So, we've got a wonderful '91 740 that we were hoping to use as a tow vehicle for a very small fiberglass camper (Casita). It would not exceed the 3300lb weight limit on the tow capacity (the grand total wet load will be <2800lbs), but I am especially concerned about the low tongue weight limit on the 740. At first I was simply of the mind it was a bad idea to exceed the tongue capacity and we could not do it. The tongue weight is likely to be ~280 lbs, well past that standard 165lb limit.

But then the less cautious side of my brain kicked in and I started wondering if putting a 2" receiver on my '91 740 to use a true weight-distributing hitch might be a good idea, along with some new heavy-duty springs in the rear, to offset for the overload on the tongue limits. I can't find any 2" receiver made for a 740 so I figured I might be able to find one for a light truck that roughly fit and just drill some new holes to mount it.

So, I guess I have a few questions:

1. Am I right to suspect that modifying a 2" receiver from a small truck to fit my 740 and using a WD hitch would be a good way to offset for surpassing the 165lb tongue limit?

2. Will replacing the springs aid in making this combination stable? Are there other upgrades to the 740 that would aid? (it has the tranny cooler)

3. Any advice on what model truck might be a good fit / require minimal modification?

I'm still of this mind that this is probably just a bad idea and we need to ditch the volvo for a new tow vehicle, but I thought before we completely gave up, I would see what the brickboard sages had to say.

Thanks.