Utility trailer recommendations for 23 FWD Hybrid

[BlueSpec1]

Pulled up a VIN for a 2024 XLT AWD w 4K Tow Package: VIN: 3FTTW8J91RRA51026

Did a ford.parts.com search for the TRM, Ford lists it as "module trailer bracket brake".

4K Tow Package - 3FTTW8J91RRA51026
https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/a...ule-trailer-bracket-brake-p-nz6z19h332a?pdp=y
module trailer bracket brake
Part #: NZ6Z19H332A
Usage: 08/16/2021 - 11/11/2024, Maverick 2022-, With Trailer Towing Hitch;08/16/2021 - 11/11/2024, Maverick 2022-, With Class II Trailer Towing Hitch
Section: Vehicle Modules and Sensors
This part fits your 2024 Ford Maverick | VIN Build Date: 01/30/2024


2.5L Hitch w 4-Pin - my 2.5L VIN
module trailer bracket brake
https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/a...ule-trailer-bracket-brake-p-nz6z19h332a?pdp=y
Part #: NZ6Z19H332A
Usage: 08/16/2021 - 11/11/2024, Maverick 2022-, With Trailer Towing Hitch;08/16/2021 - 11/11/2024, Maverick 2022-, With Class II Trailer Towing Hitch
Section: Vehicle Modules and Sensors
This part fits your 2023 Ford Maverick | VIN Build Date: 09/19/2023


4K Trailer Brake Switch: Integrated Brake Control. Electronic Brake (Trailer Tow) Control. Switch
https://parts.ford.com/webapp/wcs/s...lectrical/switches/accessory-switch-p-sw8839#
VIN: 3FTTW8J91RRA51026
accessory switch
Integrated Brake Control. Electronic Brake (Trailer Tow) Control. Switch Trail Control. Console Floor Sliding - Black
Part #: SW8839 (ML3Z14529AC)
Usage: Black, 08/16/2021 - 11/11/2024, Maverick 2022-, With Class II Trailer Towing Hitch
Section: Instrument Panel Related Parts
This part fits your 2024 Ford Maverick | VIN Build Date: 01/30/2024

SW8839: Switch looks like 4 pins: +12V, Gnd, Illumination, LIN to TRM.

Harness Connector Plug for switch: Molex 1x4 pin Mini50 PN 34791-0040
https://www.molex.com/en-us/products/part-detail/2065230041
Terminals:
Service Part Number LU2Z-14474-AA
Molex 560023-0423
Molex 560023-0721
https://www.molex.com/en-us/part-list/560023

C4397B. (Black)
My 23 XLT TRM is missing:
Brakes(14), Battery Charge(12), Trailer Tow Battery Charge(11), TBC LIN(10) wiring.

C4397A. (Gray)
Pins 1-10 Not Used

2023 2.5L TRM in my truck:

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[Dean S]

Very easy to move around! As bought, the trailer weighs about 500-550# very light on the tonque and your hands! After I added the spare tire carrier and spare to the front (Alum mount) it was a little tongue heavy for my 70 YO body to move BUT I have a trailer dolly that enables me to move it anywhere I want, Concrete, gravel or lawn. I put larger diameter no-flat wheels on the dolly in place of the normal 2 wheel dolly type. I don't do lawn parking here because even after a light rain the ground is too soft. Factory tie downs are more than adequate but with my 2370# Kubota SxS I added some more. They have a hole already in place about mid-way down each side thru the 2 x 5" beam with a rubber cover over it. I just used those holes for 2 more HD tie-downs. I also added some across the front and the rear dove-tail for ease of strapping down and some small clips for attaching bungees and tarps while parked. I have been extremely satisfied with the build quality of the trailer. If you look on Home Depot website the same trailer is higher priced thru them. But don't try to contact the Karavan trailer factory, if you can find a number or email (not on their website) they don't answer. But that's ok it comes with everything you may need. (Except spare tire!) I love the fold-down sides as my Kubota SxS only leaves about 2 inches on each side. So I drop the sides, Back the Kubota on (Tail end is heavier) and I can maneuver on and off until I get it perfect, And I can get out the door of the enclosed cab!! Then I just raise and lock down the sides, Very good corner locks also. If you want any specific pictures just ask. Also even though the website and the tag on the trailer say it is a 2770# axle, when I was climbing around underneath, I saw a tag on the axle that identified it as a 3500# axle!!!! Standard add-on brake kits will fit. But you need to use the original outer bearings, it's a slightly different axle shaft diameter at that point. You won't be disappointed with the trailer. My son said don't EVER sell it, I told him yea you will inherit it some day. It's quite at home just sitting out without any cover especially with that aluminum deck! I didn't care for the factory coiled cable safety hook-ups, that were too short to reach my other truck, so I added nice HD safety chains. Boy is this a long post! Oh yes, ALL Frame underneath is also aluminum, no steel hiding under there.

