[rhagfo]

Well new member stating he is a first timer, now is that towing or towing a 5er?
I won't recommend towing over GVWR, but many do it without negative results, myself included.
Our Copper Canyon is about 100# lighter than your Cougar, carry/tow with a 2001 Ram 2500 with the Camper package. If your F250 has this package I would put off the air bags until you tow the 5er home, you could find you don't need them. We tow without bags and the ride is fine.

It is YOUR decision to exceed your GVWR. There could be legal issues if you get weighed, or in an accident.