RV towing Bronco on a flatbed?

[Noconer]

We just got a class-A RV and want to bring Layla along ('22 Wildtrak). I am not even going to take a chance flat-towing. Is anyone else doing this, towing their Bronco on a flatbed? Can you share details, advice, etc., please? Thanks!

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[CoolContractor]

We just got a class-A RV and want to bring Layla along ('22 Wildtrak). I am not even going to take a chance flat-towing. Is anyone else doing this, towing their Bronco on a flatbed? Can you share details, advice, etc., please? Thanks!

We do. 18' Aluma tilt trailer.

 

[evofxdwg]

No im taking the risk and flat towing. So far (maybe 3K miles), no issues except the brake warning when I take it out of flat tow mode, which goes away upon starting.

But your solution is certainly less risky and less wear on the Bronco tires and bearings. And I bet the cost of the trailer isn't much more than getting a braking, flat towing, and lighting system installed. Just have the inconvenience of parking the trailer somewhere when camping.

 

[Noconer]

We do. 18' Aluma tilt trailer.

Thanks, CoolContractor. That is exactly what I had in mind. Aluminum is definitely needed, due to weight ... that is an $8,000 trailer! Now I am in the market for a used 18' aluminum car hauler, if anyone has a lead on one of those!

 

[BroncoChallenger]

Don't be afraid to look at steel trailers, you can usually find them cheaper and they're really not that much heavier than aluminum - my 22' steel 7k GVW trailer has, IIRC, about 5k of payload. You probably don't need one that long, a 7k GVW 18-20' trailer should have around 500 lbs more payload depending on its construction.

It's best to tie a vehicle down either by the axles (solid axles only) or the tires using tire straps, not really the best to tie it down by the frame or front suspension components. The issue with tying it down by the frame is that as you go over bumps, your straps COULD loosen enough to let the vehicle move or worse, come loose. Tires and solid axles, being unsprung weight, tend not to move nearly as much.

As for parking it, invest in a tongue lock, a good one. They're not infallible but they'll keep honest people honest. SOME RV parks will let you park the trailer on your site, if it's not being disconnected from the RV, but that varies from park to park. They all usually have an overflow area for extra trailers though. Get an appropriate hitch for the Bronco to park the trailer, it's much more maneuverable and parking it will be much easier than trying to park it with the RV.

 

[jzweedyk]

Get a hitch with a built in scale, so you will know the tongue weight.

 

[zuke]

I'm towing on a steel equipment trailer behind a Class A DP... Total weight of trailer loaded with everythig runs just under 9,000lbs

As long as your RV has the tow rating too handle the load, and you camp places where having the trailer with you isn't an issue, it's gonna give the most peace of mind.

It also gives you a lot more flexibility if you want to take a different towed vehicle with you, that's the main reason I trailer rather than flat tow.

 

[CoolContractor]

Don't be afraid to look at steel trailers, you can usually find them cheaper and they're really not that much heavier than aluminum - my 22' steel 7k GVW trailer has, IIRC, about 5k of payload. You probably don't need one that long, a 7k GVW 18-20' trailer should have around 500 lbs more payload depending on its construction.

It's best to tie a vehicle down either by the axles (solid axles only) or the tires using tire straps, not really the best to tie it down by the frame or front suspension components. The issue with tying it down by the frame is that as you go over bumps, your straps COULD loosen enough to let the vehicle move or worse, come loose. Tires and solid axles, being unsprung weight, tend not to move nearly as much.

As for parking it, invest in a tongue lock, a good one. They're not infallible but they'll keep honest people honest. SOME RV parks will let you park the trailer on your site, if it's not being disconnected from the RV, but that varies from park to park. They all usually have an overflow area for extra trailers though. Get an appropriate hitch for the Bronco to park the trailer, it's much more maneuverable and parking it will be much easier than trying to park it with the RV.

I did the math and the 7,700 # trailer was not rated for a 4 door Bronco. Our 4 door Badlands weighs 5,200 # empty. Add rock sliders, bike rack, camping gear, trailer tongue box, spare tire etc. True weight is closer to 6,000 # to 6,500 #. I decided to get the Aluma 18', tilt deck, 9,900 #. Super easy to tow and able to back up, unlike flat towing. Trailer is 1,800 # and easy to push around the campground when un hooked. Buy once, cry once.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

I did the math and the 7,700 # trailer was not rated for a 4 door Bronco. Our 4 door Badlands weighs 5,200 # empty. Add rock sliders, bike rack, camping gear, trailer tongue box, spare tire etc. True weight is closer to 6,000 # to 6,500 #. I decided to get the Aluma 18', tilt deck, 9,900 #. Super easy to tow and able to back up, unlike flat towing. Trailer is 1,800 # and easy to push around the campground when un hooked. Buy once, cry once.

Like I said, it depends on the load and the trailer's construction, I was simply pointing out not to count steel ones out if you're on a budget. When I was looking for a trailer it was to haul 3 quads, and this trailer fit the bill and was inexpensive (purchased used). It's still in good shape, and since our Bronco is a 2 door it's a tad lighter than your Badlands...and the trailer itself, being a car hauler, is also low enough to put the Challenger on it if we want to. It has been used for basically everything at this point (scrap/debris removal, hauling vehicles, hauling quads, hauling snowmobiles, bringing home lumber, etc.) and has taken it all like a champ, and I wouldn't hesitate to take it cross country if I needed to with a max load on it.

It looks like it wouldn't have worked for you, and there's nothing wrong with that - everyone's needs are different, which is why they build multiple configurations of them. My issue now is that it's likely going to be too small in the next couple years, so I have been finding myself browsing goosenecks.

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