we have a 96 Fleetwood Bounder 36 ft motorhome with a tag axle on a Ford F53 Chassis. The motorhome & hitch are both rated to tow 3500 lbs. we also have a 2009 Ford Taurus that we would like to tow behind it. the Taurus weighs 3900 lbs. so my question is, would you tow it ? an experienced buddy of mine ( who I probably shouldn't be doughting) says it wont be an issue, that its underrated .

If I were self centered, irresponsible and not concerned about the legal ramifications, sure I'd do it. However, since I don't feel I know more, or are smarter than the engineers that placed those limitations on the coach, I'd find a toad that fell within those limitations.....Dennis

stepside454 wrote:we have a 96 Fleetwood Bounder 36 ft motorhome with a tag axle on a Ford F53 Chassis. The motorhome & tow bar are both rated to tow 3500 lbs.we also have a 2009 Ford Taurus that we would like to tow behind it. the Taurus weighs 3900 lbs. so my question is, would you tow it ? an experienced buddy of mine ( who I probably shouldn't be doughting) says it wont be an issue, that its underrated .nope. weight ratings are there for a reason. while you might get away with it for a while I believe that over time you will have issues.the towbar can be replaced with one with a higher rating. you say the MH is rated to tow 3500-lbs....do you mean the hitch is rated for 3500-lbs? if so then you have a problem. otherwise...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, etc.)• the weight rating of your tow bar• the weight rating of your hitchthis 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.

Yes, I would exceed the weight ratings. In fact, I have done so, many times, with no problems.BUT, please understand, that is just ME! I do not recommend that YOU do it.I also do not tell you to NOT do it.It is a choice that YOU have to make, all on your own, and if there are any adverse consequences to your actions, YOU own them.Good luck.

As long as you don't over weight the hitch, (no way a towbar will) it is perfectly safe, I would do it in a heart beat.Now if you ask about brakes, that's a whole nother story, and that's what I'm fighting right now.

FWIW, I have a 96 Fleetwood Southwind, 37' tag axle on a GM chassis.I also have the 3500 lb. tow rating.To get additional length, the chassis was extended by welding beams onto the original framework.It is my understanding that can be a weak spot. If excess weight is towed it could possibly break the welds.If I was going to tow something 4000 pounds a few miles at a slow speen, I would probably just do it.But, towing a 'overweight' toad on a normal or extended trip. I think it's just asking for problems.I'm definitely not an expert on towing or chassis construction.Just giving you my opinion.Enjoy your travels.

would you do it ? | Good Sam Community

rk911
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015
stepside454 wrote:
we have a 96 Fleetwood Bounder 36 ft motorhome with a tag axle on a Ford F53 Chassis. The motorhome & tow bar are both rated to tow 3500 lbs.

we also have a 2009 Ford Taurus that we would like to tow behind it. the Taurus weighs 3900 lbs. so my question is, would you tow it ? an experienced buddy of mine ( who I probably shouldn't be doughting) says it wont be an issue, that its underrated .

nope. weight ratings are there for a reason. while you might get away with it for a while I believe that over time you will have issues.

the towbar can be replaced with one with a higher rating.

you say the MH is rated to tow 3500-lbs....do you mean the hitch is rated for 3500-lbs? if so then you have a problem. otherwise...

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, etc.)

• 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.
Executive45
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2015
If I were self centered, irresponsible and not concerned about the legal ramifications, sure I'd do it.

However, since I don't feel I know more, or are smarter than the engineers that placed those limitations on the coach, I'd find a toad that fell within those limitations.....Dennis

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