2.7L Towing 5X10' Enclosed U Haul Trailer

Hey Guys,

I have an opportunity to get some furniture for cheap from a family member (Couch, coffee table, large bed frame w/ built ins etc). It’s more than I could fit in the bed of the truck. I am considering renting one of the 5X10 enclosed trailers. It’s a 3 HR trip each way (without a trailer) I have never towed before.. I am wondering how bad I can expect this to be, or if I should really step down to the 5X8? Id just rather have more room and not needed it, then get all the way down and find out I can’t fit everything.. U Haul says its 1250lbs empty, dual axle, I believe it has some sort of brake built into the tongue. I’m just wondering if anyone’s ever towed one of these and what should expect.. I doubt the weight I put in it would exceed 1000lbs so I should be well within the limits? Should I get a hitch with a drop on it?..

 

Depends on how far you are going really. I have the I4 prerunner double cab and towed about 5600 lbs across town lol. It did just fine. No way I would do that with any distance. Stopping is the issue. Lol

 

I'd follow the weight limits and vehicle ratings. 2,250lb should be fine. Have you read the towing bible? https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

I have towed the 4x8 uhaul trailer and used a 2 inch drop. Since you have a 2 inch lift, I guess I'd suggest a 4 inch drop. I took my truck to the uhaul yard prior to purchasing the ball mount to make sure the 2 inch drop was correct.

 

Yes I skimmed through the Towing Bible. I am well within the limits in terms of weight, I guess as a first time towing and being that I'm going a solid 3 hrs each way all highway I'm just curious how "white knuckle" the ride will be with this truck and that amount of weight for that amount of time. OR maybe it will be no issue, I guess thats more what I am asking for experiences.. Can I expect to be getting pulled all over the road and struggling to keep speed etc..

 

As for the amount of drop you need for the hitch, the top of the ball should be 18" off the ground (some people say 17" to the center of the ball but that works out close to the same thing).

If you're using a bumper mounted ball, watch the maximum loads closely.

As for the 2.7 engine, the size of the engine isn't nearly as critical as the weight of the towing vehicle. A lack of power means slower acceleration, lower top speed and you'll work the engine harder but it doesn't mean you will not get to where you're going. It does mean you'll get there later .
If you have a manual transmission, lower gears are your friend.

You didn't say what type of terrain makes up that 3 hour trip. If that trip is 3 hours in the mountains without a trailer, it's going to be a LOT longer with a trailer and a 4 cylinder !

If the weather permits, you can put some of that load in the bed of the truck (recommended) and keep the weight in the trailer lower. You want to load that trailer with a slight weight forward bias but you do not want to exceed the tongue weight.

 

Great, thanks Petrol that's kind of what I was looking for.. The drive is mostly flat and I figure it will probably take me a bit of extra time as usually when I make the drive i'm going 80 mph. I have an actual hitch on the truck, I believe to be from the factory, its a bit rusty. looks like a 4 pin connection for the electrical. It is a 5 speed manual, with a brand new clutch, Ill keep that ball height measurement in mind.

 

You'll be fine. Don't get in a hurry. Make certain all of your gear set up properly.
Your most valuable tool is located between your ears.