U-Haul Question

[ArcticEd]

I did a search for "U-Haul" (uhaul too) and didn't find an answer to this specific question; hope it's not considered a repeat.

Does anyone have experience with the materials needed to connect a 6x12' U-Haul trailer? I haven't towed anything yet & haven't even purchased a ball for the factory hitch.

I know you need the ball, but is there a specific size to get (for more than just uhaul) and should you get one that's straight or dropped? Are the one's w/ 3 different sized balls useful or ill advised?

Do you have to buy an adapter from UHaul in order to connect the lights?

I called the U-Haul place where I'm renting but the person who would answer the phone wasn't much help - neither is their website.

I can wait to find out what's needed but I don't want to pay for something of theirs that may be overpriced and not useful for any other towing in the future.

I've got a '10 Limited that's unfortunately all stock (for now).

TIA

 

[Nervo19]

Generally you need a drop on the hitch to level the ball with the height of your trailer. For instance I needed a 4" drop to match the height of my boat trailer. This by all internet accounts makes the ride smooth with no bouncing. The 4" fit perfectly with the UHaul.

I rented a tow dolly from UHaul in November. It took a 2" ball and connected to my factory 4 flat wiring. I did not need to be wired for brakes because UHaul installs "surge Brakes" on their trailers. It has some kind of sensor that detects you slowing quickly "hitting the brakes" and "kicks in" it's own brake. When you first pick up the trailer you should try it out a few times to get the feel for it. I'm glad I read about it somewhere on the internet because UHaul never told me anything and I would have thought it was some dark mysterious trailer malfunction. It's really a good feature but I can see someone really freaking out in a panic stop if they don't know to expect it.

The 3-way balls might be good to have. I've never needed anything other than a 2". Larger UHaul stores will have any converters you need, if any. The prices were higher than Walmart but not astronomical. I made my tow reservation through my convenient suburban UHaul and had to go into the inner city to pick up the trailer anyway. It was the opposite direction from my destination. Good luck!

 

[mtbnole]

I did a search for "U-Haul" (uhaul too) and didn't find an answer to this specific question; hope it's not considered a repeat.

Does anyone have experience with the materials needed to connect a 6x12' U-Haul trailer? I haven't towed anything yet & haven't even purchased a ball for the factory hitch.

I know you need the ball, but is there a specific size to get (for more than just uhaul) and should you get one that's straight or dropped? Are the one's w/ 3 different sized balls useful or ill advised?

Do you have to buy an adapter from UHaul in order to connect the lights?

I called the U-Haul place where I'm renting but the person who would answer the phone wasn't much help - neither is their website.

I can wait to find out what's needed but I don't want to pay for something of theirs that may be overpriced and not useful for any other towing in the future.

I've got a '10 Limited that's unfortunately all stock (for now).

TIA

call uhaul and they will let you know what sort of equipment you need. I believe they have adjustable hitches for various sized hitch balls. you can also check their website.

 

[Antman]

Not to be an a$$, but the OP said he already called and checked the website. Just sayin probably some 19yr old goof at the counter...

 

[mtbnole]

Not to be an a$$, but the OP said he already called and checked the website. Just sayin probably some 19yr old goof at the counter...

whoops!! sorry about that.

 

[1000MPH]

...
I can wait to find out what's needed but I don't want to pay for something of theirs that may be overpriced and not useful for any other towing in the future.

...

I think that was the original name of U-haul but it didn't fit on the sign:bluejump:

 

[kingpin748]

I'm pretty sure I used that trailer a few months ago. It's the one with double wheels. Didn't have any issues, height wasn't an problem.

 

[ArcticEd]

Thanks everyone; I think I'll get something before I get to the uhaul place.

 

[Speedy Babo]

Hey ArticEd, I'm going to use the same trailer to move my stuff. What hitch drop did you end up using and do you have any comments on the tow?

