This thread has entered the realm of idiocy. If the premise is accurate, any modifications to a vehicle with aftermarket parts (wheels, tires, HIDs, suspension, etc) is "illegal" since it Isn't certified by the manufacturer. Have an accident and you're going to be charged and sued, right?
The product liability lawyers for these hitch companies would never allow advertising installed ratings for their products otherwise. Seriously, they wouldn't.
Outside of warranty concerns, this is such a ridiculous non-issue.
Exactly as Dr. Plastic stated. Many modifications to vehicles violate the DOT laws. Example, putting in HID bulbs (illegal because not approved by DOT), changing out tail lights and headlights from 3rd parties like Recon (illegal because not DOT approved), putting in blue or purple headlight bulbs (illegal because not DOT approved). Do cops do anything about it?? Most don't... Ford and every manufacturer has to have MANY items of a vehicle approved by DOT before they can put a sellable vehicle on the road.
DCO43054 - This isn't a debate about whether one would or wouldn't get in trouble. Our posts are just that one CAN be held liable for towing above what the vehicle is rated for by the manufacturer.
It is only about putting out there so an owner can make their OWN informed decision.
I tow heavy with my truck (14,000lbs) and I have to follow the Manufacturer's certification to insure I tow legally. It is no different whether it is a F350, an Explorer, a Chevy 3500 or a Toyota Highlander. All vehicles are certified when they leave the plant for a certain tow spec and that is the spec the vehicle is allowed. Let me be very clear, NO MODIFICATIONS that one does to a vehicle will ever increase that spec LEGALLY.
As I stated above, I can't take a F250 that is rated for 10,000lbs and put the F350's helper spring on the rear end and change the 2" blocks to 4" blocks and now tow 11,500lbs that a F350 is certified for.
I can't put the dually rear end on my F350 and tow what a F450 is rated for. It is no different then the explorer or ANY OTHER vehicle out there.
Now this thread is getting out of hand and a little silly. We are stating facts AGAIN just so an owner can make THEIR OWN informed decision. Don't fill this thread with comments of "guessing" as opposed to FACTS. The average person may not realize this but because I know the laws because of the weight I tow, I can tell you for damn sure that if I got into an accident from someone towing, I'll be damn sure that the weight and certification is the first thing I have my insurance company and lawyer check. If people don't want to follow the laws then that is on them but I always tow legally and within spec.
I've repeated myself enough, I'm done with this thread.. you guys can continue to argue back and forth but you are incorrect with what you are saying.