Exceeding tow capacity

[FloraBama]

I think I know the answer but I have to ask the question; does anyone exceed recommended towing capacity?

My W22 has a tow weight limit of 5000 lbs. I want to upgrade my TOAD with a GMC 1500 4x4 truck with a curb weight of 5260. Would 260 lbs really make a difference?

If yes, then is there an inexpensive way to to increase the W22 tow capacity?

[JC2]

Originally Posted by FloraBama

I think I know the answer but I have to ask the question; does anyone exceed recommended towing capacity?

My W22 has a tow weight limit of 5000 lbs. I want to upgrade my TOAD with a GMC 1500 4x4 truck with a curb weight of 5260. Would 260 lbs really make a difference?

If yes, then is there an inexpensive way to to increase the W22 tow capacity?

Yes. There are and will always be some who will want to bend the rules "a little bit" without any intelligent reasoning to support it. The tow limitations were assigned to your vehicle type for a reason, usually as a result of the company spending millions of dollars researching the best possible "safe" hitch rating for it. You can always do things to "supposedly" increase the tow capacity but at what price. Are you willing to exceed what the company limits are and disregard these guidelines which could cause possible injury to yourself or others. Your call but I believe you already know the answer. It is what it is but rules are made for a reason and should be followed.

[Heater]

I think the base curb weight is 3712# per the 2005 tow guide if you are towing the Canyon. Have you weighed it? I wouldn't tow over weight but I would get it weighed to see if in fact you are over weight. Per link below.

http://www.lichtsinn.com/PDFs/Dinghy-Guide-2005.pdf

[Fred1609]

Pretty simple answer.....don't....for your sake, your families sake, my families sake....do it. plus I would think that you would void your insurance, even if the collision wasnt as a result of your overweight toad.

[xctraveler]

Is 5,000 lb hitch rating, or is that within you GCWR, that is total weight of the rig on the highway? My old Southwind had a hitch that was rated for 5,000 but my W22 chassis had GCWR of 26,000(?) which left me 4,000 lb above the 22k GVWR. Since I was running within 500 lbs of GVWR I was left with 4,000 lb towable even though the hitch was rated 5,000 lbs.

Over loaded is over loaded! It affects mileage, handling and braking. There is always some margin but do you want to bet your family's life AND mine on what that margin is as your coach ages?

[Sky_Boss]

Don't be a test pilot. I once was part of an investigation team for an aircraft accident where the pilot overloaded their single engine aircraft by about 250 lbs. Problem was the location of that extra weight caused them to depart controlled flight shortly after takeoff. Not pretty.

When you decide to become a test pilot, you risk a lot. There are many that choose to do so. They will have all kinds of rationale. UM...ok...just don't kill anyone else if you have a rig that decides it doesn't want to behave nicely.

[Heater]

Originally Posted by Heater

I think the base curb weight is 3712# per the 2005 tow guide if you are towing the Canyon. Have you weighed it? I wouldn't tow over weight but I would get it weighed to see if in fact you are over weight. Per link below.

http://www.lichtsinn.com/PDFs/Dinghy-Guide-2005.pdf

Ignore my post I just noticed you wanted to upgrade.

[FloraBama]

Originally Posted by xctraveler

Is 5,000 lb hitch rating, or is that within you GCWR, that is total weight of the rig on the highway? My old Southwind had a hitch that was rated for 5,000 but my W22 chassis had GCWR of 26,000(?) which left me 4,000 lb above the 22k GVWR. Since I was running within 500 lbs of GVWR I was left with 4,000 lb towable even though the hitch was rated 5,000 lbs.

Over loaded is over loaded! It affects mileage, handling and braking. There is always some margin but do you want to bet your family's life AND mine on what that margin is as your coach ages?

The hitch rating is 5000# is the only issue.

[Hikerdogs]

We'll need a little more info about the weight of your truck. Depending on the style and options there can be as much as 1,000 lbs difference in the weight. Edmunds lists the regular cab 4x4 as 4,661 lbs which is well within your towing range.

Upgrading for more towing capacity is iffy at best. Some trailer hitch shops will tell you they can do it, but I would be hesitant. They might be able to change out or reinforce a hitch, but there's always the coach builders add on frame members that support the rear of the coach. Generally they're smaller than the original and not capable of the same stresses and strains.
As fothe mechanicals there's concerns about the transmission, cooling system, and of course the brakes. The manufacturers tow ratings take all these things into consideration.

[xctraveler]

Originally Posted by FloraBama

The hitch rating is 5000# is the only issue.

Just because the hitch is rated for 5000# does not mean you can tow 5000# with that chassis. I agree that if the tow is over 5000# look no further.

[golden]

I suspect your GVWR is 22,000 lbs and your GCVR is 26,000 lbs and your TOW BAR rating is 5,000 lbs. If your TOAD exceeds the towbar rating, my recommendation is not to tow it using that tow bar and buy one that is rated for 7,500 lbs.

Towing a vehicle that is that heavy with a gasser can be problematic. Make sure you have an excellent supplemental braking system and that you aren't overweight in other areas. Remember, you may already be "overweight" by 1,260 lbs because of your TOAD so you just adjust the rest of your CCC accordingly. (26,000 - 22,000 = 4,000 while your TOAD is 5,260 lbs).

[xctraveler]

Originally Posted by golden

I suspect your GVWR is 22,000 lbs and your GCVR is 26,000 lbs and your TOW BAR rating is 5,000 lbs. If your TOAD exceeds the towbar rating, my recommendation is not to tow it using that tow bar and buy one that is rated for 7,500 lbs.

Towing a vehicle that is that heavy with a gasser can be problematic. Make sure you have an excellent supplemental braking system and that you aren't overweight in other areas. Remember, you may already be "overweight" by 1,260 lbs because of your TOAD so you just adjust the rest of your CCC accordingly. (26,000 - 22,000 = 4,000 while your TOAD is 5,260 lbs).

Buying a towbar rated more than 5000# does not increase the weight rating of the receiver which should be on a label right on the receiver. Generally on W22 chassis that is 5000#. Since I almost ripped one of those off my Southwind in AK while towing 3500# I would not even consider it (found broken welds when dismounting towbar to go on ferry).

[golden]

Originally Posted by xctraveler

Buying a towbar rated more than 5000# does not increase the weight rating of the receiver which should be on a label right on the receiver. Generally on W22 chassis that is 5000#. Since I almost ripped one of those off my Southwind in AK while towing 3500# I would not even consider it (found broken welds when dismounting towbar to go on ferry).

True, I should have said towbar SYSTEM, including the receiver. Otherwise, everthng else is the same.

[xctraveler]

Originally Posted by golden

True, I should have said towbar SYSTEM, including the receiver. Otherwise, everthng else is the same.

Agreed