Moving to the east coast, possibly towing a Trailer

Hey guys,

I am looking into what would be involved with towing a trailer long distance. Phoenix Az to Richmond VA to be exact.

I will be renting a Uhaul 5x8 if I end up towing.

Current Truck setup -
2008 Access, V6, 6Speed, towing package
Engine, etc are bone stock
OME suspension up front ith Dakar rears.
Will have 255/85r16 MT's by the time I move.

So a few questions

What sort of MPG would you guys think I could expect?
Any safety and concerns I should be aware of?
General tips for towing such a long distance (2300 miles)?

I have towed before, but usually with much heavier vehicles (F350's).

I know U-hauls can be somewhat sketchy, so any advice and inspection tips would be appreciated.

 

The only thing I can say is be ready to take it slower on the highways with the 255's. You will notice a drop in power and if you try to go above 65-70 mpgs will start to drop significantly regardless of whether you are pulling a trailer. I pulled a 7 x 10 loaded up with lighter furniture before I added my 255's and I could hardly feel the trailer. I would imaging now that I would feel it but it still shouldn't be too bad unless you really have it loaded.

 

Gas Mileage? What's that? LOL!

I towed a similar sized U-Haul trailer from Abilene TX to Hampton VA using my Tacoma, no issues at all.
You've towed before so it's all the same. Slow down a little, just drive the speed limit, allow extra baking distance.... etc. Remember to put more weight in the trailer front (more tongue weight) so it's not swaying all over the place behind you going down the road.

I did give the trailer a thorough inspection, especially the lights, hubs, tires and brakes (if equipped).

Last tip: Strategically plan your stops/parking spots for a direct drive out exit... those little trailers can be a pain to back up some times!

Safe travels!

 

Leaving Phoenix for Richmond, VA? I'm leaving Columbia, SC for Phoenix! Lol

I'll actually be flat towing my Bronco 2 with my Tacoma, so I'm looking forward to that adventure.

When it comes to towing, slow and steady wins the race. Good luck, and always check your lights with U-hauls and remember their trailers are water RESISTANT, not proof. It helps to run a couple of strips of duct tape along that bottom weatherseal on the roll down door before you go.

good luck!!!!

 

Thanks for the input guys!

Yah I hope to not get too terrible of gas mileage. Hopefully 12mpg or above.

Any way I cut it, I know it is going to be a long, expensive transition.

 

I will towing a 7x14 with furniture moving across country...should I get the weight distribution system and the trailer sway kit both? Or, do just need the WDS????

 

When you say "Weight Distro Sys", are meaning something like this?

http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Reese/RP66022.html

AND are you renting, buying or already own this trailer?

 

Yes, that is exactly what I mean by the weight distributing system. I just bought the trailer a couple days ago. It has brakes on it, I also bought brake controller.

 

Since you own the trailer, buying the torsion bar weight distro set-up is not a bad idea...depending on what you plan to routingly haul in it.
If you're hauling a couple 4-wheelers and can manage the internal weight distro then you may not need the bars at all.
If you plan to have consistent heavy tongue weight, I would get the torsion bars.

They transfer tongue weight forward into the truck frame and backwards into the trailer frame; reducing your trucks rear "squat".

You can get away without the anti-sway device, if you load your trailer properly; too much rear weight (too light tongue weight) will cause the trailer to sway.

If you have the money to buy the WDS, do so. You'll probably need it on your moving trip AND it'll help make your trailer much more capable of hauling random loads. You can always resell it if you find you don't really need it.

EDIT: Nice trailer, BTW!

 

Thanks! Will certainly buy the distribution setup since after moving I plan on getting more toys in the future. Trailer was a steal, guy had it custom painted to match his truch. 2013 model only used 2x. Cost me less than 3Gs

 

Why are you moving to Richmond?

 

Uhauls are not always well maintained so I'd give it a good look over, as mentioned above. Pay special attention to the hubs. When it's empty, get it up to highway speed for a few miles, then stop and feel the hubs. If any of them are hot, take the trailer back. You don't want to start a trip like that with crappy bearings or else your trip could take a bad turn for the worst.

 

Just hauled a load of scrap metal across the scales. Truck & trailer loaded was 9k lbs. Truck did fine except starting on hills. Never went over 65 mph. Never shifted into 6th gear. '12 dcsb 4x4 4.0 6spd w/ 255/85r16s, fronnt plate bumper w/ winch, bedrack w/ rtt. Trailer is a worn out 16' tandem axle w/ 3 toasted hubs. No trailer brakes either. Leave plenty of space in front, and downshift

 

I recently towed the 5x8 Uhaul twice this summer, once from VA to MN and then VA to MD with my 4 cylinder. You should have no problem with a V6. My gas mileage dropped about 5-6mpg (with 4 cylinder, so this may not apply to V6).

I would probably advise you to get the insurance, I got it both times just cause I didn't want to be responsible for anything that happens to the trailer. Insurance is expensive though, for the VA to MN trip 5 days of the cheapest insurance for the trailer was more expensive than 1 months insurance for my truck.

 

My fiance is in med school at VCU/MCV. We did a year long distance, but it is too hard with her in school too.

As soon as I find a job out there, I will be making the jump.

Thank you for the heads up! I would never have thought of this being an issue.