Well based on your recommendation I found a local tractor supply with one in stock, took a look, was impressed with the build quality and features for the price. I bought it tonight, It was pouring rain so I decided to take the paperwork to the DMV to get the plates before picking up later this week. Do you have a link for the d rings that you added, I would like to do the same. I will also either add a toolbox or spare tire soon.

I really appreciate you and the other members taking the time to write such detailed info, I got something from all of it.

 

[Dean S]

Buy any off the shelf universal brake controller. Cheap and easy to DIY.

At the time it cost about $250 to add the brakes

I'm going to look into adding brakes and a controller when I have some time, would certainly give more confidence when towing at capacity. Thanks for all the info, I greatly appreciate it.

 

[Mean Green BP]

Well based on your recommendation I found a local tractor supply with one in stock, took a look, was impressed with the build quality and features for the price. I bought it tonight, It was pouring rain so I decided to take the paperwork to the DMV to get the plates before picking up later this week. Do you have a link for the d rings that you added, I would like to do the same. I will also either add a toolbox or spare tire soon.

I really appreciate you and the other members taking the time to write such detailed info, I got something from all of it.

You are very welcome! D-rings on Amazon. Get the ones with double wrapped bracket, 2400a# rated single hole will take 3/8 X 5 1/2" bolt.
www.amazon.com/D-Rings-Anchor-Fixing-Trailer-Warehouse/dp/B0D5H4X84Q/ref=sr_1_57?crid=119T6IVV1S5TF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.n-vFRj6oTE167zIe-kq3OqbNUjBxbt44RiwfTSvAadBcxbF7eUmdcycka1eZflOjFIjFtD3K4Qx5rkwQ8KJ6cfMxLiU50yXRtgAjlYsejvJjAqRgmcZDKSMTq-DDmoGZ1Z0uQ_o1giExjRWOOow46NG3OiUTOHo-M6xEJps0DKlAw9hymXTWro2UI4P4cj3D-jQzeE-P2B5F10OkWgbI9WWUt3gnAvwTLonlL9OB2jrUAl35h1v20OTnxf0qrPlP3_AuTeEo-IOtYAB6w3kH0TYCn178ho-adjaEpJcFE8c.pjXLymiGIpGaEZdJMRQXbWHJCgHgODvHfEoP_VimHwQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=d-ring+tie+down+anchors&qid=1749515462&sprefix=d-ring%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-57
I also used these for tarp tiedowns and just attached to the bolts that go thru the side wall hinges.
www.amazon.com/Tie-Down-Anchors-Stainless-Attachment-Motorcycle/dp/B0BGHXXL9S/ref=sr_1_20_sspa?crid=119T6IVV1S5TF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.n-vFRj6oTE167zIe-kq3OqbNUjBxbt44RiwfTSvAadBcxbF7eUmdcycka1eZflOjFIjFtD3K4Qx5rkwQ8KJ6cfMxLiU50yXRtgAjlYsejvJjAqRgmcZDKSMTq-DDmoGZ1Z0uQ_o1giExjRWOOow46NG3OiUTOHo-M6xEJps0DKlAw9hymXTWro2UI4P4cj3D-jQzeE-P2B5F10OkWgbI9WWUt3gnAvwTLonlL9OB2jrUAl35h1v20OTnxf0qrPlP3_AuTeEo-IOtYAB6w3kH0TYCn178ho-adjaEpJcFE8c.pjXLymiGIpGaEZdJMRQXbWHJCgHgODvHfEoP_VimHwQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=d-ring%2Btie%2Bdown%2Banchors&qid=1749515462&sprefix=d-ring%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-20-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1

 

[Dean S]

You are very welcome! D-rings on Amazon. Get the ones with double wrapped bracket, 2400a# rated single hole will take 3/8 X 5 1/2" bolt.

