Ultra light

[debwilson4]

I'm hoping to pull a trailer behind a 2009 Mercury Sable which I think can haul 1,000 lbs. Is there any list of possible models?

[Jon in AZ]

I'm sorry to have to bear bad tidings, Deb, but there is nothing in molded fiberglass, at least in terms of full-height travel trailers. There are some molded teardrops that come in under that weight.

I know some sellers make claims of "under 1000 pounds," but they are citing questionable dry weights from forty years ago and have never actually weighed their trailers. The lightest loaded-to-camp 13'ers start around 1300 pounds.

See the thread Trailer Weights in the Real World for more information. Post #297 links to a spreadsheet of the data. The lone sub-1000 pound Burro in the list is likely an empty shell (note the other identical Burro weighed in at 1300 pounds).

[KenjiFox]

Originally Posted by debwilson4

I'm hoping to pull a trailer behind a 2009 Mercury Sable which I think can haul 1,000 lbs. Is there any list of possible models?

The only fiberglass trailer out there that is small enough, or at least reasonably close to small enough is likely to be the Little Joe trailers.

Little Joe Lightweight Trailer - Compact Camper Trailer for 2 by Weiscraft Trailers

Depending on what features you get you may or may not be within range.
My vehicle is also rated for 1,000 lbs. and I tow well over twice that. HOWEVER, it's a truck with a real frame, way overbuilt everything internally, manual five speed, and I know every single part and said parts limits inside of my vehicle by heart. No, it has never broken down. I am also an extremely competent driver. As in, win Rally races competent. All that aside, there are very few small vehicles I would trust to such a task. It's a very calculated risk or assessment of possible risk. I don't suggest EVER exceeding the weight limit of your vehicle. If you are in the market for a trailer, I would suggest finding a good used vehicle that is more capable to tow it. After-all, these trailers cost a lot more than a used vehicle that could easily tow them. Just add the costs together and treat it as one.

I don't know anything about your vehicle. But I assume it's a typical unibody car with an automatic trans. I see so many of those (Not your vehicle specifically) break down under their own weight that I would be extremely careful if I were to ever need to tow something with one.

///Edit;
I looked up your vehicle.
It appears to have the weight and horsepower to easily tow the Little Joe. However, as I said, I don't know anything else about it that the manufacturer DOES know. Geometry of the vehicle, frame stiffness and at what points, transmission cooling and power displacement capability, suspension weight limits and the effects on the vehicles handling etc. The list goes on for miles.

Curb weight: 3,643 to 3,814 lbs
Engine: 3.5 L V6
Horsepower: 263 hp

Going by absolutely nothing other than those numbers, it shouldn't be unreasonable to pull something like the little Joe. IMO, YMMV etc.
The only reason I can consider flexing from the manufacturers ratings on vehicles based on individual situation is that I know how and why they are written. It's based on a lot of factors from vehicle wear and complaints, to the typical driving behaviors and expectancy of Americans on the road.
The same exact vehicle is often rated at 2-3 times as much in Europe.
Physics don't change on the other side of the planet, but average driver skill and expected speeds, roadway conditions, maintenance behaviors, awareness of caravans etc do. In many countries pulling trailers is part of drivers training. Here it's just "Do whatever you want and we will scrape what's left of you off the road using your tax money. Have fun!".

Anyway, I hope that I pointed you towards something you may be interested in!

[Pam Garlow]

Originally Posted by debwilson4

I'm hoping to pull a trailer behind a 2009 Mercury Sable which I think can haul 1,000 lbs. Is there any list of possible models?

I looked up online and this is what is listed for a 2009 Mercury Sable:
Maximum Towing Capaticy** 1000 lbs.
** When adequately equipped, which may require engine and/or other drivetrain upgrades.

So you will need to carefully shop in order to get a trailer within your tow capacity. And you have to consider the weight of all your gear, as well as passengers and any cargo in the car.