Towing capacity for Base model without factory install towing package?

[67L48]

[...] but dry weight is always published. [...]

That's because that's the number that helps them sell trailers. It's a marketing number that has almost not practical use. But, it's the theoretical smallest number they can put on paper. It moves trailers.

Similar to how Ford publishes a payload number in brochures and ads for the F-150. Nobody will ever see that number, though. To get even close, it would have to be a 2WD bare bones, no options, etc. truck. It's a myth, but publishing such numbers helps sell product.

[...] Probably the Bushwacker Plus, Ascape ST or the ProLite Plus S are my favorites. Of that list the ProLite Plus is the lightest around 1300 lbs ... I think.

I love camping and I'm just sitting here, so I'll so some legwork.

Bushwhacker is made by Braxton Creek. There is a range of teardrop campers here. The Bushwhacker Plus is a sub-line within the teardrop group and there are a few different floorplans there (6, actually). I'm not sure which one you prefer, but they're all way too heavy for a BS. The lightest one has a dry weight of 1,900 lbs. So, it doesn't take much work to extrapolate to a real-world, "wet" weight that would far exceed the capacity of any BS.

But, if you wanted to see those GVWRs for the trailers, just scroll to the bottom of the page. There's a table with the 6 different Bushwhacker Plus floor plans. The table scrolls to the right and you can see a bunch of other ratings. It looks like they overbuilt this and used a 3,500 lb axle on them.

Ascape is a line made by Aliner, a brand I'm more familiar with. The lineup is here. The Grand Ascape ST is here and the various details are listed. It has a dry weight of 1,700 lbs and a CCC of 800 lbs. Thus, the GVWR will be 2,500 lbs. This is another trailer that will be way over 2,000 lbs rolling down the road. So, too heavy for a BS.

ProLite looks to be a Canadian manufacturer and one I'm unfamiliar with. The lineup of ProLite trailers is here. The Plus S model is here. It has a dry weight of 1,390 lbs. I'd probably take a pass on this one if you're in the States. It's difficult to find anything south of the border, in terms of sales and support. The website is clearly an ESL job by people and a company whose native tongue is French. If you're a french-speaking Canadian, then no problem.

My advice is to keep shopping.

I don't have any practical experience in ultra-light trailers, but here are some places to start shopping and you should check out the fiberglass trailers in addition to the teardrops on your list:

https://trailandsummit.com/what-travel-trailers-are-under-1500-lbs/

https://camperreport.com/ultra-lightweight-campers/

https://www.rvingknowhow.com/camper-trailers-under-1500-pounds/

Good luck.

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[RodNSA]

That's because that's the number that helps them sell trailers. It's a marketing number that has almost not practical use. But, it's the theoretical smallest number they can put on paper. It moves trailers.

Similar to how Ford publishes a payload number in brochures and ads for the F-150. Nobody will ever see that number, though. To get even close, it would have to be a 2WD bare bones, no options, etc. truck. It's a myth, but publishing such numbers helps sell product.


I love camping and I'm just sitting here, so I'll so some legwork.

Bushwhacker is made by Braxton Creek. There is a range of teardrop campers here. The Bushwhacker Plus is a sub-line within the teardrop group and there are a few different floorplans there (6, actually). I'm not sure which one you prefer, but they're all way too heavy for a BS. The lightest one has a dry weight of 1,900 lbs. So, it doesn't take much work to extrapolate to a real-world, "wet" weight that would far exceed the capacity of any BS.

But, if you wanted to see those GVWRs for the trailers, just scroll to the bottom of the page. There's a table with the 6 different Bushwhacker Plus floor plans. The table scrolls to the right and you can see a bunch of other ratings. It looks like they overbuilt this and used a 3,500 lb axle on them.

Ascape is a line made by Aliner, a brand I'm more familiar with. The lineup is here. The Grand Ascape ST is here and the various details are listed. It has a dry weight of 1,700 lbs and a CCC of 800 lbs. Thus, the GVWR will be 2,500 lbs. This is another trailer that will be way over 2,000 lbs rolling down the road. So, too heavy for a BS.

ProLite looks to be a Canadian manufacturer and one I'm unfamiliar with. The lineup of ProLite trailers is here. The Plus S model is here. It has a dry weight of 1,390 lbs. I'd probably take a pass on this one if you're in the States. It's difficult to find anything south of the border, in terms of sales and support. The website is clearly an ESL job by people and a company whose native tongue is French. If you're a french-speaking Canadian, then no problem.

My advice is to keep shopping.