Not sure what you mean about the double wrapped bracket?

Nice looking truck btw, that green is sharp. I might have tried to hold out for a 25 if I knew they would have AWD and 4k tow available.

 

[Mean Green BP]

Yes when I saw the options on the 25 that made my mind up to order 1. By double wrapped the metal strap goes thru the d-ring then back all the way to the end with double thickness at the bolt hole. but even the single wrap that goes thru the d-ring and just wraps and ends under the d-ring with a single layer at the bolt hole is plenty strong enough for our purpose.

 

[Dean S]

Yes when I saw the options on the 25 that made my mind up to order 1. By double wrapped the metal strap goes thru the d-ring then back all the way to the end with double thickness at the bolt hole. but even the single wrap that goes thru the d-ring and just wraps and ends under the d-ring with a single layer at the bolt hole is plenty strong enough for our purpose.

Picked up the trailer from tractor supply, glad some reviews mentioned that there was a wood block above the axle that tractor supply forgets to remove, I picked it up and saw they forgot about it before I left, they also proceeded to hookup safety chains wrong. Pulls nice and straight but pretty bouncy when empty which isn't too surprising. Happy to confirm I can easily wheel it around my yard when empty, wouldn't be able to with steel. I am curious if you know how to remove the cap to lube the wheel bearing? I see where you can pry with a screwdriver but when I started lightly prying I could hear cracking. Manual and YouTube show a different design

Thanks again, so far very happy with the purchase.

 

[Mean Green BP]

Nice!. Yes I forgot to tell you about the wood above the axle, luckily it fell out after I was home!! You have to remove the rims to get that cap off! I just left my caps off from then on, they are not watertight, just for looks.

 

[Dean S]

Finally got the trailer all setup and inspected, added a few more d rings and a tongue box I bought off Amazon. I also made a grommet that zip-ties to the 4pin connector cable to keep the right amount of slack between the truck and trailer, factory grommet was pretty cheesy.

Took the maiden voyage to bring an ATV home for service. ATV weighs about 550lb, on 140mile round trip, ATV loaded for half of that I got 24mpg. Outside temps were in the 80's with ac running coolant temp never exceeded 195°F. Trailer towed great, just a little bouncy when empty, nice setup for the Maverick.

 

[Mean Green BP]

Looking Good!!

 

[urwatuis]

I have a Harbor Freight 4x8 that I am happy with. It has hauled a lot of stuff quite a few miles. They make a 5x10 trailer that weighs 400 pounds according to their site that might just fit your specs. Link: https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-...-ft-custom-modular-utility-trailer-59846.html

I looked up that 400# Harbor Freight trailer you linked and it looks to me like it's sections of uni-strut bolted together and then they put wheels and a hitch on it. Wonder how long that would last over the years?

 

[kentsa1]

My Harbor Freight trailer has lasted 18 years staying outside year round in Michigan weather. I am very happy with the price and performance of the trailer.

 

[Cherokee]

Aluminum frame with aluminum deck was my original plan, mainly due to weight since I can only tow 2k. Aside from the additional cost I know people will borrow the trailer and won't be as careful as me, I think steel with wooden deck would be more resilient but could be wrong. An 800lb trailer doesn't leave much tow capacity though. Still considering aluminum though.

Don’t let people borrow your shit.
Tell em to go rent a U-Haul, simple.

 

[Dean S]

Don’t let people borrow your shit.
Tell em to go rent a U-Haul, simple.

Sounds like a good policy

 

[Dean S]

My Harbor Freight trailer has lasted 18 years staying outside year round in Michigan weather. I am very happy with the price and performance of the trailer.

The fact that it hasn't turned to dust going through Michigan winters is impressive on its own, speaking as someone in western NY where they would rather dump salt than plow.

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