wolfcat1
near Beaumont, Texas
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Any opinions on this in a tow vehicle ? Thinking about the 09 Durango. Though not seen a lot of specific tech. info. Do you think the "electric" motors , battery packs would be a future financial liability ? shold one wait until they have been out a while to purchase, or not at all ? thnks for your help and insight..I understand it is speculation until they hit the dealerships, but what is the general concensus for this type engine in a TV...
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eurohazard
Travis AFB, CA
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I believe it's the same system as GM is using with their hybrid Tahoe. As I remember GM/Chrysler/BMW worked together on the dual hybrid system.
If it's like the Tahoe, the tow limit will be ~6k lbs. That limits many who like bigger TT's. Personally it would work for me....for now. But there's no room to upgrade later.
Actual towing MPG will likely no go up. But around town, when a standard Durango/Tahoe sees maybe 15 MPG.........in a Hybrid, you should see 20 MPG.
Also I hope Dodge doesn't do what GM has done. They only have loaded-to-the-gills as Hybrid models. You can't get into a Hybrid Tahoe for under $50,490. And that's a lot of money to be able to tow just 6k lbs.
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horton333
Newmarket (Ontario)
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My understanding from some reviews is the tow rating is lower than the stock units largly as they streamlined to get better highway numbers and the cowl cuts down on the cooling air to the rad and hence the low rating.
If this is the limit I wonder if someone could work out something aftermarket....
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pronstar
The LBC
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horton333 wrote:My understanding from some reviews is the tow rating is lower than the stock units largly as they streamlined to get better highway numbers and the cowl cuts down on the cooling air to the rad and hence the low rating.
If this is the limit I wonder if someone could work out something aftermarket....
The weight of the batteries and associated hybrid components is why the tow rating is reduced from the standard Tahoe.
If I'm not mistaken, the way the system is designed, the electric-drive motors are inactive when towing heavy, with the vehicle relying totally on the IC engine for such tasks.
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horton333
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pronstar wrote:horton333 wrote:My understanding from some reviews is the tow rating is lower than the stock units largly as they streamlined to get better highway numbers and the cowl cuts down on the cooling air to the rad and hence the low rating.
If this is the limit I wonder if someone could work out something aftermarket....
The weight of the batteries and associated hybrid components is why the tow rating is reduced from the standard Tahoe.
If I'm not mistaken, the way the system is designed, the electric-drive motors are inactive when towing heavy, with the vehicle relying totally on the IC engine for such tasks.
The reports specifically say that the electrio motors start the pulling even with a full trailer load.
The downgrade in the pulling capacity is much larger than the weight of the batteries.
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GONZO99TA
vandenberg, ca
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if it fits your needs in a tow vehicle i would go for it. The better around town MPG would be nice.
jmo, but i think they only sell it loaded to try and recoup some of the cost of the hybrid system.
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RoyJ
Vancouver, BC
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pronstar wrote:
The weight of the batteries and associated hybrid components is why the tow rating is reduced from the standard Tahoe.
GM specific emphasized the hybrid has the same weight as the standard tahoe. They used lighter body panels and seats to offset the extra weight.
Battery weight usually refers to lead acids. Ni-mh and li-ion weights are negligible in the truck world.
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pronstar
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RoyJ wrote:pronstar wrote:
The weight of the batteries and associated hybrid components is why the tow rating is reduced from the standard Tahoe.
GM specific emphasized the hybrid has the same weight as the standard tahoe. They used lighter body panels and seats to offset the extra weight.
Battery weight usually refers to lead acids. Ni-mh and li-ion weights are negligible in the truck world.
Quite right...my mistake.
I don't know how that tranny raios work out, but the Hybrid Tahoe's rear-end ratio is 3.08...I wonder if this is part of the reason behind the lower tow rating?
I'm not sure that the cooling thing mentioned above is an issue...Chevy press releases note that the revised aero package results in increased cooling airflow for the hybrid components.
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