Trailer question

[rmrc51]

I'm considering selling my 2010 Ford F-150 Platinum and getting a 2015 Subaru Forester mainly for the improved mpg, especially with retirement coming up and some road trips planned. I really don't need a full sized truck outside of pulling my trailer which I might do once a year.

With that said, the towing capacity of the Forester is only 1500 lbs. I'm planning to also sell my United enclosed 7' x 12' trailer and possibly getting one of the light weight aluminum open trailers to haul my trike when necessary. Do any of you know what the approximate weight of those trailer are? I'm figuring that with my trike loaded on one of those aluminum trailers, I should (hopefully) be right around the 1500 limit.

 

[Motorcycle Mike]

The specks for the Aluma TK1 say its 525 pounds.
http://www.alumaklm.com/motorcycle-trailers/item/49-tk1-trike-trailer.html

 

[rmrc51]

The specks for the Aluma TK1 say its 525 pounds.
http://www.alumaklm.com/motorcycle-trailers/item/49-tk1-trike-trailer.html

Thanks. Looks like I'll be right at 1500 lbs with the trike loaded or a bit over.

 

[rhino 2]

I would look into getting the electric brake option, At the max [1500] with the Subaru you might need it,:Shrug: Many years ago I had a Subaru Brat and I would tow a Honda Big Red.. When I had to stop short the trailer [Small Colman]would try to push the Brat, Sought of like the tail wagging the dog..

 

[rmrc51]

The Alumina trailers do offer an electric brake option which I'd definitely get. I have electric brakes on my present 7 x 12 tandem trailer which works out perfectly with my F-150.

I guess in the worst case scenario, I just won't have a trailer and if the trike ever needs to get to the dealer due to not starting (or what-ever,,), I'll have to pay for a flat bed,,,.

 

[Motorcycle Mike]

Why not consider something just a little bigger to tow with.
I decided to sell my 98 Dodge Ram because I rarley drove it due to poor gas mileage but knew I would need to haul stuff on occasion. I chose a Ford Edge which has decent (not great) fuel mileage and a 3500 pound towing capacity.

 

[Trent]

Why not consider something just a little bigger to tow with.
I decided to sell my 98 Dodge Ram because I rarley drove it due to poor gas mileage but knew I would need to haul stuff on occasion. I chose a Ford Edge which has decent (not great) fuel mileage and a 3500 pound towing capacity.

The Ford Edge is a great Crossover SUV. I have had 2 of them. They go like a tractor in the snow and were both trouble free. I traded my last one in on a 2014 F150 with the Eco Boost 6 banger, which I love. No complaints about the Edge, have just always been a truck guy and needed it to pull my dual axle TG trailer. And wanted to be back in a truck.

 

[Lucky]

The Alumina trailers do offer an electric brake option which I'd definitely get. I have electric brakes on my present 7 x 12 tandem trailer which works out perfectly with my F-150.

I guess in the worst case scenario, I just won't have a trailer and if the trike ever needs to get to the dealer due to not starting (or what-ever,,), I'll have to pay for a flat bed,,,.

Some dealers have trailers they will lend if you are going to their place. Well a couple here do anyway. Probably like me though want yo own stuff.

 

[Ray55]

Even though they may not offer brakes on the trailer it may be possible to add them yourself. I have a 6 X 12 Wells Cargo single axle without brakes but the mounting brackets for backing plates are there, So for about $350 I could add brakes to my trailer.

 

[rmrc51]

Why not consider something just a little bigger to tow with.
I decided to sell my 98 Dodge Ram because I rarley drove it due to poor gas mileage but knew I would need to haul stuff on occasion. I chose a Ford Edge which has decent (not great) fuel mileage and a 3500 pound towing capacity.

The Ford Edge is a great Crossover SUV. I have had 2 of them. They go like a tractor in the snow and were both trouble free. I traded my last one in on a 2014 F150 with the Eco Boost 6 banger, which I love. No complaints about the Edge, have just always been a truck guy and needed it to pull my dual axle TG trailer. And wanted to be back in a truck.

The Ford Edge is one of the cars I'm also considering.

At present, I'll be looking at the Ford Edge, Subaru Forester and the Jeep Cherokee.

I know the Edge and Cherokee have better towing capacities. How-ever we've always like the Subaru's. Very hard to beat their ride, a well proven all-wheel drive system and a fantastic boxer engine.

 

[Veritas44]

Rich,
Trike + TK1 (pretty much as light as it gets) is going to be pushing @ 1750-1800 lbs plus.
The Subaru is a capable and impressive little Unit without any doubts but designed with very tight tolerances regarding its capabilities. To push or exceed their Engineering Specs is not advisable. We are used to pushing American made Units and getting away with it as they are over-engineered on purpose to exceed their advertised abilities for various reasons. Definitely not the case with Subaru.
Fudge with a Subaru and it can become a Squirrel. Throw the Weight side of most Physical Formulas out of Parameter and everything else gets out of hand quickly and exponentially.
If ya have to tow with it in a pinch-that's one thing.
Most definitely wouldn't do it anywhere close to regularly or for much distance at speed.

