Like many before me, my family just got back from our first cabin camping weekend and loved it. However, we all agreed that it would be a lot easier and more comfortable if we had a trailer. Seeing as how our tow vehicle would be a Ford Flex with a 4500lb max towing weight, a Hybrid seems well suited to us. The problem is that we checked out a couple of hybrids on the grounds and everyone agreed that a dual axle with slider makes a huge difference. Knowing my tow capacity is limited, does anyone know of any options that I would be able to handle?With my wife being an accountant, I am guessing she would want me to look at used models a few years old so the budget doesn't get out of whack.Thanks for all your help...after reading through a number of the threads, I feel as though I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge alreadyHM

This is a listing from a local craigslist ad that looks pretty close to having everything I'd want. Just don't know the GVW and if I could tow ithttp://buffalo.craigslist.org/rvs/3822623244.html

you cant tow a dual axle with a slideout. TW would be way over your allowable.

With that as a tow vehicle, I think you would be better off with a tent trailer. It may not be ideal, but used they are cheap and plentiful. And it is something you can tow. Remember the tow rating you mentioned is for a base vehicle and one 150 pound driver. With a family and gear in the Flex your tow ratings drop like a rock into the neighborhood of 3000 pounds or less. Besides a hybrid still offers a lot of wind resistence for your car to overcome. Aomething not nearly as bad with a tent trailer.

only the smallest single axle hybrid would work with the Flex.as was said, the 4500 number is rated with only a 150lb. driver. anything or anyone else in the car, reduces that number by its weight.that 3500lbs. number for the Cub, sounds like a bogus "dry" brochure number, not real sticker weight.but even at that number, it would weigh over 4000lbs. loaded for camping and your Flex with cargo/passengers would be down to that number for towing.

Doable? Maybe, but you're sure not going to like the way it tows. My Envoy was rated for 5200# and even with just DW & me it struggled with a 3850# (dry) hybrid.And unless you know what to look for, it's risky buying an older trailer especially from a private seller.

Looking for it all | Good Sam Community

PAThwacker
Explorer
Jun 29, 2013
I don't tow with front wheel drive/awd station wagons or cuv. I use them as commuter and tent ccamping only.
Toxictoy
Explorer
Jun 29, 2013
We're in the same situation with a ford flex as our tow vehicle and looking for suitable rv. My research indicates that the best options are the Lance 1575 (or smaller) or a pop up. We are really liking the trailmanor trailers. They are engineering marvels and have great amenities.
PAThwacker
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
Im camping tonight. Dragged my hhat up a 15% gravel road. Six liter sub screaming, no cuv could even compete. Come to state parks and look at Ssombeforse askkng
real4u2c
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
Partner, I used to pull my Roo 233s with a 2002 Ford F150 4.2L, yes a 4.2l engine. On hilly terrain, 3000 plus rpm's/ 25mph the trailer would push my truck, and I own the reese brake controller and it was properly set up, not a fun experience. Finally got a new to me 2010 Toyota Tundra 5.7L.4x4 TRD Rock Warrior tow package. I think I could load the trailer on the tailgate and it would work. Huge difference in both hauling / power and of course at the gas pump . Proper tow vehicle is important as a justifiable cost to improve my families LIFE SAFETY.
bikendan
Explorer
Jun 21, 2013
4monkeys wrote:
Have you looked at all-aluminum built like Livin Lite brand? You can get one closer to 2,100-2,300 pounds. How many kids do you have?
edit to add: They do cost a pretty penny though. Another brand is MicroLite.

as was said, Livin Lite's are very expensive but i think they do offer a hybrid version.
but MicroLite has no hybrids in its lineup and that's what the OP is looking for.
4monkeys
Explorer
Jun 21, 2013
Have you looked at all-aluminum built like Livin Lite brand? You can get one closer to 2,100-2,300 pounds. How many kids do you have?
edit to add: They do cost a pretty penny though. Another brand is MicroLite.
PAThwacker
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
Our super ultra light 7ft wide crapola htt rocks the scales at 5k when loaded! That is 2600lbs below our rating on our flexible 2500 SUB!
Chuck_S
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
Fictional dry weight is redundant ;) ! This trailer will be 4000 pounds in a minute.

It's also worth about $2000 to maybe $2400 in good clean condition.

Don't sweat the frontal area. Ford has no limits on it, just a notation that after a certain frontage you'll experience dismal fuel use.

-- Chuck
3LittleDucks
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
I would also suggest starting with something 'low' (tent trailer or trail manor). Do you plan to travel long distances? Are you in a hilly/mountainous area? You might be ok with a small HTT if you're planning to go nearby/not too frequently.
bikendan
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
Haz Matt wrote:
I also found a 19' Roo hybrid ( http://buffalo.craigslist.org/rvs/3867073840.html ) that looked promising as it weighs in at 2500 lbs but from what I am gathering it's the billboard sized height that is going to be the killer without a TV that splits up some of that height, eh?

HM

hard to believe that it only weighs 2500lbs.:h
it appears to be the Roo 18, which has a fictional "dry" weight of 2616lbs.
adding the weights of the so-called "options" that all trailers have and the battery, it'll weigh close to 3000lbs. before you add water, propane and cargo.
but as others have said, the frontal area of any full-height trailer will exceed the Flex's specs.

Forum Discussion

Looking for it all

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Looking for owners manual 2007 Sonoma

Old truck, new look…

Looking to gain knowledge

Looking to jump back in RVing

Looking for power?