Towing 6x12 Cargo Trailer

Hello Everyone,

I have a 06 Tacoma SR5 with a V6 and the tow package. I will be buying a 6' x 12' tandem axle box trailer soon and hauling my Harley Tri-Glide (about 1200 lbs) to Arizona this winter. Yes, I will be a snowbird. The trailer does have brakes and I already have the setup to connect the brakes to my Tacoma. Any thoughts on this? Has anyone pulled a similar load with their Tacoma?

 

I pulled a 6x12 uhaul box trailer from Houston to Chicago loaded to the max. You'll be fine, just obviously be careful with the snow. Gas mileage will blow however

 

I moved our entire household stuff 450 miles (multiple trips) using this exact setup with my 05 OR V6. No problem at all. Kept it around 60 MPH, mileage was about 13. Just make sure the trailer brakes work and are adjusted. Keep some weight on the trailer tongue, but most weight over trailer axles. If you are not used to towing, watch when maneuvering in tight spots like gas stations. That trailer rear end can easily bash into things.

 

You didn't say where you would depart as to a mountainous route could come into play. Be sure you have sufficient and overrated tie downs in the trailer for the HD as it could slide on curves, slow down then. Be more concerned about securing the HD than capacity to tow.

 

Have a 5X10 single axle open utility trailer, primarily to tow 4-wheeler - do you really need a 2-axle trailer that big?

 

I pull a 7x16 foot enclosed trailer with my DCLB. It tows great. The brakes actually crapped out on the trailer and stopping got a little sketchy during a trip awhile back, but the truck handled it fine.

 

In addition to all the good info above, make sure you get one with a ramp door and a side man door. Also, having a spare tire for the trailer is good insurance that you won't get a flat.

 

I ended up buying a 6x12 enclosed single axle all aluminum trailer. Trailer weighs under 1000 lbs with a 3500 lbs capacity.
Single axle is generally easier to tow and if you are not moving heavy loads (3000 lbs+)... plus you need to be careful turning corners with the tandem axle as it chews up tires if you are not careful.
Mine does not have brakes- but I may eventually put surge brakes on it.

 

It's not as much about the weight as it is about wind resistance. I pulled a 6x12 about 1,000 miles with 3 dirt bikes. Trailer was extra tall. Got 9 mpg on one tank in the wind... Truck will be fine, just be patient and try to keep speed below 70 if you can. Don't use overdrive.

 

I had a 6x12' v-nose trailer single axle for about 18 motnhs with some long trips of towing.
Check out this link for for some of my and others information. I have a tracking of towing at 50-65mph fuel economy on the last posting.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/enclosed-trailer-buy.376994/

 

I towed a 6x12 box trailer that was honestly way overloaded with heavy tooling coming in around 3k lbs from Missouri to Arizona. It was a pain in the ass going up the mountains (really needed a v8) , but once past that in the flat it was surprisingly good. Gas mileage takes a huge hit and you have to give your self much more time to brake and accelerate. But it will do it.

Stay out of overdrive if you have an auto.

 

To Arizona from where? Distance matters.

You might like having a scanguageII installed with the X codes for your trans temps. I'm sure your tow package has an auxillary cooler already, but you may (or may not) find that you'd treat your truck well to upgrade it.

 

Traveling from Kansas City to Phoenix via I 44 & I 17 right after Christmas. Coming back in April. Need the extra space for some other stuff (not heavy, just bulky) besides the Harley. Good suggestions from everyone. Thanks.

 

If the ramp door has cables for the wind up spring, get some hi viz pool noodles. Split them and slip them over the cables when the ramp is down. This will help prevent people from walking into the cables, and if they do walk into the cable, at least it won't gash their nose open. You'll probably need 3 noodles. Put 1 1/2 noodles on each cable.

 

This is my summer travel load, ~5,000 lbs once you add the dirt bikes and beer.



Mileage is about 10 without a headwind. It pulls fine now that I have a supercharger - it was pretty miserable without it.

 

I’m about to move also from Albuquerque to Phoenix, planning to haul 1,500 lbs. U-Haul only has surge brakes on 6x12?

2010 DCSB

 

Surge brakes are great. Would have them on every trailer of mine if it was practical. My $.02

 

Hauling 2,700 lbs ABQ to Phoenix today!

 

I've pulled both a 4x8 and 6x12 uhaul trailer with my old 14 Tacoma. The 6x12 pulled so much better when it was loaded down. Yeah I could feel it in the loss of power but it wasn't bouncing all over the place on the highway like it did when it was empty. The Tacoma is a light truck so that trailer just wants to bounce all around it.

 

I’m seriously considering getting the 6x12 for my move from Arizona to Michigan ~1,900 miles. A little nervous though as I have never towed with my truck.