Towing Car On A Trailer - Weight Limit

DallasSteve wrote:

soren wrote:

Odd, to be seeking solid advice, then complaining that you don't like what you read, eh?

I didn't complain or say I didn't like anything. I was seeking "solid advice" on how to tow a Subaru Crosstrek, on a trailer with a 35-foot class A motorhome with a gas engine. Not how to flat-tow a car I don't own with a diesel motor I'm not going to buy. But people can keep telling me I should do something that I'm not going to do.

At the risk of pointing out the obvious, you missed a few key words in your reply. Your last sentence really should say, " but EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGEABLE people keep OFFERING ME QUALITY ADVICE and I'm not going to follow it.

Do whatever floats your boat. Understand that there is a price to pay for doing so however. For example, you seem to be totally unaware that there are solid engineering decisions behind having tow ratings on gas A rigs that include a 3500# to 5000# rating with a VERY light hitch weight. It's because they are built on a frame that is significantly shorter than the overall length of the "box" The frame is extended by the coach builder, and often is unable to rigidly support the back of the rig, over time and use. 34' and larger class A rigs are famous for subtle to outrageous sagging in the rear, over time. By limiting the hitch weight, and not allowing things like large cargo trailers and car haulers to be pulled by their products, the builder is insuring that it doesn't literally bent to the point of failure where the extensive joins the factory frame, or cause enough deflection to cause damage and a loss of function, IE, binding slides. TLDR version? Extended frame, gas products are built on light frames that are cobbled together to get the job done. They are given a "towing rating" that makes it clear that they are designed to PULL a load, not TOW it. As in four wheel down, compact car following behind, or on a tow dolly, NOT a car and car trailer.

Bottom line when asking for advice on the Subaru, car trailer, and 35' class A gasser? It's real simple, it's not a good idea,period. Which is why you are getting responsible replies like, think about a diesel, (with a massive frame typically built by Freightliner BTW) or find another car that flat tows well.

So, If you had a dollar for every time a knowledgeable person gave you good advice, good for you. If you ignore it, well bless your heart. Hope everything goes as well as you think it will.