I just bought a 1995 Bounder, should have it within a week. Vin starts 1GBLP37N1S plus xxxxxxxx. Not sure the model and exact length. I am thinking it's about 36 feet. It will be a nearly full time living out of it at least 3/4 of the time. I am a Rock Band Leader. I need to do two things. It's a 454 Chevy. 1....I want to increase the towing capacity from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds so I can tow my 4300 pound Explorer in the mountains of Colorado and beyond. I figured if I could add 1500 pounds of capacity, I might have a hope of making it over the passes and more important being able to stop heading down the other side towing the Explorer on a light trailer or front wheel dolly. I don't think it's safe to tow all four down with the full time 4WD and a transfer case.2... Is it going to be possible to add heat to the tanks and plumbing and make it at least single digit temperature proof? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Heat tape will help with your freezing issue. As for your towing issue? You might need to find a better option there....something lighter and towable 4 wheels down. The trailer or tow dolly adds weight too.

What year is the Explorer, does the 4 wheel tranfer case have neutral, if so you would be better off flat towing.You will need to add a new class 3 hitch with 5000 lb rating and have the rear frame extension beefed up by a welder, the biggest weak spot is the added rear frame extension from Fleetwood.A 4 wheel car hauler trailer will add about 2000 pounds, you cant do that even with a bigger hitch, you could do a tow dolly..Or buy a smaller SUV or car that can be flat towed that weights under 4000 pounds..

You can’t increase a vehicle’s towing capacity...neither can I. The manufacturer sets the numbers based on suspension, tires, wheels, shocks, frame, engine, transmission, rear end etc. You bought too quickly and without adequate information. Get a lighter toad.

Adding a larger capacity hitch will not increase the tow capacity of the MH. The engine, transmission, brakes, frame, etc go into calculating the tow capacity which is provided by the manufacturer. You can search how to increase tow capacity.As for the Explorer, it cannot be towed on a tow dolly as it is a rear wheel drive vehicle when not in 4 wheel. Check the owners manual for recreational towing procedures. There are other factors to consider for towing. Year, transfer case, transmission, etc.Just my two cent opinion..

Your Bounder has frame extensions, installed by Fleetwood. The extensions are of lesser material and are usually welded pooply. Do NOT exceed Fleetwood's towing limitations without beefing up the frame extensions and welds. The transmissions in those old P32 MHs are problematic and will not tolerate extra loads very well. All your storage bays, with water in them, are heated by the front furnace. Problem being, Fleetwood did a poor job on the return air. You are probably good to the lower 20s. If you are going to be in a campground in the cold, add a 100 watt light bulb to the two bays with the tanks in them. I modified the return airs on my 33 ft bounder and have survive -7°F.Richard

1995 Bounder 36' increasing towing cap 3500 to 5,000 lbs

Tax_Man
Explorer
Sep 09, 2020
Adding a larger capacity hitch will not increase the tow capacity of the MH. The engine, transmission, brakes, frame, etc go into calculating the tow capacity which is provided by the manufacturer. You can search how to increase tow capacity.

As for the Explorer, it cannot be towed on a tow dolly as it is a rear wheel drive vehicle when not in 4 wheel. Check the owners manual for recreational towing procedures. There are other factors to consider for towing. Year, transfer case, transmission, etc.

Just my two cent opinion..
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Sep 08, 2020
You can’t increase a vehicle’s towing capacity...neither can I. The manufacturer sets the numbers based on suspension, tires, wheels, shocks, frame, engine, transmission, rear end etc. You bought too quickly and without adequate information. Get a lighter toad.
timmac
Explorer
Sep 08, 2020
What year is the Explorer, does the 4 wheel tranfer case have neutral, if so you would be better off flat towing.

You will need to add a new class 3 hitch with 5000 lb rating and have the rear frame extension beefed up by a welder, the biggest weak spot is the added rear frame extension from Fleetwood.

A 4 wheel car hauler trailer will add about 2000 pounds, you cant do that even with a bigger hitch, you could do a tow dolly..

Or buy a smaller SUV or car that can be flat towed that weights under 4000 pounds..
jdc1
Explorer II
Sep 08, 2020
Heat tape will help with your freezing issue. As for your towing issue? You might need to find a better option there....something lighter and towable 4 wheels down. The trailer or tow dolly adds weight too.

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1995 Bounder 36' increasing towing cap 3500 to 5,000 lbs

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