Getting truck ready to tow for the first time (2k+ mile trip)

Awesome to hear, glad you had a good time. I'm looking forward to the drive, despite the fact that we won't be allowed to stop anywhere for leisure due to COVID; we're expected to drive straight through and literally nothing else. Drive thru for food, etc. Still, I think it'll be fun!

 

I might take you up on this! I have this one picked out, but still doing research, we'll see: 2021 Mirage XPRES 5x8 Cargo Trailer | Spokane North Trailers in Spokane Wa | Bear Track and Sure Trac Open Flatbed Utility Trailer Dealer and Enclosed Trailers in Spokane

 

Great call. I'm thinking I'll fill up no matter what at any fuel stop I pull up at just in case this happens. And will definitely bring lots of extra gas for the two cars!

 

Nothing special with a little cargo trailer. If you have never towed then you have no clue how to back up. Make sure you pull into parking that you can pull out instead of backing up.

 

I would be willing to bet most places wont be a COVID issue.. For sure once you hit the Yukon and Alaska its zero issue.. Enjoy the trip.. take some pictures along the way and post.. Lots of wonderful wildlife right beside or on the road.. We got held up for about 15 minutes because there were about 60 buffalo standing in the middle of the road...

 

My goal is to not have to reverse the entire trip. I watched a guy at the dump the other day try to back a trailer up, and corrected literally over 20 times before he gave up. I know I'd be the exact same, lol

 

I did a lot of research and on Canada's .gov websites they very clearly outline the strict protocol, unfortunately. Very understandable, though. I'll just have to do the drive again when things open up a bit more!

 

Just hook it up and go. My 5x8 tows easy enough now and when I was stock it was just about as easy. With the V nose it goes through wind fairly well, but you will feel gusts of course. I would expect around 12 mpg, give or take a touch.

As for backing up, just take your time and don't let anyone rush you. With such a small trailer turns are of very little concern as well, it will follow the truck on all but the tightest turns.

 

My 5x8 with a side door was about $300 less than this one just FYI. If It was me, i'd recommend a side door, it's a nice feature to have for sure.

 

If I was keeping it I'd care more, but I plan to use this trailer literally only for the purpose of moving and then reselling it immediately. Agreed that the side door is cool, though. I just won't need it since I don't plan on getting anything out of the trailer while in transit.

 

Awesome, this is great to see as this is the exact size I want (I think). Thanks so much!

 

It is, it's 5x8 as well.

 

Gotcha. Why aren't you just renting a Uhaul then? Sorry if I missed that info.

 

prob cuz hes going through Canada and I doubt they'll let it cross borders

 

My understanding is due to the crazy competitive used car market in AK due to minimal inventory and turnover, I could resell the trailer to recoup at minimum what I spend, and possibly a small profit, which would help cover some moving costs. Researching the costs of similar trailers (even used) up there seems to confirm this. I'd be happy to break even as renting a UHaul trailer for that trip costs about as much as buying the dang thing!

 

Right on.

 

Backing up is pretty easy. The trailer will do the opposite of what you think it will do. To account for that just put your hand at the bottom of the wheel. Go slow and make small corrections. 10 mins of practice and you'll be fine.

 

Oh that's no big deal, 940lbs,,,, sorry for some reason, I just assumed a travel trailer.

 

@someguyinWA
I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, just scanned through, but get some practice with the trailer before the move. Get your mirrors dialed in and such. Make sure you have a lug nut wrench/ socket that will fit your trailor lugs (hopefully you won't need it). Download some tunes. If you like country you'll have plenty to choose from in AK lol. I'm not sure about the drive but my mom was in Canada a few months ago and had to download an app and check in everyday while in quarantine. I'm sure it was tracking her too.

Have fun, be safe, drive safe. Enjoy Alaska! It's still freaking cold up north. Prudhoe Bay -33°F feels like -56 10mph wind

 

You are definitely right. Some people fly down to lower 48 just to by vehicles and drive back even before covid. Same for trailers.