Hopes Haven wrote:
The specs on the MH indicate that the hitch is rated for 3500 lbs.
ok, good. in general, the maximum amount of weight you can safely tow will be the
lesser of the following:
• the GCWR (gross combination weight rating) of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded for travel (includes fuel, fresh water, food, clothing, people, pets, supplies, eyc)
• the weight rating of your tow bar
• the weight rating of your hitch
this is why it's vital to know what your MH weighs as it is loaded and configure for travel before choosing a toad. Your MH will not collapse if it is overloaded but you will experience handling issues as well as longer braking distances and accelerated wear on suspension, brakes, steering, etc.
in your case the weight rating of the hitch is very likely the lesser of the three. IMO there's no way around that. yes, some folks have changed out the hitch but a friend who should know tells me that there is more to be done than that in order to tow additional weight. changes to the frame, brakes, suspension, cooling system, etc. that's way beyond my expertise so if you decide to replace your current hitch with a 5K hitch I would consult with the mfg. of your MH to see what if anything can be/should be done to increase the towing weight. assuming you can swap to a 5000-lb hitch be sure to check the other conditions I listed above before spending dollar 1.
good luck.
