The specs at various sites vary.

What are the official and unofficial tow capacity and tongue weight?

Thanks.

 

I have an 08 ES 2WD and here is what the owner's manual says; The towing capacity for all models with the 2.4L engine is 1500 lbs with a max tongue weight of 150 lbs. For all 2WD models with the 3.0L engine its 2000 lbs with a max tongue weight of 200 lbs. Since this is from the owner's manual consider these official capacities.

The manual also says the tongue weight must be counted towards the total vehicle capacity weight (passengers plus cargo) that the vehicle can carry. To find the vehicle capacity weight of your LS model, check the placard located on the inside of the driver's door. Hope this helps.

 

This is what I don't get. In the U.S. the 2WD are rated at 2000lb but outside of U.S. its rated as 1500kilograms = over 3000 lbs. Which one is it?

See 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2wd Cvt 2.4l 5 Seat | Australian specifications | Prices

 

That is strange. I can understand the Aussie model having heavier brakes, suspension, etc, to allow more towing weight, but there shouldn't be that much difference in the 2.4L engine. US emissions standards may be a little more tight dropping down power some, but having a towing capacity over twice US specs doesn't make sense. Also both models have the CVT so no difference there.

 

Maybe it has to do with the litigation culture.... Better be safe than sorry!

In Canada we get the same as the US due to a smaller market. Most of the difference is the change of country name at the proper location on the car and the manual (An the addition of a French manual in Quebec).

So here too you need a V6 to get a 1500Kg towing rating.

I always wondered about the involvement of lawyers in the writing of manuals In my former Job in the Aerospace engine manufacturing, Lawyers where involved in the final release of manuals.

 

As I understand it, the max weight a light duty vehicle + trailer may be is 6000lbs. So you take 6000, minus the weight of your vehicle (plus occupants and cargo), and that is your legal towing capacity.

My Ranger, with me in it, sits at 4,000 lbs. After a trailer, there's not much left to pull around.

 

This is what I don't get. In the U.S. the 2WD are rated at 2000lb but outside of U.S. its rated as 1500kilograms = over 3000 lbs. Which one is it?

In Europe the 2.4 Outlander, Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 are rated for 1500kgs. With the 2.2 Diesel Engine they are rated for 2000 kg's.

Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 are rebadged Outlanders

 

Precisely my question. Perhaps they (aus/europe vs us models) are different.

I have a 2wd V6. I wish to buy a camper trailer. The below 2000 lbs ones are rare but there are plenty around 3000lbs.

Has anyone had practical experience towing close to the 1500kg limit with a 2wd?

 

Last spring I travelled into Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Northern Italy and Southern France with my Mitsubishi Outlander '07, 2WD, 125kW (170 HP), 232 kg-m and my mobile home (1500 kg's) and I passed the Alps without any problem. Outside temparatures between 15 and 30 degrees C.
It was a 4000 km's trip.
By the way, I live in the Netherlands

1 kg = 2.2 pounds
1 mile = 1.6 km's
28 degrees = C 82 degrees F.

Last month I have trade in the Outlander 2.4 for the Peugeot 4007 with the 2.2 DiD diesel engine.

 

I did a google search on "towing capacity US standards" and came across the article linked below. It talks about how US tow capacities for the same vehicle are lower than they are in Europe. Pretty much what we've been talking about in this thread.

The Great American Anti-Towing Conspiracy | The Truth About Cars