Increasing towing capacity

PastorCharlie wrote:

Larrysr1957 wrote:
I have a 1998 Fleetwood Bounder 34V it says gross towing weight is 3500 pounds I have a 4000 pound Jeep I want to tow how can i
Increase my towing capacity. My GCWR is 23500 pounds, motor home dry weight (UVW) including fuel is 17250, carrying capacity is 2750 pounds towing capacity is 3500 pounds totaling 23500 pounds. Are there any suggestions on how to increase my towing capacity.

Towing four down adds only the weight of the hitch and none of the Jeep weight to the weigh bearing factor of the receiver. If the motorhome frame extensions are properly fabricated to the factory frame and the receiver is rated for 5,000 lbs. towing weight, what would be the problem? The chassis should not be a problem if it is well maintained. Take your titles and registration to your local DMV licensee division and ask them if you can legally tow the Jeep behind the motor home.

Um, no, that's not exactly true. When pulling from a dead stop the receiver and frame will see the full weight of what is attached to it. In addition, the transmission is also rated for the design weights, so increasing over those design weights will add additional stress to the transmission. Sure, many may get away with it, but I sure would not be one to chance it.

Al