[Fr. Frank]

I would not hesitate to tow regularly and long distance up to the rated capacity of the vehicle. Manufacturers already put a fudge factor into their ratings.

Consider: I have a 2002 F250 Crew Cab 2wd with the 7.3 diesel. The "regular" tow rating on this truck is 12,600 lbs. But my truck also has the twin I-beam front suspension, instead of the mono-beam suspension. Zap! Instant bump up to a tow rating of 16,400 lbs.

BUT WAIT! There's more.
I also have the 3.73 limited-slip rear diff, and now throw in the "Command Tow package" with welded "factory" Class V hitch, and heavy-duty torque converter and tranny cooler and we're at a grand total of just over 22,000 lbs maximum tow rating. (Admittedly, over 16,000 calls for for a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer)

And just for the record, I have pulled a Bayliner Avanti 36' flybridge over 50 miles from New Port Richey to Lecanto with this truck using a 2 5/16" ball and a forged-steel 2" drawbar. Boat weighed 21,000 lbs, and sat on an aluminum triple-axle rental trailer that we figured at another 2200 lbs. I had no problems pulling or stopping. (I did only get 7 miles per gallon, though).