Can we tow a Honda CR-V with a Fleetwood 3500 max capacity?

susanka wrote:
Okay. Now I get it. You are very kind. I just remembered for the first time in many decades that my grandma used to call me a "dunderhead". Maybe she was right!

Thanks to you and to all. Now I understand.

you're most welcome and don't beat yourself up. ain't no shame in asking. :)

Indeed. And maybe our elephant could drive the car and avoid this whole dilemma!

:)

My 2013 Honda CR-V EX AWD "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle"
Curb weight 3490 lbs. per NADA & NV DMV.
I don't think you will have any problems as long as your hitch is in good condition, there is about zero hitch weight on a toad. Dick

Four winds went cheap with my 30 foot Hurricane on the F53 V19 engine chassis and put a 3500 lbs hitch onto it. My new car weights about 4000 lbs and I had to find a solution to tow it. I crawled under the motorhome to see what was the reason for the low weight hitch and what could be done to change it, The main reason was how the installed the frame extensions. somehow I got the impression that they decided welding roods were very expensive and they did not weld the gusset plates between the original frame and the extensions all around and to the full length of the plates. I had a certified welder add some more plates and thoroughly weld everything together. I also added a 500 lbs trailer hitch and also had that increased in strength. I bet I could tow now the theoretically possible weight of 10000 lbs without any problem (that is the result of my calculations - I used to be an engineer). However, in my opinion, the main critical fact in towing heavy loads is slowing the unit down.
I would never to anything heavier than 2000 lbs without auxiliary brakes. Many states requiring trailer heavier than 2000/3000 lbs to have their own brakes.

" Many states requiring trailer heavier than 2000/3000 lbs to have their own brakes."

Actually, depending on the state laws, it is more like 1500 lbs UNLADEN weight, or 3000 lbs GROSS weight. The law is also likely to require a breakaway braking system that is capable of setting the TRAILER brakes and holding them set for at least 15 minutes, AND the TRAILER must have brakes on ALL wheels.
THEN, you need to look at the legal definition of "TRAILER". Many states have a legal definition that states a TRAILER is DESIGNED for hauling PROPERTY and for being towed behind a motor vehicle.
I don't think a passenger vehicle quite meets that definition. Even a pickup truck doesn't meet the definition.
Many states have a "Braking Performance Law". If you can stop within a certain distance from a certain speed on the specified surface, you are legal.
What is the law in YOUR state? If you don't know, you might want to look it up.
Keep in mind that braking laws are usually NOT "reciprocal". You have to meet the requirements of the law in the state in which you are traveling!

When you weigh your rig weigh each wheel(s) individually a heavy corner will affect handeling greatly!!!

susanka, If you can find a Saturn L300 wagon (3,200 pounds empty)it may work for you. I towed mine behind my Winnie View, which had a 3500 towing limit. It has lots of space - almost a truck with the seats folded. I loaded a Rover trike, it's Ridekick trailer (electric pusher with battery), and a 16 foot Sea Eagle folding kayak in mine, and carried another trike on top.

I've upgraded to a C with 5,000 tow capability and have purchased a van to tow so I'll be selling mine, but I'm in south FL, a very long way from Colorado.

If you can find one within a reasonable range for you it's a great toad. Just put it in neutral, turn the switch one click, pull a couple of fuses (or I have mine rigged with two off/on switches) and drive away. Easy to tow, and gets 20mpg city. A great toad if you can find one.

I faced this exact decision a few years ago. Wanted a CR-V. Frame extension is rated at 3,500 max. After much agonizing went with a Fit at about 2,500 lbs. We can load it up with as much stiff as it will hold with no worry about busting the GCWR or chassis tow rating.