Towing heavy with a gas MH
Hello all, We are in a dilemma. We would like to move from our travel trailer to a MH. We have had travel trailers for over 10 years and never had a MH. We would definitely need to tow a vehicle ba...
Forum Discussion
ugh wrote:
A lot of people go over the weight limit. If you do that, I would recommend staying on top of replacing the transmission fluid on time. When I go over the limit, I change the transmission fluid as soon as I get home. Once the transmission overheats, it no longer can do the job effectively and that leads to damage transmission.
Even better: get a real gauge to monitor what your temps are. Most Fords have a diagnostic port just above the pan pre-tapped for 1/8" NPT senders, so it's super easy to hook up. If you're overheating, pull over and let it run at idle in neutral until it cools off (do not just turn it off as all fluid flow stops), change your fluid and upgrade your cooler when you get home. 220* is getting toasty, 230* is no bueno, and 240* is pull over or you're gonna break something.
Other than your tolerance for lower than normal speeds, I doubt there would be any lasting problems with your coach as long as you pay attention to fluid temperatures (with real gauges, not the factory "replace component when lit" gauges/lights). If you're uncomfortable with exceeding the factory guidelines, then pay attention to weights, etc. If not, then do your homework, upgrade parts as necessary, and plan a shorter trip under relatively controlled circumstances and see if it feels good to you. As always, be reasonable with what you do.
As for lawsuits, legality, etc, my take on it (warning: I am not an attorney and this is not legal advice):
1. Your insurance should cover you in an accident even if over weight, just like your insurance should cover you (and then cancel you/raise rates astronomically) if you get hammered, pass out, run 10 red lights and drive through a schoolyard at recess. I'm sure there may be civil liabilities in court, but these are always a concern when getting behind the wheel and why you should review your policy limits so you're reasonably protected. I doubt towing a 6000lb towed when you're rated for 5000lbs will matter in this case.
2. There is no legal bearing applicable to most RVs here on doorjam capacities except for the DOT weight ratings printed on the tire itself. There are licensing limits, registration limits, and per-axle limits, but those are generally more than most peoples' entire rigs rolling down the road or apply to hauling for hire/business purposes. In other words, you could mount some 19.5s on your Geo Metro and throw 5 tons in the back, should you be so inclined, assuming you're in line paperwork-wise and you can stop within whatever insanely long distance (that most modern vehicles can easily exceed downhill in the rain on bald tires) your state specifies.
The manufacturer sets these limits as guidelines and for warranty reasons. It's your vehicle, feel free to follow them, or not. Chances are, as long as you've got the brakes sorted and aren't insanely stupid about it (flat towing another motorhome maybe?), it probably won't end in tears, but maybe a lot of horn honking from people passing you. :)
