Custom/aftermarket rear bumpers and trailer rental?

[Stick Figure]

I have wanted to do a rear bumper for my 4Runner for a while now, but i knew that i had a few more heavy trailer loads for longer hauls. That should finally be over now, and i will feel more comfortable with my own "experimental" rear bumper ideas. The problem is i know i'm not done using the 4runner for towing, but i'm also not ready to buy and store my own trailer, so has anyone that has a non stock bumper with trailer receiver tried to go the local Uhaul and rent a trailer? Do they question it? and what trailers have you rented?

 

[choogee3]

I have seen some pretty ****ty little cars towing uhaul trailers before. I doubt they would question the towing capacity of an aftermarket bumper.

 

[Pikeman]

Stick, it ddepends on the individual U-haul location. I have rented a a couple flat bed car haulers from uhaul. One didnt want to let me rent because the mechanic couldnt see the weight rating stamped into my bumper. Then his partner came out and said that if a standard receiver hitch fit and was secure to hook it up. The 2nd and 3rd time was not even questioned, they just tested the lights worked. The only thing they questioned was what size vehicle I was putting on the trailer.

 

[Stick Figure]

Yeah my standard answer for the vehicle is 88 MR2 when i need a car trailer. they tend to think much else is over the abilities of the hitch and truck.

I just wanted to make sure i wasn't going to run into issues with them saying it wouldn't meet there requirements or something. Sounds like i should be good now that i can build it and do some in town testing rather than risk a potential problems 1000's of miles from home.

 

[Duhockey]

Yeah my standard answer for the vehicle is 88 MR2 when i need a car trailer. they tend to think much else is over the abilities of the hitch and truck.

I just wanted to make sure i wasn't going to run into issues with them saying it wouldn't meet there requirements or something. Sounds like i should be good now that i can build it and do some in town testing rather than risk a potential problems 1000's of miles from home.

how about a Yugo? tell them YuGo around the block and thats it! LOL

 

[Stick Figure]

I used to see a Yugo parked at a gas station down the street with custom plates "yugogrl" i always wanted to meet her.

I don't think anyone would believe there were any Yugo's left to tow though.

 

[Jon]

Yeah my standard answer for the vehicle is 88 MR2 when i need a car trailer. they tend to think much else is over the abilities of the hitch and truck.

I prefer the 87 CRX, but about the same. :naughty: I've never had my local (shady) U-haul even come out and check my hook up. Just a "Sign here, have a nice day" and I'm off. So depends on where u go