

I would guess we do probably three Mini Vans a week here at the shop. Usually old men pulling golf carts. No big deal.

Buck

Please don't stop, you, Chris or anyone else. This is where I learned the proper set-up for towing. I remember when Sydwayz explained the meaning of GVWR and it's ramifications and other towing concerns. I learned from it (and all the other contributors who post here) and do the right thing for the safety of myself & passengers, others on the road, and my investments (truck/boat). For all the idiots who elect not to heed the advise, well then f'em, lets hope they don't turn into the accident like what happened on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge earlier this year. Some people read and apply the suggestions and that alone makes it worth it. The contributors are what makes this forum and site in general, it would be a pity to lose knowledgable posters.