Towing Capacity - Upgradable? Can it haul a car?

[CrownCityMisfit]

Years ago I had plans to compete in SCCA Rallycross. I dropped some used gravel tires on a 2000 Focus, took it to rally school, competed in 1 event, and...

barely limped the Focus 150 miles back home to Pasadena from Ridgecrest. Having been graced with 2 bent control arms, a wobbly wheel, and a burned-out clutch, I soon realized having a proper truck and trailer was essential for this endeavor. File that under: No Shit Sherlock.

The small 2000 Focus is approximately 2,500 pounds. I see that cheaper wood-bottom car trailers weigh anywhere from 1,500-2000 pounds. There's not much wiggle room here if I need to stay below 3,500 pounds.

Can the Bronco be fitted with a beefier towing package? Or is the Bronco simply incapable of safely pulling more than 3,500 pounds, regardless of the towing package?

Cheers.

Sponsored

 

[Ksjrb03]

3500 max. Some trims are even less. No upgrades.

 

[Tricky Dick]

I would not go over weight even with upgrades. But if you strip that Focus down and buy a small aluminum car hauler, you could come in under 3500.

 

[CrownCityMisfit]

I would not go over weight even with upgrades. But if you strip that Focus down and buy a small aluminum car hauler, you could come in under 3500.

Yeah I got rid of that Focus, but was planning to get another just like it once I have a truck/trailer. It's a fun little car when it's sideways! Stripping it should help indeed.

 

[Lakelife36]

Can the Bronco be fitted with a beefier towing package? Or is the Bronco simply incapable of safely pulling more than 3,500 pounds, regardless of the towing package?

At this time the first answer is no, but that doesn't mean thar someone won't make a higher-rated reciever. The second answer isn't really known, and may depend on your definition of "safely".

 

[Tricky Dick]

Yeah I got rid of that Focus, but was planning to get another just like it once I have a truck/trailer. It's a fun little car when it's sideways! Stripping it should help indeed.

I love MK1s. I just sold a MK2 which is arguably a better car, but it didn't have the same charm. Fun little cars to race around.

 

[North7]

Regardless of manufacturer ratings or receiver ratings, hauling an overrated load up and down the Grapevine will not end well, you need a pickup.

 

[projectrally]

What is the limiting factor in the tow rating? The Bronco shares a lot with the Ranger, right? And the ranger, with a 2.3L can tow 7500lbs. Is it the lack of extra cooling for the engine or transmission?

 

[CrownCityMisfit]

Regardless of manufacturer ratings or receiver ratings, hauling an overrated load up and down the Grapevine will not end well, you need a pickup.

Yeah that is what the voice in the back of my head is saying....

 

[North7]

What is the limiting factor in the tow rating? The Bronco shares a lot with the Ranger, right? And the ranger, with a 2.3L can tow 7500lbs. Is it the lack of extra cooling for the engine or transmission?

Lower spring rates optimized for off-road, not max hauling. Also, the Ranger is leaf springs and the Bronco is coilovers.

 

[North7]

Yeah that is what the voice in the back of my head is saying....

Had a trailer, detached from the towing vehicle, pass me on the 15 one day, that was fun, everyone slammed on the brakes and watched it sail by.

 

[Toccoa]

Sure, it can haul a car.

 

[CrownCityMisfit]

Sure, it can haul a car.

Don't think I haven't considered a Suzuki X90 over a Focus.

 

[Blksn955.o]

is a car dolly workable for your situation? outside of that might need to go at least ranger but f150 would be better.

 

[CrownCityMisfit]

is a car dolly workable for your situation? outside of that might need to go at least ranger but f150 would be better.

Totally possible as long as the rear wheels of the car in-tow will roll. That is certainly an option. A great option.

Sponsored