U Haul Trailer on the Beast in Winter

alaskaman

alaskaman

Senior Member
Got a position offer back in Anchorage yesterday. Thinking about pulling a closed 8x12 U Haul Trailer up there.

All highway. Can pretty much bet there will be snow/slush, but I have time to get there so no rush. This would be the 1st time I set up the 4Runner tow hitch still in the cardboard.....any advice / thoughts about towing the U Haul? all appreciated.
 
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U-Haul trailers suck.....:bash:

I towed one with my Silverado from Pennsylvania to Colorado. I believe it was the same size trailer as you stated. In all seriousness, it wasn't that bad. The only thing I didn't like was that the trailer had it's own closed surge braking system. I don't like these because it requires your vehicle to do most of the stopping and the surge system will only help in hard stopping situations.

Also, they're tires are not very aggressive so if your going to be towing in the snow take is slowly and be careful.

I had my trailer filled to gills, you couldn't open the door without stuff falling out. And I towed it with a 2500HD Silverado and could tell it was back there. So be prepared for some squat from the 4Runner and a lot of bounce on the road. Overall the 4Runner should be able to handle it (you have the V8 right :confused: ) but just take is slow and always be aware of what the vehicle and trailer are doing. Plus each time you stop for gas, which will probably be a lot, double check the trailer and your 4Runner.....check the wheels to see if they're hot, check the wiring harness, check the tow hitch, etc.....

Better to be safe than sorry..... :bigok:
 
do yourself a favor and check all lug nuts on all wheels on the trailer. Two friends of mine had wheels fall off of the u-haul trailers they were towing. also, if possible, request a new/ newer one.
 
Since the U-Haul is 8 feet wide you should look into towing mirrors. The standard 4Runner mirrors simply may not do the job.
I have an 8.5'x20' car hauler and the 4Runner mirrors are useless by themselves.

I use the McKesh Mirrors along with the optional convex mirrors when I tow. http://www.hensleymfg.com/mckeshmirrors.html
If you use these mirrors you will probably have to bend the bottom bracket to make it fit over the bottom of the 4Runner door.
I use painters tape on the door sill to prevent paint scratches as well.

Speaking of mirrors, has anyone seen the extendable towing mirrors on the new Tundra??? Too bad it looks like they cannot be used on the 4Runner.
 
they are paying for moving most of my stuff up there so I think I can pull the 5x8 for personal stuff that cannot be replaced. I have the V-6. appreciate the input.
 
the biggest trailer is 6x12 and provided they are maintained properly and in good condition are excellent trailers. having worked there while in college, installed hundreds of hitches and hitched countless vehicles, check the following things:

if possible pick up at a u-haul center, rather than a dealer that does rentals on the side.

newer trailers have led tail and clearance lights all around. it will be easy to tell old from new

have someone safety certify the trailer before you pick it up

check the action of the surge brake, brake fluid level and emergency break away

check the tires for abnormal wear it could indicate a bad axle
 
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