I don't have any practical experience in ultra-light trailers, but here are some places to start shopping and you should check out the fiberglass trailers in addition to the teardrops on your list:

https://trailandsummit.com/what-travel-trailers-are-under-1500-lbs/

https://camperreport.com/ultra-lightweight-campers/
Wow ... YOU'RE HIRED!!! Really, you just confirmed everything that I was thinking but trying to keep it in the back of my mind. The reason I haven't bit the bullet yet is because I like exploring all options but I also like playing it safe. I have only been researching for a little over a week now and since I'm newly retired, I'm not in a hurry. I'm sure I'll find the Goldilocks RV if I keep looking and keep asking for advice ... especially from those who have experience with camping and towing trailers. I really need to schedule my towing package install at my Ford dealership but I keep putting it off because I might not do it if I can't find an RV that will meet most of my needs. So, for now ... onward and upward! Thanks for your help ... Rod

https://www.rvingknowhow.com/camper-trailers-under-1500-pounds/

Good luck.

 

[RSH]

This Ford document lists the towing capacities and equipment. This is from 2021

 

[RodNSA]

This Ford document lists the towing capacities and equipment. This is from 2021

I've looked at this before and didn't like what I thought it was saying. Seems like BASE is 1500 and Big Bend is 2000 ... not sure as to why they are different.

 

[RSH]

Apparently the base model BS doesn't have sway control, it's interesting the owners manual does not stipulate that.
Aside from the sway control software, everything else in the 53B tow package can be purchased and installed. While sway control is certainly a nice feature, is it something that is actually needed, thats for you to decide. I've done a fair share of towing using vehicles that didn't have sway control software and depending on what was being towed the only addition being some trailers had trailer brakes and some did not. I've also used a sway control hitch.
The downside to this being If something were to go wrong with your vehicle and it could be attributed to towing without proper equipment, Ford could void your warranty assuming you are still within the warranty time frame.

 

[RodNSA]

Apparently the base model BS doesn't have sway control, it's interesting the owners manual does not stipulate that.
Aside from the sway control software, everything else in the 53B tow package can be purchased and installed. While sway control is certainly a nice feature, is it something that is actually needed, thats for you to decide. I've done a fair share of towing using vehicles that didn't have sway control software and depending on what was being towed the only addition being some trailers had trailer brakes and some did not. I've also used a sway control hitch.
The downside to this being If something were to go wrong with your vehicle and it could be attributed to towing without proper equipment, Ford could void your warranty assuming you are still within the warranty time frame.

Well, since everything I'd be putting on it for towing would be purchased and installed by them ... so there shouldn't be an issue of voiding the warranty as long as I stay below the recommended tow capacity. It does have conflicting information regarding the base model. In theory if a class ii system is installed by Ford then the "actual" and "safe" towing capacity should go from 1500 to 2000; however, I know that practically my vehicle will still be a base and the 1500 towing capacity will apply as far as the warranty is concerned.

 

[Bucko]

Yes, I was having everything done at my local Ford dealership using parts they provide. I have stalled the install because when I went in to order everything the Mgr told me that anything they do to do the install would not be exactly the same as ordering it from the factory. He said the VIN shows towing capacity and after they do the install it still would not change the number. So instead of 2000 pounds towing capacity he said ut would only be 1500 pounds. This is exactly why I've posted in 3 groups because it's not making since to me ... a class 2 install should give me the same 2000 pounds towing capacity ... just as if it came from the factory.

I agree with you. I'd ask what the dealer install of factory authorized parts would be different that what was installed on the assembly line. I've looked at the utube vids on how the Ford hitch that is sold on their accessories site was done. It uses the same mounting bolts/holes as what was used during assembly.
I would either have the Manager explain to me what the difference is (I bet he doesn't know) or go to another Ford dealership for the install.

 

[RodNSA]

I agree with you. I'd ask what the dealer install of factory authorized parts would be different that what was installed on the assembly line. I've looked at the utube vids on how the Ford hitch that is sold on their accessories site was done. It uses the same mounting bolts/holes as what was used during assembly.
I would either have the Manager explain to me what the difference is (I bet he doesn't know) or go to another Ford dealership for the install.

*Forgot to mention that he did say soothing about "sway" software and the BASE model didn't have the ability to utilize the software. So everything that was a physical install was identical but no sway or anti- sway software. So that seemed to take it down from 2000 to 1500 rating for towing. I hope he is wrong. I'm calling another larger dealership today. If it's 2000 and my warranty won't be voided by my using that number ... then I'm set but if it's 1500 then that actually makes a very big difference in what's available?.

 

[wireman]

I have a 2021 Badlands with the factory tow package. I believe a transmission cooler is added with that package along with trailer sway control.

Without that, you may be at the 1500 lb. limit.

 

[RodNSA]

I have a 2021 Badlands with the factory tow package. I believe a transmission cooler is added with that package along with trailer sway control.

