Can I tow this specific trailer?

[DefNotBuddyLee]

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

That really didn't answer OPs question on why you believe his setup is not adequate.
Unaccounted for hitch weight? Trailer weight over capacity? GVWR insufficient? Insufficient braking capacity? Insufficient engine power? Gut feeling?
Most engineers I know love to quantify data, so feel free to nerd out! Genuinely curious on what is being missed as it could have a solution to address.

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[zuke]

If he wants a simple yes or no.... Then the answer is no.

The thing most everyone forgets, and not mentioned in this thread that I saw, Is frontal area

That trailer has frontal area of 76.5 Sqft. The towing spec for his Bronco says 30 Sqft Max.

It's like dragging a big parachute out the back.

Will it do it? Yes, probably with no problem at all, But if the goal is to avoid liability, then no, it can't be towed without liability.

 

[Q1svt]

That trailer has frontal area of 76.5 Sqft. The towing spec for his Bronco says 30 Sqft Max.

It's like dragging a big parachute out the back.

The bronco already punched a very large hole through the air... the trailer is just drafting [like in nascar] lol

 

[zuke]

The bronco already punched a very large hole through the air... the trailer is just drafting [like in nascar] lol

As I said, It'll likely do it just fine.... But the trailer is 2 ft taller and a foot and a half wider than a Bronco, and exceeds the specifications by quite a bit, so from a liability perspective, it's no.

I'm surprised @mikedkelly didn't mention that...

 

[Q1svt]

As I said, It'll likely do it just fine.... But the trailer is 2 ft taller and a foot and a half wider than a Bronco, and exceeds the specifications by quite a bit, so from a liability perspective, it's no.

I'm surprised @mikedkelly didn't mention that...

WTF... get the data right.

Bronco is 6'1" high, 6'4" wide w/out mirrors
Trailler is 9' high [NOTE Tear-Drop,] is 8'6" wide WITH TIRES

So, the trailer is about 6" wider on EACH side
and the trailer is 3' higher, but the teardrop shape would act like a spoiler creating down force. NOT "dragging a big parachute"

 

[zuke]

WTF... get the data right.

Relax a bit there dude... You're the one that started out with it's like drafting at Nascar... Didn't think we we're calling for such exacting numbers..

But if you want to be so technical....

The numbers you site, 3ft Taller and 1 ft wider is more unblocked frontal area than my numbers, But not by much difference

It isn't a tear drop trailer, It's domed equally front and back A teardrop is sloped more gently and directly behind the highest point and all the way to the lowest point to allow air to roll off with less turbulence.

Increased Downforce is not a good thing on a trailer, it might increase tongue weight, or wear on the tires or might do none of the above, I'm not an aerodynamics engineer. But if it IS creating downforce, it's by redirecting forces that had to come from the towing vehicle yanking that trailer through the air in front of it...

If you were paying attention to my messages, Both of them say I'm talking about the Liability of it... Meaning if an insurance company is trying to weasel out of paying a claim, they're gonna point to the frontal area, and say he was towing outside of factory guidance.

I also said in both messages it would probably work fine, So I'm having a bit of trouble understanding why you're arguing otherwise, When frontal area is frontal area, and the factory doc is pretty clear about what is acceptable.

 

[mikedkelly]

@Mikerkelly the Bronco will 100% tow the trailer, functionally. Should you especially after you’ve heavily modified the vehicle, no.

 

[Q1svt]

Bronco, and exceeds the specifications by quite a bit

3’ high by 7’ wide equals 21 sq feet of frontal area

2 sides 6’ x .5’ equals 6 sq feet

That’s a total of twenty seven sq ft of frontal area.

 

[Mikerkelly]

I truly appreciate everyone's help here.

I still find it odd but humorous that people can't agree one way or the other across the board.

It seems the general consensus is:
Can I? Yes
Should I? Debatable

Originally I wanted this smaller Sunray 109 which is probably better suited to the Bronco and my hobbies anyways:
https://sunsettrailers.com/sunray-109/

I just saw that 149 and thought it would be cool to have a shower and bathroom inside the trailer.

I'm not going to RV parks, I'm going to remote campsites, so the 109 is really everything I need and nothing I don't. The 149 would have been a nice to have.

I will probably be purchasing that 109 model in November and I will remember to come back here to post pictures from the maiden voyage.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

@Mikerkelly , bathrooms and showers are a slippery slope in a TT. You start with just wanting a roof over your head, then comes the AC/heat and maybe a mini fridge to keep some items cold. Then you get a bathroom. Then the spouse starts complaining about the line for the shower at the park and another round of athlete's foot from the shared showers. Next thing you know you are running dish network. But who wants to run inside and outside to watch TV when we are here to enjoy some nature...so now you have a 50 inch OLED mounted on the outside with a surround speaker setup. I am personally at level 5 where my TT has more electric fireplaces than my house.

 

[PWillette]

Well that was a very sad unclimatic end to this thread

 

[HoosierDaddy]

3000 lb boat and trailer , pulled beautifully with the 4dr./2.3/auto
Pulled ok-ish with 2dr/2.3 manual on 35's and 4.46 gears.
We've pulled that boat all over the place since 1995. That 4dr pulled as well as any truck we've had over that time ... well except for maybe the F250 diesel 4x4, lol ... but every 1/2 ton for sure.

I'd drag that tear drop without batting an eye, especially if it has surge brakes. Keep track of your added weight.
If you tow often, MAYBE stiffer springs someday, otherwise it may not be worth the effort.

 

[zuke]

3’ high by 7’ wide equals 21 sq feet of frontal area

2 sides 6’ x .5’ equals 6 sq feet

That’s a total of twenty seven sq ft of frontal area.

Added frontal area.. you don't get to subtract the other 55.5 sqft because it's behind the Bronco...

The entire rig rolling down the road presents a frontal area off the widest points of everything pushing through the air.

 

[duel007]

Thanks for posting this, I've been a bit rv-curious lately and have been looking into this exact model. Like you, I want to boondock but with the option of a toilet and occasional military shower.

There's very few campers in the weight range that meet those requirements. I also really want a dinette for the option of a remote workspace.

The only ones I've found which are lighter are the Bontrager 17FD (nice but not easy to get in my area, I would have to travel), and the Rove Lite 14FL (Looks really nice but only carries 10 gallons of fresh water... would have to carry additional water for boondocking)

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

If he wants a simple yes or no.... Then the answer is no.

The thing most everyone forgets, and not mentioned in this thread that I saw, Is frontal area

That trailer has frontal area of 76.5 Sqft. The towing spec for his Bronco says 30 Sqft Max.

It's like dragging a big parachute out the back.

Will it do it? Yes, probably with no problem at all, But if the goal is to avoid liability, then no, it can't be towed without liability.

So, I asked one of my buddies who is more of an expert in this area because I was genuinely curious about the impact of the front surface area limitation. His first comment was "Ford or Jeep?" (I guess they are the two biggest manufacturers that post surface area comments in their manuals). He then mentioned to go back to the manual and read the last sentence as it does not discuss safety, but performance. Just came back on here to check, and sure enough that snippet addresses performance. My buddy mentioned there are typically the same comments about performance when towing in high altitude conditions. Biggest issue with higher surface area is the drag which pulls on the engine and transmission.

Not sure if anyone has more insight. Regardless, I would personally tow the 149 model you were looking at all day long. Just be mindful of your speed and following distance.

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