Hybrid Towing and Camper Options

[MakinDoForNow]

I don’t think you add tongue to the gross combined. I think you add it to just the vehicle total weight for its payload, should be fine there. You use the trailer weight for the combined.

Seems like this would work if you travel with 2 and maybe a kid. Wet weight is 1640. Hybrid lariat is 3674. Gives you 700 pounds for people and luggage/ supplies. I would be on the tight side but for a weekend trip I think doable.

I'm no lawyer but I am going to take the position that if I "load" the tongue weight into the truck I am "unloading" that amount from the trailer.

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[DarkStormy]

I've been planning a cargo trailer to camper conversion for a few years now and I must say the 2000lb tow capacity, and 20 SQFT rule is making it rough, A 6x10 with a 2 foot V nose is what I really want, but the dry weight of a steel one is around 1200#, I could go with aluminum and save a few 100# but pay more.
A 5x10 would weigh in at around 900# and help with the sqft rule, but 5 ft. wide is pretty claustrophobic.
I have to wonder how much wiggle room does Ford build in with there 2000# towing cap. You know that is not the absolute max, the engineers would have shaved some % off for legal reasons.

 

[WesM]

I've been planning a cargo trailer to camper conversion for a few years now and I must say the 2000lb tow capacity, and 20 SQFT rule is making it rough, A 6x10 with a 2 foot V nose is what I really want, but the dry weight of a steel one is around 1200#, I could go with aluminum and save a few 100# but pay more.
A 5x10 would weigh in at around 900# and help with the sqft rule, but 5 ft. wide is pretty claustrophobic.
I have to wonder how much wiggle room does Ford build in with there 2000# towing cap. You know that is not the absolute max, the engineers would have shaved some % off for legal reasons.

Towing cap probably has a factor of safety built into it, you know what that factor of safety is for? foreseeable or Unforeseeable circumstances. Headwinds, crosswinds, quick stops etc. Ford could not test every situation and so a factor of safety is built in to cover those situations.

Going outside of the rated towing cap also could cause an insurance company to deny a claim in an accident. That could get really expensive if someone got hurt badly and you have to cover all their medical bills.

If you need to tow more than 2k lbs, get the ecoboost. Going outside of a vehicles towing limits not only endangers you, it endangers other people on the road.

 

[dls235]

I've been lurking for a while on this board and decided to make an account. I know there is a "what is your maverick towing thread" But, I've ordered a Hybrid Lariat, and never had a camper but could be interested in it.

What are the best options out there for a small camper that works with the Hybrid's limitations. Is there anything worth while? My wife would probably prefer something with a bathroom in it, but I know the water weight might push some of these campers over what the hybrid can tow. Just curious what is out there or if anyone has gotten creative.

I'm trying to find something as well. Ideally, and I know this is shooting for the stars, it would be a hard shell style camper, sleeps 5 (two adults, three younger children), has at least a toilet option, shower is a plus, and the kitchen area is on the inside. And of course, most importantly, not exceeding the 2000 lb threshold. Good luck I think is where I stand.

 

[LSchicago]

I'm trying to find something as well. Ideally, and I know this is shooting for the stars, it would be a hard shell style camper, sleeps 5 (two adults, three younger children), has at least a toilet option, shower is a plus, and the kitchen area is on the inside. And of course, most importantly, not exceeding the 2000 lb threshold. Good luck I think is where I stand.

I think you bought the wrong truck. What you are wanting will be over 2,000#, plus you have to add the whole family weight with all clothes and supplies and be under 6,010# TOTAL.

 

[LSchicago]

I've been planning a cargo trailer to camper conversion for a few years now and I must say the 2000lb tow capacity, and 20 SQFT rule is making it rough, A 6x10 with a 2 foot V nose is what I really want, but the dry weight of a steel one is around 1200#, I could go with aluminum and save a few 100# but pay more.
A 5x10 would weigh in at around 900# and help with the sqft rule, but 5 ft. wide is pretty claustrophobic.
I have to wonder how much wiggle room does Ford build in with there 2000# towing cap. You know that is not the absolute max, the engineers would have shaved some % off for legal reasons.

Even a 5' wide trailer that is 5' high will exceed the max frontal area by 25%.

 

[OleFordGuy]

I was also interested in options and bounced around some ideas before stumbling onto teardrop campers. You can pretty easily build/buy one under 2000 pounds loaded up, it is a dry elevated place to sleep and has all your cooking/cleaning needs out back.

People get fancier with them going larger, adding toilets and running water, TVs, solar panels, camping fridges etc.

You may want to consider https://www.facebook.com/RedMountainTeardrops
in Birmingham, AL. Pretty sure you can purchase DIY kit or have it customized to your specs and built by them.

 

[JimParker256]

You may want to consider https://www.facebook.com/RedMountainTeardrops
in Birmingham, AL. Pretty sure you can purchase DIY kit or have it customized to your specs and built by them.

Almost no info on their Facebook page other than pictures, and the "website" they link is "expired"... Are they are in business?

 

[OleFordGuy]

Almost no info on their Facebook page other than pictures, and the "website" they link is "expired"... Are they are in business?

Yep, they are in business. They also convert Vans like Mercedes, etc into camping, overlanding etc. They sell and rent the tear drops and vans also. I agree, their web presence leaves a lot to be desired. They are good people, I do know that. If that's something that anyone is interested in, give them a call on the listed telephone number.

 

[oljackfrost]

Even a 5' wide trailer that is 5' high will exceed the max frontal area by 25%.

Subtract the frontal area of the Maverick.

 

[LSchicago]

Subtract the frontal area of the Maverick.

Nope, not how that works at all.

 

[GPSMan]

Nope, not how that works at all.

Well I know FOR SURE this works and works really well.

I'm not going try 80 MPH but at 60 MPH it's a very comfortable tow.

 

[GPSMan]

 

[LSchicago]

Well I know FOR SURE this works and works really well.

I'm not going try 80 MPH but at 60 MPH it's a very comfortable tow.

Good luck with a warranty claim if they bring it to the dealer with that trailer attached.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

I've seen popup campers with toilets but they're usually the larger popups with slides and longer length (and more weight). You would have to look around to find a small one with toilet.

note the privacy of a popup is lower... Maybe buy a double-room tent with cots and put a portable toilet in one of the rooms? Cost of entire setup would be half what a trailer costs, although less "permanent" or convenient.

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