2011 Mustang and Teardrop?

[rappar]

Here goes...
'Little Guy International' manufactures a number of teardrop trailers. They have at least two models which interest me and are under 1000 pounds and 100 pounds hitch weight. They also have about 2/3 dealers in Ontario where I live. The Mustang is rated for 1000/100 according to the Ford information I have.

I can purchase from UHaul a class one hitch rated at 2000/200. They have a unit specifically for the 5.0L GT convertible, the Mustang I own. It has a UHaul brand on it, I do not know if they have these made for them or sell one from someone else. I can buy other hitches here in Canada that work but at least the local UHaul could install this and the necessary wiring. I do not have the tools or equipment to do this myself.

On one level this seems to work. However, I wonder about the frame of the Mustang and other things that might mean this is NOT a wise thing to do.

My plan is to drive out to Bryce and Zion. I know I can use the motels but have to admit I would love to be back in a trailer and stopping at places like Flying J and the like out and then camping somewhere out there for the month I would be gone.

Here's the question I would put...

Can this be done? Is the Mustang up to this from a frame and structure point of view?

Thanks,
Ron

[Kharn]

A 2011 mustang doesn't have a frame, it has a unit body.
I would definitely want brakes on the trailer, but that would increase your installation cost due to the wiring required.

[Corwin C]

The Mustang is definitely up to it. Most professionally designed/built hitches are "bolt on" and it is possible to install them with a minimum of tools/skills. HOWEVER, if you don't trust yourself with this definitely get some assistance. If you take it to someone else to have the wiring done, make sure they either use a weather tight plug in connector or use shrink tubing on all of the connections (one of the signs of quality work). In my opinion, "scotch locks" and electrical tape are a no-no (other people's experiences may differ). The fasteners that hold the hitch to the body should have lock washers and/or locking nuts (there are several different types) and/or a threadlocker (Loctite) on each one. Any of the above is probably adequate, more than one is better, all three is best (belt & suspenders theory). Insist that all fasteners be torqued down with a torque wrench (the best installers will do so without you asking.) There's nothing wrong with an air wrench to zip things together quickly, but the last 1/2 turn or so should be done with a torque wrench. Your Little Guy dealer will be very helpful in this regard as well. If they can't do the work for you, they will know who can.

Be aware, if you're planning on visiting southern Utah, you will see significant grades on the highways/freeways. I'm not as familiar with Zion, but there are a minimum of 8% grades to visit Bryce (unless you come in from the county road to the North) and if you decide to take in the SR12 Byway (very highly recommended and worth your time) you will see some short 12% grades. Would you be OK without brakes? Probably so, but, I highly recommend them (I have them on all of my trailers.) I feel that the ability to go is somewhat optional, but the ability to stop may not be. With the Mustang, you will have no difficulty being able to go.

Camping is EASY in Utah. If you want/need full hookups, they're available almost everywhere and prices are generally quite reasonable. I wouldn't stay at Flying J or Walmart, just because there are so many better options out there. If you're willing to rough it a little, the options are literally endless. This website is where I initially send people, but local information on good places is often better.

Speak up when you come this way (post, PM, whatever) and I'll gladly share what I know. This offer includes everyone out there. If you're into boon docking, (that's how I generally go camping) I know of some incredible places to stay. Whatever you choose, enjoy your visit. After visiting once, I'm sure you'll want to come back.

BTW: I'm jealous of you being able to visit in a convertible ... There's absolutely no better way to see the beauty that you will be driving through.

[bobhenry]

95% of all "U Haul " hitches are built for them by drawtite. The wiring should be a plug and chug unit that simply plugs in. As an ex manager of a uhaul company store we put on one hell of a lot of hitches.

http://www.draw-tite.com/content/fitguides.aspx

It actually mounts thru the sub frame and not just the sheet metal.

RESULTS FOR: 2011 Ford, Mustang, All V8 Models, Including GT/CS "California Special", Shelby GT & GT500
Sportframe Hitch
Part Number: 24863

Description: Sportframe Hitch
Class Rating: CLASS I
Weight Carrying: 200/2,000 lbs. (WC)
Box Size: 1¼" x 1¼"
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Footnotes:
Ø Uses all existing holes No Drilling required.
GP Hitch crosstube concealed behind bumper.
HB Slight fascia deformation may occur on some models.
JR Exhaust must be temporarily lowered for installation.

[CarlLaFong]

If Ford says 1000/100, you can bet that it is at least twice that. Lawyers and FoMoCo covering their butts

[07rascal]

A 5.0 Coyote will rip the tounge right off a LG! So you will have zero problems towing it. The Stang is a heavy car and if your TD weight is 1k or less loaded as you indicated, stopping will not be a problem either. We tow with a 2006 Ford Focus 2.0L Auto that weighs in at around 2600lbs and we have had zero problems towing or stopping our LG Rascal which loaded does not weight more than 600lbs. We also have an 05 Red Stang Vert that I have swore I was going to put a hitch on, as I think it would be a cool look to go camping with the Vert and TD hooked to it!!

