<font color=blue>Not intended as a tit for tat. </font color=blue>
Maybe I'm missing something, but I keep re-reading the post, and I don't see where any conflict exists. One sub-thread is talking about what the actual towing capabilities of the BX are. I see every one in agreement on that, that is, we all believe it exceeds what the stated limits are (although we don't know what that upper limit is), and could pull a 5,000 pound boat under average conditions.
The other sub-thread (mine) is pointing out what the manufacture states, and the risks associated with exceeding that specification (by an excess of 183% for 5,000 lbs).
It is (at least in my simple mind), apples and oranges.
An analogy (even though I loathe analogies!) Your saying a certain car can go 198 MPH. We all agree.
I'm saying the posted speed limit where you are regularly driving, is 70 MPH (same 183% over). There is a risk. Don't expect much sympathy from the judge when you're ticketed for doing 198. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
If I had a trailer that I occasionally pulled, I would consider buying a vehicle, which was rated by the manufacturer at a lesser capacity (if based on faith). But, if I was pulling that same trailer on a usual and regular basis (at 183% over), I would not assume the risk. Just my own quirky personal preference. Too simple for the manufacture to deny claims (rightfully), even if the failure is not due to the load. There is an underlying concept, burden of proof. Once it can be shown that you knowingly exceeded requirements, the burden is on you. I like it the other way around myself /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.
So, it comes down to like just about everything in the real world. The problem is not one-dimensional. There are many dimensions to consider. We are identifying two non-mutually exclusive dimensions to the same buying decision.
When I buy things myself, I like to find out all the issues and concerns, and decide what's important to me (assign weight to factors). But, then again, I'm a little quirky /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.
Roy