Which Harbor Freight Trailer for the Hybrid

[jonkatora]

Hey everybody. I know if I wanted to tow stuff, I should have gone with the ecoboost and 4k tow package. I just couldn't justify the gas penalty for and activity I'd be doing less than 5% of the time.

Harbor Freight sells the right trailer for me...a cheap one. However, I'm struggling to decide whether to get the 1200lb heavy duty or 1800lb super duty. Here are my thoughts with both.

1800lb trailer. Obviously this can tow more and give me more flexibility, but I'm worried that it's too close to the 2000lb towing capacity for the vehicle.

1200lb trailer. With this trailer, I know I won't be taxing the eCVT very much at all, but I'm missing out on being able to haul certain things.

My biggest concern with towing is the eCVT. I'm pretty sure Ford omitted the 4k tow package as an option for the hybrid for that very reason. I also know there's tons of variables to consider when figuring out how much to tow. I also know that the trailer capacity won't prevent human error in over loading it.

I am leaning towards the 1800lb trailer right now, but wanted to get the community's opinion. What option would you go with?

Sponsored

 

[pndwind]

Just curious about your hauling needs? Most people really never have a need to haul as much weight as they think.

 

[Kameron512]

If you go with the the 1800 , what would you be towing? 200 pounds is nothing go with the lighter weight trailer

 

[jonkatora]

I'd be hauling typical weekend warriors stuff. Lumber for small projects, mulch, trash to the dump, etc...

When my kid gets a little older, I'll probably get into dirt bikes again and be hauling those around.

 

[Chicora]

Look at the tow weight capacity on door jam sticker. It will likely be less than 2,000 pounds - and you have to subtract your own weight from that.

Or ...how skinny are you?

 

[pndwind]

In all honesty I would go with the 1800. I’ve dealt with harbor freight trailers before and I wouldn’t use them at max capacity. I’m not nocking them they are what they are, a cost efficient budget trailer.

 

[jonkatora]

Look at the tow weight capacity on door jam sticker. It will likely be less than 2,000 pounds - and you have to subtract your own weight from that.

Or ...how skinny are you?

Ha! Maybe I shouldn't get either considering my weight trajectory.

I'm about 220 now, but have been telling myself for years I need to lose about 30-40 lbs.

 

[pndwind]

For towing, the weight of the vehicle and everything in it at the time of towing plus the tongue weight need to be within the GVWR.
That being said I wouldn’t over complicate it. A few people and a couple of dirt bikes should be fine.
I'm not going to be calculating everything when I get mine.

 

[bob b]

I'm not currently familiar with Harbor freight current line of trailer offerings. I would deffently stay away from the ones with 8 inch tires. Only go with one with 12 inch tires. I would also make sure to pack the bearing full with a good grease. The smaller the tire the more revolutions per mile. At 60 the 12 inch tire is revolving whats equivalent to the 70's. The 8 incher would be turning closer to the 90's.

 

[raul shabinguez]

1200lb and 1800lb is the max capacity of those trailers. Not what they weigh. I'm guessing the original poster knows that. Sounds like some others do not.

1200lb capacity trailer weighs around 250lbs.
1800lb capacity trailer weighs around 275lbs.

Add the weight of your decking. Like a sheet of plywood, and you're still probably below 350 lbs for the finished trailer.

I'd buy the 1800lb trailer. It doesn't weigh much more, but it should be a little stronger. It also includes wider tires.

 

[catinthebathtub]

 

[Johnkn]

The trailer with the largest/tallest tires... Invest in a spare wheel/tire, and insure your Maverick jack and wrench will work with the trailer.

good luck...

 

[grumpyunk]

For casual towing, not from Key West to Portland... OR or ME, you don't have to worry a lot about the towing capacity for around-town recycle, friend moves, and picking up furniture runs. It would take a LOT of load to come close to their capacity with these small trailers. If you loaded them with books, you might get close. The 2k limit is a recommendation based upon a typical load of passengers, the weight of the trailer and the load, but generally applies to long cross-country tows, where you may run into hill climbs and descents that would tax the power and brakes. Around town, not to worry unless you really load it up.
That does NOT mean drive as if it wasn't attached, as braking and acceleration will be different. Brakes will not work as well, so plan ahead for stops, and when merging, pay attention unless you want to get run over.
tom

 

[EriktheBikeMan]

Hey everybody. I know if I wanted to tow stuff, I should have gone with the ecoboost and 4k tow package. I just couldn't justify the gas penalty for and activity I'd be doing less than 5% of the time.

Harbor Freight sells the right trailer for me...a cheap one. However, I'm struggling to decide whether to get the 1200lb heavy duty or 1800lb super duty. Here are my thoughts with both.

1800lb trailer. Obviously this can tow more and give me more flexibility, but I'm worried that it's too close to the 2000lb towing capacity for the vehicle.

1200lb trailer. With this trailer, I know I won't be taxing the eCVT very much at all, but I'm missing out on being able to haul certain things.

My biggest concern with towing is the eCVT. I'm pretty sure Ford omitted the 4k tow package as an option for the hybrid for that very reason. I also know there's tons of variables to consider when figuring out how much to tow. I also know that the trailer capacity won't prevent human error in over loading it.

I am leaning towards the 1800lb trailer right now, but wanted to get the community's opinion. What option would you go with?

I wouldn't worry about the Hybrid powertrain being a limiting factor. If that was the reason the 4k towing package isn't available, Ford would have offered it on the FWD ecoboost. The only reason it isn't available is that the hybrid doesn't have an AWD option yet. If I remember correctly, you could briefly order with 4k Tow package on the FWD trucks back in June, but Ford decided to limit it to AWD. Anyone who had initially ordered the 4k towing with FWD had to either drop it or upgrade to AWD.

 

[jwesterly]

be sure to grease the new wheel bearings. one difference between the two is 4 vs 5 lugnuts (some try to upgrade the tires and rims). Lots of info at tnttt.com for teardrop builders. My all time most taxing load in the pickup was hauling a bucket load of sharp sand - if your projects involve that, it may be your heaviest load to consider.

Sponsored