Towing Issues: Towing Issues - capacities, mazda mpv, nissan pathfinder

Question
Hi Shayne,
  I need to move a 52 Chevy pickup about 1600 miles (Omaha to Tucson).   While the old Chevy is in fantastic condition, I'd rather not drive it that distance.
  The only vehicle I have to tow it is a 2002 Mazda MPV (V6 with 200hp, 200ft-lbs).   The Chevy weighs about 3150lbs, the MPV 3794lbs empty.   While the MPV is only rated at 2000 lb towing capacity, it seems I should be able to tow the pickup assuming either a tow dolly with electric brakes or, better yet, the truck on all fours equipped with a brake buddy (actually I'm leaning toward the 'EvenBrake' system from Roadmaster...  proportional braking).   The MPV has a Class III receiver installed.   I'm basing my optimism regarding the MPV's ability on the fact that I successfully and repeatedly towed a 3000lb Airstream trailer with my old, underpowered, 1987 Nissan Pathfinder (145hp, about 165ft-lbs).
  What do you think?
Thank you.

Answer
No.

Done. next question.

Ok, on to the details.
You will not be able to keep below the weight limit of your hitch without weight distribution (not possible on either a tow dolly or a tow bar).  A 1987 Nissan Pathfinder is a full-frame truck with truck brakes and drivetrain.  A 2002 Mazda MPV is a unibody minivan with little brakes and a drivetrain made for a smooth ride.

So, you're going to overload the minivan and the hitch and tow it across a third of the country through Colo?

This seems to me to be both illegal and irresponsible.

Sorry to burst your bubble,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca