My feelings exactly. I'm a firm believer in not exceeding the manufacturer's rated capacity.
I was commenting that the crossmember isn't the limiting factor, like so many people have mistakenly thought in the past.

No thanks on the move to Europe. Things are pretty good right here in Maine.

 

Do you know the thickness of the crossmember? I'd bet a 1/4" thick hitch that bolted directly to both frame rails would increase the rating here.

 

Nothing an owner can do will increase the rating. It would have to be approved and up-rated by the vehicle manufacturer.

 

I understand that. I'm simply stating that the crossmember is the limiting factor for the rating and what it would take to be approved to tow more if available from the manufacturer. We're lucky if the crossmember is even 1/8" thick.