Hi all - for those towing with their 200, how do you cope with the tiny payload capacity these things have? Our 09 has just over 1,200 lbs. payload and recently bought a 2016 that has 1,300. We are a family of 5 which realistically is close to half the payload just in our combined weight... and the kids are still growing. We are looking at travel trailers and have owned both an Airstream and an Outdoors RV previously (towed with trucks), which I've seen that people have towed both with their 200. I can't imagine I'm the only one with a family? For instance, we've kicked around another Airstream like the Flying Cloud 23 which has a loaded max weight of 6,000 but a real world tongue weight of ~900 lbs. We'd be 200+ lbs over payload with just the trailer and occupants. I'm not sure what I'm hoping for. Perhaps someone to say "these things are much beefier than competitors so feel free to disregard the lame payload capacity". I say that in jest, but I'd really hate to get rid of one of the Cruisers to buy a "proper" tow vehicle. And I'm sick of reading every travel trailer forum that says you need a HD truck to tow a pop-up. Thanks for any wisdom or words of encouragement!
Suspension setup is often the limiting factor for payload on many vehicles if not strictly setup as a tow vehicle. Which is why most passenger SUVs, minivan, 1/2 ton truck, all have payloads in the ~1200-1500 lb range. Even as the 200-series easily has bigger bones. It's a function of ride quality.
Australia has engineering and federally regulated kits to upgrade the stated capacities of the 200-series. Gross Vehicle Mass / Gross Combined Mass (GVM/GCM) all the way up to 4,200kg / 7800kg or 9,250lbs / 17,200lbs for the 200-series with nothing more than a suspension package.
I'm well over my gross rear axle weight rating and gross combined weight rating. Not saying everyone should do this without ample consideration and setup. But the 200-series is well up for the task if you want to go there.
Airbags are key to maintain good unladen ride quality while having the adjustability to increase spring rate and support when towing. Combined with a well setup WD hitch.