Community Forums

Quincybear · 08-25-2015, 10:52 AM

Just wanted to throw this out for experience/opinion. I keep my adventurer with a triton v10 way under the max weight. My question is my hitch is rated at 5000 lbs but I was considering hauling a car on an auto transport (all wheels off the ground) which would weigh in at a total of 6600 pounds. I know it's under the weight my engine can handle but wondering about the hitch at 1600 lbs over the recommended weight. This is a one time pull for 1800 miles, so a pretty long trip. Any experience in this dept out there? My instincts are to not do it but a guy I know does it with no problems, just would appreciate the help. thx

ga traveler · 08-25-2015, 11:12 AM

I would not exceed the limit that much. If it is a one time deal, why not rent a tow dolly from Hertz. That would probably keep you under the weight limit.

lanerd · 08-25-2015, 11:14 AM

Trust your instincts.

Ron

Bucky1320 · 08-25-2015, 11:26 AM

I would spend a couple hundred with a local welding shop and reinforce the hitch. We have done that for years with our motorhomes pulling race trailers.

Que the nay sayers!

**NLOVNIT** · 08-25-2015, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quincybear

... but a guy I know does it with no problems...

It's those types that put us ALL in danger.

Personally, I wouldn't do it. But should you decide to, be sure you have a good lawyer on retainer in case you get into an accident.

Lori-

Gordon Dewald · 08-25-2015, 11:37 AM

One of the nay sayers here.

Not sure what about a scientifically determined weight limit brings out the all of the folks who say "Hey Bubba, hold my beer and watch this".

Yes it is unlikely that a one time pull will be an issue. But what if it is the one time in a thousand that the engineering limit was exceeded and something failed? Are you willing to take a chance with your families lives, their future and the rest of the travellers you will be encountering lives and futures. Are you prepared to pay the consequences?

Not many of the folks who insist/suggest that you will be OK and label folks as nay sayers or weight police will stand up and take responsibility for their actions. Most will say that you are unlikely to be caught or sued if you are overweight because it will be tough to prove. If you notice most of them use an alias.

austx · 08-25-2015, 11:40 AM

I always go with my gut feeling ... I won't do it! Not worth it.
-- Kay

Cat320 · 08-25-2015, 11:52 AM

You want to exceed the rated capacity by one third?? Not a good idea.

530ktm · 08-25-2015, 11:56 AM

The hitch is rated for 5,000lbs and I believe the tongue is rated for 500lbs. What is the tongue weight for this trailer you want to haul? I may do it one time for a few miles but you are saying 1,800 miles and I would shy away from that endeavor.

damdannyboy · 08-25-2015, 12:03 PM

Class III & IV Receiver (7xxxx Series) - Round Tube
Fits Vehicle Style: N/A
Brand: Hidden Hitch
Class Rating: CLASS III/IV
Weight Carrying (WC): Up to 500/5,000 lbs. (TW/GTW) *
Weight Distributing (WD): Up to 750/7,500 lbs. (TW/GTW) *
* Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for actual weight capacities.

Give it a go!

damdannyboy

BeachDude · 08-25-2015, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucky1320

I would spend a couple hundred with a local welding shop and reinforce the hitch. We have done that for years with our motorhomes pulling race trailers.

Que the nay sayers!

You can weld all the steel you want. You can make it strong enough to pull tree stumps.

However, you can't change the geometry of your motorhome, (the distance from the rear axle to the hitch).

You might consider a tow dolly:

Or

Bucky1320 · 08-25-2015, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeachDude

You can weld all the steel you want. You can make it strong enough to pull tree stumps.

However, you can't change the geometry of your motorhome, (the distance from the rear axle to the hitch).

You might consider a tow dolly:

Or

The geometry of the motorhome wasn't in question from the get-go. The questions was about the hitch rating, which may have nothing to do with the capabilities of the motorhome. Are you an expert on the capabilities of his motorhome? Engineering degree or something?

Just to be clear: If you ever ask anything here, expect to be told you cannot do it yourself. You cannot modify it. You cannot exceed arbitrary limits. You are not worthy.

Waiter21 · 08-25-2015, 12:33 PM

I climb under the chassis and look at the hitch and frame mounting very carefully to get a fell for if the mounting would indeed be up to the same level as the hitch.

A big factor for me would be does the trailer have brakes.

I would probably do it. Your call...

BeachDude · 08-25-2015, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucky1320

Are you an expert on the capabilities of his motorhome? Engineering degree or something?

Just to be clear: If you ever ask anything here, expect to be told you cannot do it yourself. You cannot modify it. You cannot exceed arbitrary limits. You are not worthy.

As a matter of fact, I am not an expert on the capabilities of his, (or any other), motorhome. I never really took a liking for ground-based transpiration design.

My opinions are only worth what was paid for them on this interweb message board, absolutely nothing!