Cargo Capacity

Post by **irowiki** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 10:20 am

I searched first and probably didn't search right. How much weight can you safely put in the back of one of our wagons without straining it, for reference?

Like say, a spare 3A engine and tercel transmission, would that be fine weight wise?

teranfirbt · Post by **teranfirbt** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 12:31 pm

I don't see any problem with that, but it depends on how much else is in the car. If it's just you and a buddy then it should be fine. On my way down here to Texas I had mine packed to the brim with a co driver and probably 400 lbs in the hatch (full tool box came with me...).

tercel4wdrules · Post by **tercel4wdrules** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 1:09 pm

I drove 400 miles one way with two Tercel 4WD transmissions and 1 passenger. The max cargo capacity is per the 1983 owner's manual 775 lbs (occupants + luggage).

Post by **Petros** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 1:10 pm

A trans and engine are about as much weight as two heavy passengers, it should handle that fine. You will not do any structural damage to the car, it will take a lot more abuse than one would ever think possible. And of course you will not be accelerating real fast with only 62 hp on tap, but that is not so much a safety issue as much as nuisance.

The real problem is the brakes are kind of light and long hard stops when it is heavily loaded will likely result in warped front rotors (it is easy enough to do that when not fully loaded). So you just have to modulate your brake usage to keep them from getting too hot.

Post by **irowiki** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 1:20 pm

Interesting, only 775 pounds? My 81 Sedan is listed at 800 or so pounds, people + luggage!

I don't have an engine or tranny to pick up right now, but someday I might, so thanks for the feedback everybody!

TominMO · Post by **TominMO** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 7:03 am

Weight ratings tend to be conservative. I had a Subaru Loyale 1.8L 4WD wagon that I hauled a loaded trailer from OR to DC, over the Rockies even. About 1000 lbs in the car and 2000 lbs worth of trailer. No problems--although I was in first gear near Vail, CO, summiting the Rockies!

Post by **dlb** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 10:24 am

just plan your route to avoid as many mountain passes as you can. if you must take a pass, watch your temp as you go up it and put your hazards on and slow down if necessary. do not ride your brakes on the way down the other side.

xirdneh · Post by **xirdneh** » Mon Sep 16, 2013 8:33 pm

Do not rear-end anyone! OUCH!

Tercel4WD.com

Cargo Capacity

Cargo Capacity

Re: Cargo Capacity

Re: Cargo Capacity

Re: Cargo Capacity

Re: Cargo Capacity

Re: Cargo Capacity

Re: Cargo Capacity

Re: Cargo Capacity