Without that, you may be at the 1500 lb. limit.

This is exactly what a Ford service Mgr told Mr about 15 minutes ago. He said he could add all Ford parts for a class ii tow package but the base model had no way to accept the sway cobtrol software that is factory installed. He didn't mention the transmission cooler so guess I can ask about that. He also said after adding the FORD towing package done at the dealership the "he" would feel comfortable in pulling up to 2000 pounds gross weight. But ... he also said that IF there were issues or damage regardless of it being installed by Ford ... that the 1500 tow limit for warranty purposes would not change. I think (?) after the Ford install IF I wanted to be cautious I could have aftermarket sway bar installed.

 

[Bucko]

What I don't get or understand is why the base model on the Ford site does not state this about sway software and transmission cooler requirements. My 2023 outer banks model is rated for 2000 mile capacity, and I too do not have the factory trailer package.

I'm off to the Ford webste now to see if these two items are indeed required to meet the advertised maximum tow rated weight.

 

[Bucko]

After searching, I come up with the same conclusions as what RodNSA and RSH point out with the foot notes I read in the towing document provided in their responses. Looks like your service manager is correct in what he says based on this document, 1500lbs and 2000lbs based on the model. I did not see any references to SW or transmission coolers, but if the upper models have them along with the larger engine, that certainly explains the difference in max towing.

 

[Mark S.]

I did not see any references to SW or transmission coolers...

I don't believe the transmission cooler is relevant, mainly because I think ALL trim models have one. Many manufacturers that offer towing packages add a larger transmission cooler, but I don't believe that's an option for the Bronco Sport, which may offer a clue about the limited towing capacity. On its Bronco Sport towing guide, Ford lists sway control as part of the towing package.

Sway control is a safety feature. Whether or not it's necessary is up to you. Drivers with a lot of experience towing will likely be fine.

So what does sway control do? If the computer senses trailer sway while you are towing it will display a warning on the dash, slow down, and if necessary apply brakes independently on all four wheels to prevent loss of vehicle control. Sway is usually not an issue if your trailer is properly loaded, but with a short-wheelbase vehicle like the Bronco Sport it can get out of hand quickly if you don't recognize it and react quickly. Here's what can happen if you don't react quickly enough.



If you experience sway you should double check and correct (if necessary) weight distribution. If there's nothing wrong with your weight distribution it's probably the way the wind is hitting your trailer, and you should drive slower until the wind changes. The video below demonstrates sway due to improper weight distribution.

 

[Bucko]

I don't believe the transmission cooler is relevant, mainly because I think ALL trim models have one. Many manufacturers that offer towing packages add a larger transmission cooler, but I don't believe that's an option for the Bronco Sport, which may offer a clue about the limited towing capacity. On its Bronco Sport towing guide, Ford lists sway control as part of the towing package.

Sway control is a safety feature. Whether or not it's necessary is up to you. Drivers with a lot of experience towing will likely be fine.

So what does sway control do? If the computer senses trailer sway while you are towing it will display a warning on the dash, slow down, and if necessary apply brakes independently on all four wheels to prevent loss of vehicle control. Sway is usually not an issue if your trailer is properly loaded, but with a short-wheelbase vehicle like the Bronco Sport it can get out of hand quickly if you don't recognize it and react quickly. Here's what can happen if you don't react quickly enough.



If you experience sway you should double check and correct (if necessary) weight distribution. If there's nothing wrong with your weight distribution it's probably the way the wind is hitting your trailer, and you should drive slower until the wind changes. The video below demonstrates sway due to improper weight distribution.

After the accident cleanup, the driver had to change his drawers too.

Is this (sway control) something FORScan can set up/activate?

Will check my grill area tonight for a transmission cooler. My 2007 F-150 did not have one; I installed one as well as an engine oil cooler. It did however come with a power steering fluid cooler, which puzzled me.

 

[RodNSA]

What I don't get or understand is why the base model on the Ford site does not state this about sway software and transmission cooler requirements. My 2023 outer banks model is rated for 2000 mile capacity, and I too do not have the factory trailer package.
*It does say in the chart a #1 and says base model only 1500. So definitely your OB is the 2000. On the other info about towing components it does list the sway issue but at the bottom as a note it says components may vary by model. Evidently the issue regarding the sway control on the Base model only deals with software. For whatever reason the base can have all components installed afterwards to make it pull a trailer but because the software for sway control is not compatible and not an option has made for lower the base down to 1500. IT REALLY SUCKS! For your OB without factory install of tow package you can complete it after the fact and then have 2000 pound towing capacity.

I'm off to the Ford webste now to see if these two items are indeed required to meet the advertised maximum tow rated weight.

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