Can I tow this specific trailer?

[jtgensler]

I was surprised to see that it had brakes, a lot of the small tear-drops don't. Actually a pretty cool rig.

it's not bad. I'd consider it, but I'm trying to go as cheap as I can.
I got a 4x6 cargo for $2500, built a roof rack for it, am adding windows & a vent & will eventually skid the bottom, do a hub swap & put a set of sasquatch take off wheels on it. Hoping to be under 5k total spend when I'm done.

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[Mikerkelly]

OP… you didn’t say 2 or 4 door. I would do this for sure if you have 2 dr. Can disconnect if towing the trailer of road

100” is a short wheel base

Sorry, it's a 4 door.
I did some more maths.....

GVWR: 6180 lbs (based on sticker)
Payload: 1017 lbs (based on sticker)
GCWR: 8,840 (based on Ford's PDF)

My 37's added 140 lbs over the factory Goodyears.
You throw in my wife and I and that's probably a combined 400lbs.
So I'm seeing my Bronco's available payload at about 475 lbs (probably even less after accessories).
If I'm doing this right that makes my real towing capacity 3135 lbs because:
8840 (GCWR) - 6180 (GVWR) + 475 (available payload) = 3135

Is that the logic, or am I dumb?

 

[Tricky Mike]

Your logic adds up if you're trying to stay legal.

Personally I've found these things to be extremely underrated, they should have been 5k rated. That teardrop will tow nicely. I also recommend a WDH even at these lighter weights mainly due to the soft springs, it feels much better to get some weight pushed to the front axle. Blue Ox has bars sized for light trailers.

 

[Chopper_Man]

Drivers weight of 160#'s is included in the payload ratings. Load the camper sensibly and balanced. You can shift "some" to behind the campers axles to lighten the hitch weight, but keep it around 15% of the total load. You'll be fine! Enjoy your camper....... being sent from my camper in NH!

 

[Q1svt]

Is that the logic, or am I dumb?

NO... like said you are trying hard to be safe.

I've read the threads here on the cross member, and many feel it's the weak link... and some on the soft rear springs used because its for OFF road. Then there is the added length to get pasted the spare tire, to hookup.

I live in SoCal and there are tow receiver shops that make their tow receivers... If there are any in TX, I would talk with them about the towing and changes they might make to increase/beef up the receiver.

The WDH is still an option even for a 4 dr.

The issues I see on towing is when the road is up/down, and things that popup to cause you/vehicle and trailer to start swaying back & forth.

Both things get everything fighting for CONTROL ... and the oversteering in attempt to get things under control that causes accidents ...

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

Look at the safety nerd with his math!

JK...I went through the same thing with our first travel trailer and our JKU. Your math is sound. Brake controller is a must, and honestly I would highly advise a weight distribution hitch that incorporates anti-sway. This will help with rear squat on the Bronco so you are not shooting your headlights into the stars as well as other benefits.
Only other piece of consideration I would ask if where you plan to tow. Towing in the flat desert of New Mexico is a different experience from towing in the mountains of Colorado. Will you be boondocking where you need to consider the weight of grey and black tanks driving out (you can always dump the fresh water to offset)? Regardless, the numbers on this trailer scream that it was built for Jeep/Bronco pulling so enjoy.

Once you have purchased the trailer, post the same question in r/Towing on Reddit and pop some corn and wait to be blasted. Spoiler - You should be towing this trailer with nothing less than a diesel F350 and families will die with you on the road.

 

[PWillette]

Your logic adds up if you're trying to stay legal.

We need pictures of being legal

 

[Tricky Mike]

We need pictures of being legal

 

[mikedkelly]

Sorry, it's a 4 door.
I did some more maths.....

GVWR: 6180 lbs (based on sticker)
Payload: 1017 lbs (based on sticker)
GCWR: 8,840 (based on Ford's PDF)

My 37's added 140 lbs over the factory Goodyears.
You throw in my wife and I and that's probably a combined 400lbs.
So I'm seeing my Bronco's available payload at about 475 lbs (probably even less after accessories).
If I'm doing this right that makes my real towing capacity 3135 lbs because:
8840 (GCWR) - 6180 (GVWR) + 475 (available payload) = 3135

Is that the logic, or am I dumb?

I think you need to consider that your setup is just not designed for what you want.

 

[Tricky Mike]

I think you need to consider that your setup is just not designed for what you want.

What? He's 1000lb under the rating, and still 600lb under his calculated rating. That Bronco will haul that tiny thing to the end of the earth and back without a care.

 

[mikedkelly]

What? He's 1000lb under the rating, and still 600lb under his calculated rating. That Bronco will haul that tiny thing to the end of the earth and back without a care.

Disagree, respectfully of course.

 

[Mikerkelly]

Disagree, respectfully of course.

For educational purposes, could you please elaborate on the reasoning behind your conclusion?

 

[mikedkelly]

For educational purposes, could you please elaborate on the reasoning behind your conclusion?

Yes, this is literally an engineering question. I’ve worked for the department of transportation for the past 15 years. Specifically related to tow/haul accidents related to commercial vehicles on interstates. I would highly recommend not towing that trailer with your setup

 

[BroncoPA65]

I'm looking at buying a small teardrop trailer. There are so many threads on what the Bronco can tow but people seem to disagree if it can actually tow up to it's rating.

I'm pulling a Nücamp teardrop with the following specs that are close to what you want to pull:

Dimensions & Weights:
Exterior Length: 15' 3"
Exterior Width: 6' 8"
Exterior Height: 7' 8"
Sleeping Area: 58" x 71"
Interior Height: 69"
Dry Weight: 2,105 lbs
Tongue Weight (Dry): 208 lbs
Total Gross Weight (Dry): 2,105 lbs
Tire Size: 205/75/14
GAWR: 2900 lbs

BUT... I've got a Badlands 2.3L MT with 33" BFG KO2's so the vehicle weight is is than yours. I've had good handling and don't really feel it back there (for what it's worth)...

Just thought I'd give you some insight on a similar setup... for what is worth.

 

[Tonka Bronka]

Running 6100's position 5 in the rear with Blue Sumo helper springs. Full brakes with controller. Badlands with MT. Probably a touch over 3500 a tows like a champ.

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