For what it's worth and with all due respect, I would look elsewhere for a different Vehicle as others have said that meets and/or exceeds all your needs.
The Edge is an impressive Vehicle as is the new Cherokee (Wife wants one BAD) and would handle what you want and need to throw at it without issues. There are others that are similar and equally as capable depending upon your Brand preferences.

P.s. This won't help but is quite the Testament to the Subaru... You know that a Subaru is by far the cheapest Car to Warranty for an Extended Period by a large margin?
Except the WRX STI that is...
But DAMN are those little Demons an absolute BLAST to drive.
Sorry,,, I digress

 

[rmrc51]

Rich,
Trike + TK1 (pretty much as light as it gets) is going to be pushing @ 1750-1800 lbs plus.
The Subaru is a capable and impressive little Unit without any doubts but designed with very tight tolerances regarding its capabilities. To push or exceed their Engineering Specs is not advisable. We are used to pushing American made Units and getting away with it as they are over-engineered on purpose to exceed their advertised abilities for various reasons. Definitely not the case with Subaru.
Fudge with a Subaru and it can become a Squirrel. Throw the Weight side of most Physical Formulas out of Parameter and everything else gets out of hand quickly and exponentially.
If ya have to tow with it in a pinch-that's one thing.
Most definitely wouldn't do it anywhere close to regularly or for much distance at speed.

For what it's worth and with all due respect, I would look elsewhere for a different Vehicle as others have said that meets and/or exceeds all your needs.
The Edge is an impressive Vehicle as is the new Cherokee (Wife wants one BAD) and would handle what you want and need to throw at it without issues. There are others that are similar and equally as capable depending upon your Brand preferences.

I hear what you're saying. Still not sure I'm even going to sell my F-150 as it all depends on finances, trade-in value, ect.. This is all speculation at present and you've all given me much to consider as per towing with a lesser vehicle. Worse case is that I just won't tow at all and have the trike flat-bedded to the dealership if it couldn't be ridden there. In all the time (3 years) I've had my present enclosed trailer, I've only used it twice.

 

[Veritas44]

I hear what you're saying. Still not sure I'm even going to sell my F-150 as it all depends on finances, trade-in value, ect.. This is all speculation at present and you've all given me much to consider as per towing with a lesser vehicle. Worse case is that I just won't tow at all and have the trike flat-bedded to the dealership if it couldn't be ridden there. In all the time (3 years) I've had my present enclosed trailer, I've only used it twice.

+1 ThumbUp
Twice in 3 years,,,,, Makes ya think about the Odds (and the true "need") don't it ?
You got Towing Coverage on your Insurance or elsewhere?

 

[Trent]

Glad you are at least considering the Edge. I cannot say a single bad thing about them. Just a great vehicle and would work very well for what you need.

Now,, Subaru's? Hmmm... everyone has an opinion of course,,, My work requires me to drive all around this valley every day. Hands down, the slowest, most clueless, law breaking, "I am the only vehicle on the road" drivers I deal with are Subaru drivers. !!!! Dunno why!? I have a million stories about 'em. Then the Elderly driver, then girls texting, then soccer moms texting. But Subaru drivers are the no#1 problem around here. I am not the only one I know that thinks that also. I reckon it has to do with the driver though,,, not the vehicle. But for some reason, the vast majority of them all drive the same way. Ok everyone... Commence to flaming me!!! Ha ha!!!!

 

[rmrc51]

+1 ThumbUp
Twice in 3 years,,,,, Makes ya think about the Odds (and the true "need") don't it ?
You got Towing Coverage on your Insurance or elsewhere?

Yeah,,,. Really don't need such a fancy trailer. That's why I just put it up for sale yesterday.

I'm pretty sure I do have towing coverage. Have to check that!

 

[rhino 2]

Glad you are at least considering the Edge. I cannot say a single bad thing about them. Just a great vehicle and would work very well for what you need.

Now,, Subaru's? Hmmm... everyone has an opinion of course,,, My work requires me to drive all around this valley every day. Hands down, the slowest, most clueless, law breaking, "I am the only vehicle on the road" drivers I deal with are Subaru drivers. !!!! Dunno why!? I have a million stories about 'em. Then the Elderly driver, then girls texting, then soccer moms texting. But Subaru drivers are the no#1 problem around here. I am not the only one I know that thinks that also. I reckon it has to do with the driver though,,, not the vehicle. But for some reason, the vast majority of them all drive the same way. Ok everyone... Commence to flaming me!!! Ha ha!!!!

:Agree:
Most Subaru owner's, Also drive Puke'A'sids as a second road blocking vehicle ....

 

[TwoBye]

Just a thought but I upgraded my Triple A membership to Premium RV coverage. This entitles me to a roll back truck to pick me up and haul me anywhere to a distance of (I believe) 300 miles. Roll back will carry the trike and trailer for me. I already had triple A coverage for my wife and me so upgrading just seemed to be the best way to cover my ass....ets while triking. Your mileage may vary, of course.

 

[Scratch]

We have a 2010 Edge with nearly 55000 trouble free miles. I pull a Kendon three rail bike trailer which is suitable for my trike or multiple two-wheelers. Highly recommend the Edge, but I'm Jonesing big time for a 2015 F-150...