Towing a Uhaul 6x12 enclosed trailer

Moving back to Texas (from PA) in a couple weeks and will be towing a 6x12 Uhaul with Garage items.. tools, mower, shelves, etc. Don't have an estimate on weight.. Anything I need to know about towing with a TRDSport? Its brand new (800miles) and I don't want to damage the tranny or cause future issues because I didn't ask the experts a question. I've Googled and watched a few videos but minimal consistency in the messages.. What do I need to know before I tow this trailer 1400 miles? Thanks for the help.

 

S4, ETC on, keep it at an easy 65 mph. At every fuel stop, feel each of the trailer hubs with the back of your hand. If one is too hot to touch, dont get back on the road with it.

And personal recommendation for sanity sake, avoid the interstate. Take the back roads and enjoy the scenery, since you won't be hauling butt anyway.

 

I'm no tow expert, but not having the weight or an estimate makes the entire question pointless
Second, I wouldn't come to TW looking for experts. We're armchair lawyers, mechanics, doctors and insurance adjusters, but definitely not experts at anything here.

 

Normally I would agree, but its tough to overload weight capacity with a 6x12's worth of household items. Not unless youre bringing the rock collection along.

 

You're underestimating TW members

 

Towed a 6x10 back from our duck club loaded to the ceiling with everything from our camp. Some big grades to climb and it did fine. Take your time and you will be ok.

 

You are likely correct in that, sir.

 

re: Weight estimate - would your specific recommendations differ if I said 3000lbs vs 4000lbs?

 

Excellent.. Thanks..
We had some sod work to do at our house and I rented the 6x12 open trailer and loaded it with Sod. The dual axels were straining and I pulled it with my 2004 Tundra.. it was never the same after this so I'd like to avoid guffing up my new tranny.. Thanks for the reply..

 

Yeah, just like others have said you should be fine. ECT, S4, stay out of left lane, etc. Just be mindful when loading the trailer so that the weight is evenly distributed side to side and also make sure there is enough tongue weight. Uhaul box trailers have surge brakes so you don't need to worry about a brake controller either. If you have a way to monitor trans temps when driving that would be helpful, but I wouldn't consider it mandatory provided you are within the weight limitations and are keeping the speed at a reasonable level. Good luck!

 

Sod is considerably heavier than what you will probably be putting in a uhaul. Other option is to rent a larger uhaul truck and put the taco on a vehicle trailer behind you.

 

Yeah...sod and landscaping materials are a different animal. You would be surprised how dense it is, how much water sod really holds, and how quickly a pallet or even quarter-pallet can overwhelm a truck.

If youre loading furniture, garden machines, and a small to medium tool chest, you should be fine.

 

Yes.. Considered this.. still may be an option. Thanks for the reminder.

 

towed the same u haul trailer about 600 miles, had 4 motorcycles in the trailer ( disassembled) with no problems at all. Interstate at 60, NO overdrive. 13 MPG.

 

I'm going to shift some of the weight from the UHaul to my POD.. will ease my mind.. and Yes.. I'm planning on taking it easy.. it will take every fiber of my being not to drive 75+... I think I can, I think I can... Thanks Oldewing

 

You get used to it quickly. The interstate is a completely different animal at 65 vs 75. Cars aren't in your way anymore. You aren't annoyed by the 18 wheeler elephant race that's blocking the left lane. That clueless asshole that keeps trying to pass you, only to immediately slow down again, isn't there anymore.

It's almost pleasant.

Only thing missing is good scenery. For some reason the interstates seem to avoid all of the nice looking parts of the country. That's why I recommended to mix it up with some 2 lane blacktops once in a while.

 

900 miles in.. one more day tomorrow. I'm very impressed with the truck. I haven't used ECT and it's tends to stay in 1 gear until I want more power. Its surprisingly quiet in the cab while towing. The trailer is loaded but the truck pulls it fine. I have no idea what tongue weight I have or total weight I'm pulling. Not enough HP for the hills in PA, WV and MO. Everywhere else, it's been great.