First time towing - lift questions

[heiser]

2004 V6 sport 4wd

I'm going to be towing a trailer for the first time for a move. A one-way uhaul for 1000 miles. 5'x8' or 6'x12', undecided still. I'm guessing 3500lbs GVW at most. I've done most of the typical stuff. Brakes + fluid are good, oil + coolant are good, installed a trans cooler, seafoamed the oil / gas / engine. Tire PSI check.

I've read many towing threads here, advice, etc. I'm doing some practicing with a friend's trailer tomorrow (backing up mostly).

My only concern right now is geometry. Given the photos, is there any reason for concern with stressing the components? Is it going to make my handling worse? I have an FJ / Tacoma suspension setup, with Daystar spacers. I think I'm around 3.5 / 2.5 right now.

All my tools are packed so I'd have to take it somewhere to get those spacers removed. I've been considering doing it anyway, but money-wise I'd like to put it off till after the move if possible, but safely pulling the trailer comes first.

 

[heiser]

bump

 

[Ausumm]

By no means do I consider myself an expert on trailers, towing, or even 4R's.
But here is my two cents.
I bought my first trailer a few years ago. (5x8)
I used to pull it with my 2004 Chevy Blazer.
I now use my 2004 4Runner (also with the 6-cyl 4.0)
I have never had an issue with stressing components...or how the truck handled.
Heck, I sometimes forget that I am towing a trailer!
You may notice that you go through brakes faster...
but I cannot say for sure, as I have only had my 4R since 2015.
It does take some getting used to initially...but usually a matter of adjusting to the difference in accelerating and braking.
Oh, and all these years later....I still suck at backing up.
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[CruzadoBlanco]

you should be fine. especially with a trailer thats gonna have 400Lbs or less of tongue weight. at most your steering will feel a little bit lighter due to the rear squat but it wont be horrible.

and lube your uniballs they look super dry

 

[Elan750]

My only advice is..
if you need an alignment, get one.
If your not sure between the two sizes, get the bigger one!
For the first few times backing up, it helps to have your hand at the bottom of the wheel, then turn the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go.

When in doubt, go forward and straighten it out :becky:


I wouldnt worry about the truck, worry about what your have for food!

 

[heiser]

and lube your uniballs they look super dry

Yeah, you caught me. I usually do it about once a month but am a bit overdue. Plus, I'm temporarily in phoenix and I don't imagine the heat is helping.

Oh, and all these years later....I still suck at backing up.

I have a new respect for the art of backing in a trailer. After a couple hours of practice, I barely feel "passable".

 

[jahmes143]

I think you should be fine. I have a similar spacer lift (on a V8) and have pulled that similar load just fine. There is some "squat" but it's not bad. If you wanted, you could get a weight distribution hitch. When set up properly, they completely level out the tow vehicle (eliminating all squat). You could find one cheap on craigslist and re-sell it afterwards....a used one should run maybe $150-250.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Take it slow and easy and you'll be fine. I've towed cars and jeeps on flatbed trailers that definitely weighed more than you'll be towing and mine did just fine. Braking should be fine as most U-Haul trailers have their own braking system (surge brakes). I also agree on placing your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. Pay attention to how you load the trailer so you have about 10% of the total trailer weight on the tongue.

 

[Elan750]

Oh and get the uhaul trailer adapter online, instead of realizing you need one at the counter and paying $15 bucks for it.

 

[heiser]

Oh and get the uhaul trailer adapter online, instead of realizing you need one at the counter and paying $15 bucks for it.

I did buy one of those. I didn't get the mount and ball yet though. I was going to get those once I know what drop I need.

 

[CXS]

For the first few times backing up, it helps to have your hand at the bottom of the wheel, then turn the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go.

When in doubt, go forward and straighten it out :becky:

I tow my travel trailer quite a bit and still have to stop and think about this when backing up. The second line is so important, don't jack-knife trying to correct your backing. Stop and straighten it out as many times as needed.

 

[mastee]

I was in a similar situation as you, I priced a Uhaul 6x12 ($800-$1000), new trailers app. $2300 OTD with no ebrakes in Southeast.

So in the end I found a 07 Hallmark with e brakes, put two new 10 ply tires, filled it up app 80% full and towed with my 04 V8 from Atlanta to Seattle, a total of 3000 miles including Yellow Stone and Rockies...

BTW first time towing anything, Avg. 50-55 mph, 13.5 mpg per the gauge, I didnt know about the above tip but it helps if I turn around and look at the trailer when backingup, I wish I had done the backup camera on demand mod before the trip.

 

[heiser]

I was in a similar situation as you, I priced a Uhaul 6x12 ($800-$1000), new trailers app. $2300 OTD with no ebrakes in Southeast.

So in the end I found a 07 Hallmark with e brakes, put two new 10 ply tires, filled it up app 80% full and towed with my 04 V8 from Atlanta to Seattle, a total of 3000 miles including Yellow Stone and Rockies...

BTW first time towing anything, Avg. 50-55 mph, 13.5 mpg per the gauge, I didnt know about the above tip but it helps if I turn around and look at the trailer when backingup, I wish I had done the backup camera on demand mod before the trip.

I'm planning on getting worse mpg on the v6. I worked so hard to score a v6 model, and situations like these make me wish I had went with the v8.

I have a backup cam, but it's very unreliable. I should have replaced it when I had the time. It only works when it wants to, and it's tapped on the reverse bulb.

 

[heiser]

Got it about half-loaded. Seemed to drive city and highway fine for a few test miles. Didn't feel too weird at all. The weight was barely noticeable when it was empty.