I don't think the Stang's will hold alot of tounge weight as the rear suspension does not have alot of travel. So I would be a tad cautious on how much gear is loaded in trunk along with the trailer hooked to it.

As far as stopping goes with your 5.0L GT. They put HUGE brakes on that car to accommodate the 412 HP.....so I don't see a problem with needing electric brakes on the TD if you talking about staying in the weight ranges you mentioned.

Here is a pic of our rig.......Set your 5.0 up and tow away......you would sure draw some attention to yourselves! Oh, and get some pics of the rig up when you get it done, as I would love to see the set up!

[Dale M.]

Would consider a class three hitch.... To me the class 1 always seemed on the wimpy side... But it seems a class one is all that is available....

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2011_Ford_Mustang.htm

Dale

[wired]

Would consider a class three hitch.... To me the class 1 always seemed on the wimpy side... But it seems a class one is all that is available....

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2011_Ford_Mustang.htm

Dale

Got my hitch and wiring kit for the wife's '06 Honda Accord thru etrailer. Great folks to do business with and they have online video tutorials. I emailed a question about wiring to their customer service and got a response within a day. Highly recommended!

[Gage]

If a Corvette can do it with no problems, why not a Mustang. Marianne did have a custom hitch made just for that car at a hitch shop. Not U-Haul.



P.S. I had plans on getting a Mustang and was going to have a hitch installed so as to be able to tow my teardrop. And mine weights 1400 lbs. Got an Edge instead because of my vintage travel trailers.

[Mike-n-Britney]

I'd consider installing the hitch and wiring yourself, as they are both easier than you might expect - there's nothing special about it - and if you needed any help there's a bunch of us here who can help you out!

The Mustang should handle a LG just fine! I tow our Little Guy Silver Shadow (about 1300#s loaded) with a '06 GTO (which is lighter than a new 'vert 'Stang) and handle it just fine with no trailer brakes. We've towed all over Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado with no problems! I can't say I've tackled 12% (can't recollect anyways), but have tackled some pretty steep passes.

One thing nice about the Mustang, is if the rear sags a little, you can get some air shocks to help out a bit. Or you can get higher rate springs as well. There is such a big aftermarket for the Mustang!

I think the Mustang is a great choice to tow a TD with!

[2bits]

Would consider a class three hitch.... To me the class 1 always seemed on the wimpy side... But it seems a class one is all that is available....

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2011_Ford_Mustang.htm

Dale

Class 3 to tow a little guy? I believe that would be serious overkill being rated at 5k... Get the hitch that matches your need. The class one is probably the only one available, because you would never tow 5000 lbs with a Mustang.

[Dale M.]

Would consider a class three hitch.... To me the class 1 always seemed on the wimpy side... But it seems a class one is all that is available....

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2011_Ford_Mustang.htm

Dale

Class 3 to tow a little guy? I believe that would be serious overkill being rated at 5k... Get the hitch that matches your need. The class one is probably the only one available, because you would never tow 5000 lbs with a Mustang.

Just so you understand my point of yiew... I don't tow any "tiny trailers" with "cutsy" cars.... I have big pickup trucks with trailer towing packages on them and use class 4 or 5 hitches, haul a 1500 lb (empty weight) car carrier/recovery trailer with load capacity of 5500lbs ... Into back country on dirt roads and trails to recover jeeps and cars and trailers for people who should have never taken their cars off the freeway....

I am sorry I have mistaken working rigs for play rigs, but then that is where I get payed. Recovering play rigs ( with tiny hitches) for people who don't use common sense when taking their rigs off the pavement and not having common sense to ignore the GPS when the road becomes ominous in its appearance an condition.... We loose people in back country here on average of once a week because if lack of common sense and blindly following a GPS.... Ever heard of "Death by GPS" ... Google it....

Dale

[Mike-n-Britney]

Just so you understand my point of yiew... I don't tow any "tiny trailers" with "cutsy" cars....

Then I don't understand why you are on this forum.

Anyways, back on topic....

[pete42]

First: Ron, Bob Henry has answered your question about hitch for the mustang.

second: I had u-haul install a hitch on my Taurus it takes a small ballmount
which is all that they install so as to not to over load my Taurus
since I only need it to haul my mobility scooter it works great.

third: Over the past 30 plus years I have had u-haul install many hitches on many different vehicles
all worked great so have no fear using them save yourself some hassle and let them do it.

Dale M. I do agree with you for wanting to get the right hitch for the job
but since Ron ask about his Mustang and u-haul hitches the one they offer is more than up to the task he wants it to do.

let's all play nice life is to short to do otherwise

ol' Pete

[Dale M.]

Just so you understand my point of yiew... I don't tow any "tiny trailers" with "cutsy" cars....

Then I don't understand why you are on this forum.

Anyways, back on topic....

Just for the record, because eventually I will finish my teardrop and it has a real hitch on it and smallest receiver on my fleet is a Class III (2") on my Jeep (not the Passport in graphic though it has a class 3 hitch on it but is no longer in my fleet) ...



Dale