ratings

[shorty27]

Here's a question. Example. Two 2007 GMC 2500HD's
One has 6.0 gas and the other the Duramax.
Common sense that the Duramax is more powerful, but how do they come up with the towing limits.
When they rate the 6.0 at 12000 or a bit more and the Duramax at 15000.
Now I'm sure when they say this, they are talking about repeated use.
I've seen trucks haul WAY more than the ratings. I'm sure you all have as well.
How far do they undercut the REAL abilities of a vehicle.
You know, when they say a beam is rated at say 2 tons, it will hold more than that, but they have to have a safety margin.
How much do vehicle manufactuors do this to trucks??