Question about towing with quicksilver 11k.

[janimom]

Hello I'm seriously considering buying a used quicksilver 11fk. I really like the features. I'm new to towing anything so this may be a repeat question; if so please forgive me. I presently own a 2016 Mazda 3 6 spd manual sedan and by reading this forum the only thing I can safely pull would probably be a 6.0 or 8.0.
What's up with the Livin lite website stating that a quicksilver llfk can be pulled by most sedans and the uk caravan website states that the mazda 3 has over 1400kg/(3,800lbs!?) tow rating (and they have a test drive video to prove it)! Why does the Livin lite website homepage show a picture of what appears to be a mini cooper of all things pulling the 11fk model?
This is pretty confusing to a newbie like me. I'm not seriously considering pulling the llfk model with my Mazda 3, just curious why the conflicting pictures and statements on seemingly professional sites, including Livin Lite.
I will be able to tow with a 2009 f150 hopefully in a couple months. But it would be nice to hear from someone who has actually pulled anything Livin lite with a mazda 3.

[rob]

There have been several discussions on here about varying tow capacities.

In North America, the Mazda 3 has ZERO tow capacity. The differences may be related to safety features required in NA that are not required in Europe.  I am not a mechanic, an engineer or a lawyer, but perhaps all influenced these changes at some time.  To use a NA model that has varying tow ratings, you can quickly look at the Ford Escape.  It was either a 1,500, 2,000 or 3,500 tow rating depending upon engine and tow package.  What appears to be the same vehicle is not the same vehicle.

I used to pull my QS 8.1 with a Pontiac Vibe, 2.4l, 5 speed manual.  It had no issues moving forward, but I would down shift to help the brakes.  I upgraded to a Jeep Patriot with an automatic transmission (with tow package) because I was tired of shifting during my daily commute.  The Vibe was great when the trailer and car were empty, but when fully loaded, I could feel that I was at the limits of the car.  Since the change in vehicles, I feel much safer and my vehicle feels more responsive.  

My second vehicle is a Mazda 3, 2.0l, automatic.  It has a hitch and I have towed with it for short distances, with about 1000 lbs.  I never tried towing the QS with it but I would never try either.  The car, IMHO, doesn't seem to have the heart or the brakes for the task..................maybe the 2.5l GT does, but mine certainly doesn't.

Livinlite had a 11RD model that was 1250 lbs and there may have been smaller.  That model appears to be replaced by the 11FK at just under 2000 lbs.  It also had a QS 5.0 weighing in at 520 lbs.  Models change.  

[janimom]

Thanks for your response Rob. For now I'll just be patient and wait until I can use the F150. It's good to hear from someone who's actually towed with their Mazda 3.