2007 4runner 4wd towing question

[naivivvuli]

Good afternoon fellow t4r's,

I'm going to be helping my friend tow a motorcycle (approximate weight of 600lbs) back from PA to NY next week and I want to make sure I have all safety measures covered. Please kindly review my list of items purchased and advise if anything else is needed:

Car: 2007 Toyota 4runner Sport 4wd v6. Car has the tow hitch system in the back along with the 7-pin harness plug right next to the hitch.

We will be renting/purchasing the following:

Trailer: U-Haul: 5x9 Utility Trailer Rental w/Ramp

Tow ball: http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-21536-Towing-Starter/dp/B0016C3STQ

Wiring Harness (connects 7-pin harness plug to trailer): U-Haul: Moving supplies: Trailer Adapter (Nite-Glow)


Is there anything else missing that will need to be purchased? Will the brake lights light up on the trailer once I press on the brakes with this wiring harness?



Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[racer107]

This is a better idea for the adaptor- Seven-Way RV Blade to Four-Wire Flat Adapter with Flex Cord

 

[racer107]

you'll need at least 2 of these (4 would be better) Ratchet Tie Down - 2" x 20 Ft.

 

[naivivvuli]

Thank you. Will a "brake controller" be necessary? Thanks.

 

[m85476585]

This is a better idea for the adaptor- Seven-Way RV Blade to Four-Wire Flat Adapter with Flex Cord

The trailer has its own cable, so I don't see why that would be necessary. Seems like you'll just end up dragging the connector on the ground.

you'll need at least 2 of these (4 would be better) Ratchet Tie Down - 2" x 20 Ft.

I would consider getting stronger ratchet straps. HF isn't exactly known for quality, and between a 600lb motorcycle and the tension in the straps you could exceed the 833lb working load on bumps. The strap might withstand 2,500 lbs, but knowing HF the hook or ratchet mechanism will fail before that.

Thank you. Will a "brake controller" be necessary? Thanks.

No, uhaul trailers use hydraulic surge brakes, and it's all integrated into the trailer. When you pick up the trailer ask them how to tell if it's working, or if there's a way to test the brakes. It's not a heavy load, but brakes are important!

Also, a brake controller is useless for any trailer that uses a 4-pin wire connector. Signals in the 7 pin connector are necessary to control electronic brakes.

 

[naivivvuli]

Great! Thank you all for the helpful information.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Pretty sure uhaul has a motorcycle specific trailer instead of a utility trailer.

Not all their trailers have brakes. The smaller trailers or lower load capacity trailers do not. The 5x9 utility does not. But you will be able to stop the load without the brakes.

 

[m85476585]

If the trailer weight is over 3,000 lbs brakes are required in many states, plus they are a really good idea. Under 3,000 lbs you will still be able to stop. Brakes make things easier if they are available, but I don't think I would choose a big trailer over a small one just to have brakes.

If traction is marginal and you need to make a quick stop they can help keep the trailer from jackknifing and showing up next to you. Almost every time it rains I see a jackknifed rig on the side of the highway. VSC and ABS help mitigate the problem, but trailer brakes still help in a variety of situations.

I think the uhaul utility trailer is designed to hold a motorcycle. If I remember right it has a thing at the front that holds the wheel.

 

[racer107]

The trailer has its own cable, so I don't see why that would be necessary. Seems like you'll just end up dragging the connector on the ground.
.

Well, on my trailer the wires were too short. Since he's buying an adaptor anyway why not the one with the coiled cord ? You can always zip tie any extra slack.