Can 2018 Sportsman Classic 181BHS be Upgraded to Carry More Weight

Updated 03/28/2019 | Published 03/26/2019

Question:

I stumbled upon this answer about upgrading a trailer weight rating. But when I asked our dealer, they inquired of the manufacturer, KZ Inc., of our 2018 Sportsman Classic 181BHS who told them the frame of our camper cant be upgraded, period. We are new to RVing and as my rig is a midsize pick up only had 6K tow capacity so went for it because it had a single axle and more ground clearance has off road and climate package than other ultralight trailers and more features. But we didnt notice until well after purchase when wet we only have 230# for all gear. Not that we want to get crazy with gear but wed hoped to put our bicycles on the bumper and to do solar and upgrade propane bottle and do a lithium battery bank for long term boondocking and are now shocked and livid we cant upgrade the trailer somehow to increase our cargo weight by just a couple hundred pounds. Can we somehow reinforce the trailer frame with welds underneath? I know welders.

asked by: Josh

Expert Reply:

Since you already spoke to the manufacturer and they said that the weight rating of your 2018 Sportsman Classic 181BHS can't be increased then I wouldn't be able to override what they said. However, since your vehicle has a towing weight rating of 6,000 lbs and your trailer GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is 3,500 lbs we could potentially load some things on your vehicle.

For example, you can use a truck-bed-mounted bike rack like the Swagman Pick-Up # S64702 to carry your bikes instead of carrying them on your trailer. If you can give me the year/make/model of your tow vehicle and let me know what equipment or cargo you plan on having in your vehicle I can see if we have other options for you to get your equipment to your destination.

expert reply by: Jon G