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Will I be ok towing a small U-Haul trailer?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Tke226, May 3, 2021.

  1. May 4, 2021 at 1:41 PM
    #61
    2021SR5V64WD

    2021SR5V64WD Well-Known Member

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    Rubbery Plasticy kinda stuff. Had it 3 years now it's not like rubber that would tear real easy but
    it would tear under stress for sure... I like it, best $10 I spent as far as peace of mind goes in regards
    to the chain being too low.
     
  2. May 4, 2021 at 1:45 PM
    #62
    CalcityRenegade

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    I don't mean to come off as a dink but why do so many people here keep asking these questions as if the truck was not meant to tow anything? It's not a freaking Qashqai... :rofl:
     
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  3. May 4, 2021 at 2:02 PM
    #63
    Rock Lobster

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    Yeah, ok, guilty. :anonymous::anonymous::anonymous:

    They're heavy chains for a 3000 pound camper, but you're right on that. I'm ordering some tow-rated shackles to take the slack up.
     
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  4. May 4, 2021 at 3:28 PM
    #64
    Fat Tal

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    WE just did this this past weekend. We pulled a U-Haul trailer with a treadmill inside. No issues, except backing it up (operator lack of skill).
     
  5. May 4, 2021 at 3:38 PM
    #65
    Lt. Dangle

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    • Some minor, incidental twisting of the chain is fine, but the links should never fold over each other. Don’t use twisting to shorten a chain.
    My chain doesn't fold over on itself, especially as in the picture.
     
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  6. May 4, 2021 at 4:16 PM
    #66
    Junkhead

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    Intetesting, did not know that. I only twisted the chains once, when I rented the uhaul, they seemed to be stupid long. Otherwise I have never had to do that.
     
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  7. May 4, 2021 at 4:22 PM
    #67
    Junkhead

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    Yes, that uhaul trailer was a breeze backing up. I had to back it up in this tight carport, it was so easy. Now, my dads single axle boat trailer is a different story, you really gotta watch every inch of steering wheel input.
     
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  8. May 4, 2021 at 7:48 PM
    #68
    Lt. Dangle

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clj42no4DxY

    I came across this video since we were discussing it. My chain is twisted once, not folded over itself at all and certainly nothing like this video demonstrates. Since I am lifted and put the springs over my trailer axle, I will have to see if I am just twisting due to old habits instead of necessity.

    Pretty amazing the difference regardless. Thanks @hiPSI for bringing this up.
     
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  9. May 4, 2021 at 8:37 PM
    #69
    Junkhead

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    X2.
     
  10. May 4, 2021 at 8:45 PM
    #70
    Rock Lobster

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    Good to know. My trailer is rocking 3/8" chain. I usually do one full twist, or a twist and a half, but never bunched over like that. Un-twisted it will never drag, but I have my doubts that it will catch the coupler either.

    I just bought some hammerlock shackles to shorten it up a few links. They have an advertised break at the same weight as the chain. Plus I have the option of keeping the length if I ever change to a different tow vehicle.
     
  11. May 4, 2021 at 8:56 PM
    #71
    Alex2028

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    Is a brake controller always needed when towing?
     
  12. May 4, 2021 at 8:58 PM
    #72
    0xDEADBEEF

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    Depends on the trailer.

    Some have no brakes, so no controller.

    A lot of rentals (the larger uhauls, some boat trailers), have surge brakes - no controller.

    Trailers with electrically actuated brakes will need a controller.
     
  13. May 4, 2021 at 9:05 PM
    #73
    Lt. Dangle

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    I have 2 trailers that have no brakes. In my state it's over a certain weight that requires them and the owners manual talks about TWR braked and unbraked. It gets confusing. It's on page 172 on my manual for 2017. Your page will probably be different, but around there somewhere.

    Obviously it would be better with brakes and I plan to add some soon. I've never felt I needed them and have had zero issues... So far.

    * Read the manual, I can't remember the exact weight and check your state laws.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2021
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  14. May 4, 2021 at 9:12 PM
    #74
    0xDEADBEEF

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    Meh. I grew up around trailers and stuff, but I think it could be intimidating to someone new at it.

    And given what I've seen when people get overconfident with a trailer, I'm happy that people are asking questions.
     
  15. May 4, 2021 at 9:17 PM
    #75
    dennguy08

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    You'll be fine, just loaded up a uhaul last weekend for a move.
     
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  16. May 5, 2021 at 7:10 AM
    #76
    Lt. Dangle

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    Judging by your username, I'm guessing the treadmill is used as a drying rack?

    ...when I laugh, my belly jiggles like a bowl full of jello, not judging lol.
     
  17. May 5, 2021 at 7:13 AM
    #77
    Rock Lobster

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    Yeah. I'm in that camp.

     
  18. May 5, 2021 at 7:44 AM
    #78
    Barrister

    Barrister Well-Known Member

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    I have done my share of towing over the years and admit I have twisted the chains, as I learned by watching the U-Haul dealer personnel doing it for me when they hooked me up! I’m not going to do it anymore. I do criss-cross them, but my question is how much slack is too much and what is the remedy on a rented trailer when you have no control over chain length?
     
  19. May 5, 2021 at 7:54 AM
    #79
    Rock Lobster

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    There are two schools of thought on that one, some people just take enough to keep the chains at least 6-8" off the ground. The other idea gaining in popularity, and it's one I subscribe to, is that the chains need to be tight enough that they would prevent the trailer coupler from touching the ground under any circumstance

    Rental trailer chains are stupidly long. I know why they make them that way, it's so they are guaranteed to hook up to any possible vehicle configuration, but still, they are goofy. They are supposed to pass them through your hitch and then double back so that they are hooked into themselves. Let the rental agent hitch your trailer and run your chains for you, but also verify that it's correct before driving off. :thumbsup:
     
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  20. May 5, 2021 at 8:00 AM
    #80
    CalcityRenegade

    CalcityRenegade Well-Known Member

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    Totally, but why buy a truck that can tow 6,800# (If properly equipped) then make posts asking if you can tow 2,000# lol
     
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