Am I overthinking towing?

[bofa]

If it's just a 5x10 U-Haul trailer, you don't really need to worry about most of this. You'll want to position the majority of the weight (60/40ish) towards the front - that'll help the most with sway. Also, if it is a U-Haul, the 5x10 should have a hydraulic brake built in. It's that weird spring contraption on the tongue/hitch.

If you end up driving through mountain passes, just be prepared to feel like your sucking wind going up and getting pushed as you're going down. I was a flatlander up until a couple years ago, when I made the 3k mile trek from Baton Rouge to Seattle. If you haven't done it before, pulling trailer in the mountains your first time is definitely something you'll remember.

Was going to use uhaul but the quote was $936 for a 6x12 for 5 days. :nono: I figure I'll buy one, use it for a few different trips and sell it down the road. Or maybe even convert it to a sleeper.

Most of the drive will be pretty flat, thankfully. Might hit a few hills here and there but no mountains for sure.

 

[bofa]

Thanks for the additional replies guys. I think I'm going to plan on getting an adjustable ball mount and will look into adding brakes and leave it at that. I found a Flying J with a Cat Scale on the way out, so I'll stop there to make sure things are properly balanced.

 

[Jetboy]

Uhaul trailers are VERY heavy empty in my few experiences using them. Depending on where you are - you could probably find a trailer sales company that rents them for a lot less. The going rate around me is $50/day.

 

[MasonCO]

For hub temps, do you just check by hand?

You'd be better off getting a HF digital infrared thermometer ($20-$30). I know my hand can't tell how hot something is about about 120 degrees.

 

[catrains]

a 5X10 Vee nose trailer ?? 2500lb loaded , not a problem just put 250 lb on the tongue...

2500lb sure would be nice with surge/electric brakes but not necessary..

over 2500lb trailer brakes is best ..
I tow a boat 20ft 4K LBS.. surge brakes tows good aerodynamic so stability
very good .. box tow those do cause problems esp high wind areas..

make damn sure the trailer wheels/bearings are good ..... have spare tire.

 

[TRUSTYAXE]

Thanks for the additional replies guys. I think I'm going to plan on getting an adjustable ball mount and will look into adding brakes and leave it at that. I found a Flying J with a Cat Scale on the way out, so I'll stop there to make sure things are properly balanced.

I have one of these
https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Mounts-...&page=1&rh=n:15737261,p_4:B&W Trailer Hitches
Very well made.

 

[RainyDayRunner]

I'll just add that I have spacers and airbags, and my tail end suspension is beyond stiff. It doesn't drop at all when I tow, but I'm going to take them out due to the harshness of the ride.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[4FL]

I am not lifted, but towed one of those two axle Uhauls from DC to Miami. It was filled up with household goods. Handled great, better than expected, even the get up and go was fine. All flat ground though down 95.