Getting Expensive

Maximum trailer ratings are a warranty issue and do not actually address safety issues. They merely explain the weight beyond which the manufacturer MAY not be required to honor the warranty for items that could be WEIGHT related. SAFETY numbers are the axle ratings and the GVWR of the vehicle (both items are posted on the DOT safety plate on your door post).Your dealers were giving you all the advice they COULD give you. The warranty WOULD be honored and as long as you didn't exceed the DOT numbers you SHOULD be safe. The ACTUAL safety depends on many things NOT in their control, such as the hitch you use, your own driving skills etc and NOBODY can guarantee those things.

I agree you probably have made a wise decision in the upgrade but that doesn't mean the Expy was incapable of doing the job.

Good luck / Skip