Originally Posted by BLACKSRT-6
Yes we are limited in loading the crossfire to 450lbs. The tounge weight of my unloaded trailer is 11lbs and loaded will be less the 30lbs. My tires and tools are 250lbs and the trailer goes 180lbs empty. Total thats 430lbs but the weight is supported by the trailer tires and suspension, not the car. Towing the weight is much easier on the car then hulling 430lbs in the trunk. I have no concerns with this set-up for this use.
Your trailer design would likely look better then mine being totally hidden when not in use. Though theres not much meat to bolt to in the area you are talking about and it would cause your mount to be quite high. Good luck with you project.
It's good that you have all your weights sussed out, but don't be surprised if it handles poorly on the hiway. There are several reasons:
The tongue weight should be a minimum of 10% of the trailer weight.
If the ball is too high and the trailer does not sit level, this throws the center of gravity rearward and possible behind the axle, especially when going over humps in the road or bumpy conditions that cause unstability.
The crossfire has a very short wheelbase and will not resist trailer sway resulting from imbalances or maneuvers. I lived with this problem while towing a 17' enclosed trailer with a compact pickup. A trip down the highway would literally wear me out with stress. Had to trade up to a full sized truck.
The trailer appears to be very short from the ball to the C/G and will sway at a faster rate than a long trailer. Imagine a dog with a cropped tail... it wags furiously while the golden retriever wags lazily.
If all this isn't enough, remember that without trailer brakes the trailer will be pushing hard during a sudden stop. This increases the chance of swapping ends if the road is rough or traction is degraded for other reasons.
Please take care, give it some road tests, and front load it with some heavy items if you can.