You have to realize that all these ratings are conservative recommendations. If you exceed them, you take on some responsibility but common sense has to guide you. Towing a 2000 lb trailer for limited distances isn't going to damage an FEH. Regularly towing a heavy trailer is going to result in a very worn out FEH in less than 100,000 miles. I occassionally seriously overload my Dakota pickup. I just don't drive very far or fast that way. I wouldn't worry about a 1500 lb trailer on the FEH, but if I need to tow 3500 lbs - that's why I have a pickup. It's all about common sense.