[IsaiahCrem]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum but have had my 2014 OW FoST for a few months now, within that time I decided I wanted to be able to tow my motorcycle around with me when I go on longs trips and need the cargo room that my motorcycle does not allow. So here's my setup, Curt (ST Version) hitch which hides away, curt plug and play trailer wiring harness (Focus Specific), Harbor freight 1725 Lb. capacity 4' x 8' trailer, 3/4 inch treated plywood flooring, and a custom wheel chock to keep my front wheel from moving around. For anyone who was contemplating doing the hitch and this trailer I can answer any questions!

 

[Duchess]

I'm looking to build a boat I designed and this would be the tow vehicle. Looking like it should come in around 900 lbs. with the trailer. How well does it drive while towing?

 

[jetmech]

I'm looking to build a boat I designed and this would be the tow vehicle. Looking like it should come in around 900 lbs. with the trailer. How well does it drive while towing?

X2. How does it drive? I'm using the same setup but haven't towed anything yet. My max trailer load will prob be 1000lbs.

 

[RoachRage]

I got a curt receiver and had it cut and re-welded before they actually offered one for the ST, and it works similar to this factory Curt setup. It pulls extremely well and acts like it was made for towing. I have a 5X8 trailer on which I added a 3/4" plywood floor and 1/2" sides and in which I have hauled gravel, dirt, mulch, appliances, and Christmas trees. I also have a cargo rack I have used to haul a bicycle and smaller items for which I don't want to haul a trailer. Face it, our car has the power and the brakes to handle it. I'll have to admit I have hauled too much weight at times. The max load on the trailer is 2000 lbs and I have had the tires rubbing on the fenders, so I have probably pulled that much.

 

[Straightline]

I got a curt receiver and had it cut and re-welded before they actually offered one for the ST, and it works similar to this factory Curt setup. It pulls extremely well and acts like it was made for towing. I have a 5X8 trailer on which I added a 3/4" plywood floor and 1/2" sides and in which I have hauled gravel, dirt, mulch, appliances, and Christmas trees. I also have a cargo rack I have used to haul a bicycle and smaller items for which I don't want to haul a trailer. Face it, our car has the power and the brakes to handle it. I'll have to admit I have hauled too much weight at times. The max load on the trailer is 2000 lbs and I have had the tires rubbing on the fenders, so I have probably pulled that much.

I envy your ability to just simply do things. Yea you know its not perfect, but that does not stop you. Meanwhile I spend my life worrying about the stupidest things.

I also plan to haul a trailer/motorcycle like OP, & possibly ultra light 12 ft camper (not at same time haha). Have not done it yet.

Also I did not know the Curt hitch was hidden! Is that new?

 

[RoachRage]

I envy your ability to just simply do things. Yea you know its not perfect, but that does not stop you. Meanwhile I spend my life worrying about the stupidest things.
I also plan to haul a trailer/motorcycle like OP, & possibly ultra light 12 ft camper (not at same time haha). Have not done it yet.
Also I did not know the Curt hitch was hidden! Is that new?

Fairly recently. What, maybe a couple years? Pretty much right after I had mine modified. Ha! It's in the forums here somewhere. Someone drew out how to cut the stock Focus hitch and have it re-welded to fit the ST. Mine is a little higher than the hitch that is now made for our car, so I have to pull up on the bumper to get the hitch in.
As for doing things myself, I have been working on cars myself since I was 14. My dad was out of town and my mom bumped another car's trailer hitch with her Mercedes 190D (Definitely not a pricey car). It puckered the big grill like it sucked a lemon. She was all upset and worried what dad would say. I pulled the grill and hammered it back out and put it back. You couldn't tell anything had happened when I was all done. That's when I realized I could make most repairs myself and save a bit of money. I also got a wild hair when I was 29 and built my own house, which we still live in.

 

[IsaiahCrem]

X2. How does it drive? I'm using the same setup but haven't towed anything yet. My max trailer load will prob be 1000lbs.

The trailer pulls no problem with the weight balanced more towards the front of the trailer. Is your boat going to have an outboard motor hanging off of the back of it? If so, I would be weary of it possibly causing some speed wobble during highway use. Where I mounted my wheel chock keeps a majority of the weight in front of the trailer axle which makes it tow very smoothly. Its really easy to forget that the trailer is behind you, The only times I notice it doing anything is when there are significant bumps in the road and I can feel it making my suspension squat more than normal in the rear. Acceleration and Braking are not a problem with my bike loaded up and pulling this trailer either on the highway or 55 mph country roads. For a little extra safety I do make my following distance a little longer and tend to slow down for lights/stop signs a little earlier in order to save my brakes from wearing out quick.

 

[RoachRage]

The trailer pulls no problem with the weight balanced more towards the front of the trailer. Is your boat going to have an outboard motor hanging off of the back of it? If so, I would be weary of it possibly causing some speed wobble during highway use. Where I mounted my wheel chock keeps a majority of the weight in front of the trailer axle which makes it tow very smoothly. Its really easy to forget that the trailer is behind you, The only times I notice it doing anything is when there are significant bumps in the road and I can feel it making my suspension squat more than normal in the rear. Acceleration and Braking are not a problem with my bike loaded up and pulling this trailer either on the highway or 55 mph country roads. For a little extra safety I do make my following distance a little longer and tend to slow down for lights/stop signs a little earlier in order to save my brakes from wearing out quick.

Agreed to all. One needs to know that using ANY car to tow means having 60% of the trailer weight in front of the trailer wheels. If one follows general towing rules it works as well as other tow vehicles.

 

[STpow156]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum but have had my 2014 OW FoST for a few months now, within that time I decided I wanted to be able to tow my motorcycle around with me when I go on longs trips and need the cargo room that my motorcycle does not allow. So here's my setup, Curt (ST Version) hitch which hides away, curt plug and play trailer wiring harness (Focus Specific), Harbor freight 1725 Lb. capacity 4' x 8' trailer, 3/4 inch treated plywood flooring, and a custom wheel chock to keep my front wheel from moving around. For anyone who was contemplating doing the hitch and this trailer I can answer any questions!

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How did you run power to get brake lights..?

 

[ddfred]

How did you run power to get brake lights..?

That member has not been active for three years...