 

[MikeBuzzsaw]

Gonna raise this thread from the dead since I had this same question before I towed 6 x 12 uhaul trailer.

2in tow ball and a hitch with a 2in drop is what you will need. All the stock connectors works I paid extra for an adjustable height ball mount.
http://www.amazon.com/CURT-Manufact...3092950&sr=8-3&keywords=curt+adjustable+hitch

Even with the trailer fully loaded, the back end didn't really sag. Towed like a champ.

 

[philsey]

Gonna raise this thread from the dead since I had this same question before I towed 6 x 12 uhaul trailer.

1in tow ball and a hitch with a 2in drop is what you will need. All the stock connectors works

I'm thinking this (1 inch tow ball) is a typo. Probably TWO INCH is correct.

 

[coldryder]

I rented one of those trailers about six months ago. Mine required a 2" ball. The drop on my hitch is in the 2"to 4" range.

 

[captainnemojr]

A 2" ball is what you need. It's a good universal ball size.

As far as wiring adapter, I always had a 7-pin adapter just in case, but our trucks (at least the Limited from my own experience) will take either a 7 pin or 4 pin from the trailer with no need for an adapter.

My ball mount has a 2" drop. Most trailers I've towed needed a little more drop to be level, but I like it a little high so I can go over speed humps and dips without the hitch hitting the ground.

 

[motioneffects]

I have a pintle hitch mounted to an adjustable height plate with a 2 5/16" ball. Usually, when its a tandem axle, it requires a 2 5/16" ball, and single axle is 2" ball. I would would advise to get a Pintle hitch with a 2" and a 2 5/16" ball(one of each, they are cheap, for those various size receiver) and a trailer brake controller. Also remember to use the 7pin connector if you are using a tandem axle trailer or towing something heavy.(4pin connector does not support trailer braking)

 

[motioneffects]

Click the link to show you what kind of hitch i use. Just a extra precaution
Pintle Hook Combo with 2-5/16" Ball Draw-Tite Ball Mounts 63012
Pintle Hook Mount, 7-1/2" Tall, 12K Draw-Tite Ball Mounts 63057

 

[stevec5000]

A 2" ball is what you need. It's a good universal ball size.

As far as wiring adapter, I always had a 7-pin adapter just in case, but our trucks (at least the Limited from my own experience) will take either a 7 pin or 4 pin from the trailer with no need for an adapter.

My ball mount has a 2" drop. Most trailers I've towed needed a little more drop to be level, but I like it a little high so I can go over speed humps and dips without the hitch hitting the ground.

You can pickup a droped adapter with a 2" ball and 4 to 7 pin light adapter (in case you need one) at Harbor Freight pretty cheap.

 

[Ivy Mike]

Double check to ensure Uhaul tightens the trailer to the ball.

Also have them show you how to lock out the surge brake so that you can back the trailer up an incline.

 

[FatDave]

The drop measurement is also affected by suspension lifts. I own a single axle, 5x8, dry box Haulmark, and have a ToyTech 2/3 Ultimate on my TE. I ended up with a 2" ball on a 6" drop.

 

[MikeBuzzsaw]

I'm thinking this (1 inch tow ball) is a typo. Probably TWO INCH is correct.

Yes yes, it was a typo. :iagree:

 

[ColoT4R]

Wanted to resurrect this thread.

Purchased a 6.5 x 12 foot Cargo Pro aluminium flatbed trailer to pull with my 14' Limited. Only weighs 480 lbs and got a great deal on it. Will load my Polaris RZR4 on it, which is 10.5 feet long and weighs around 1200 lbs. So all in, I'll be around 1700 lbs, well below the 4Runner's tow rating. Although, we go over some pretty high/steep mountain passes here in CO so I will give the 4.0 a work out despite only being 1700ish lbs.

The trailer is very un-level with a 2' inch drop hitch, back end. So I've ordered a 6-inch drop as another poster did above. Will update everyone on how it levels out the trailer.