1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

U-Haul Auto Transport Trailer

Discussion in 'Towing' started by cullen61918, Jun 16, 2011.

  1. Jun 16, 2011 at 12:18 PM
    #1
    cullen61918

    cullen61918 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2011
    Member:
    #49732
    Messages:
    21
    Im new to the forum and also new to owning, driving, and towing with a truck. Ive read through a lot of the threads on this forum about towing but would still like to reasure myself before I do something.

    I have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma T|X Pro, Double Cab, V6, Auto, Shortbed. I believe the max tow rating is around 6,500lbs. I want to tow a 2006 BMW M3 weighted between 3200-3500lbs depending on fuel, extra tool etc to the race track.

    I can rent a trailer from U-Haul for no more than $50.00, the trailer is a heavy 2200lbs. So a total of 5400-5700lbs all together w/ vehicle. The U-Haul website asks for the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed. It computes its math but tells me that it is not compatible.

    I believe it can work with everything I have researched so far and read. I believe the only thing I need to buy is a hitch ball, the electrical harness came with the truck, and possibly a break controller? The trailer comes with atomatic hydraulic surge brakes? I believe I need to buy something to operate that.

    Any reasurance and help is greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Jun 16, 2011 at 12:20 PM
    #2
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2007
    Member:
    #924
    Messages:
    21,889
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Milton Juevo Portimous II
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    Current: '21 Bronco Badlands. Previous: '06 TRD Access Cab, v6, 6-speed
    U-haul will only rent a car trailer to a person towing it with a full-size truck. Tacomas are considered mid-size or compact regardless of their tow rating.
     
  3. Jun 16, 2011 at 12:20 PM
    #3
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2010
    Member:
    #39131
    Messages:
    38,444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    '19 Ford F-250 6.7 SCrew
    F-250 Land Yacht Mod
    You do not need anything to operate surge brakes (no extra wiring or brake controller). You need to buy the ball mount and ball and will also need an electrical connector to convert your 7-pole outlet to a 4-pole outlet. Most u-haul places have them for under $10.
     
  4. Jun 16, 2011 at 2:03 PM
    #4
    cullen61918

    cullen61918 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2011
    Member:
    #49732
    Messages:
    21
    Thanks for the information, I will see how it turns out. I'll post some pictures when the time comes.
     
  5. Jun 16, 2011 at 2:43 PM
    #5
    skytower

    skytower Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2010
    Member:
    #38505
    Messages:
    3,268
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    virginia
    Vehicle:
    08 Tacoma 4x4
    Hitch and wiring, aux back-up light, rear strobe lights, radio and underseat sub.
    You should not exceed the weight ratings in your owners manual. GCWR-weight of the loaded truck, trailer, and trailers cargo. Overload your axle or drivetrain and you are asking for trouble. You can overheat, not be able to stop, or break something.
    Rent a tow vehicle from uhaul if you are over your truck's limits.
     
  6. Jun 20, 2011 at 12:18 PM
    #6
    cullen61918

    cullen61918 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2011
    Member:
    #49732
    Messages:
    21
    Got it, thanks, Im going to the track on July 9th. I'll post how it goes.
     
  7. Jun 20, 2011 at 12:28 PM
    #7
    MJonaGS32

    MJonaGS32 MJ on a GS

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    Member:
    #15949
    Messages:
    12,401
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    MJ
    SF Bay Area (East)
    Vehicle:
    07 LT 4x4 DCSB 6spd Vagabond
    Drifter wedge camper, Dual battery, OBA, ARB locker, 4.56 gears
    I've heard people having success with saying that they are towing a small VW bug or Mini Cooper. Any other car, even though less than 6500 lbs, and U-Haul will not allow you to rent the auto trailer
     
  8. Jun 21, 2011 at 12:17 PM
    #8
    cullen61918

    cullen61918 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2011
    Member:
    #49732
    Messages:
    21
    Im going to try and give it a shot, I have a back up trailer from a friend if it wont work out.
     
  9. Jun 21, 2011 at 12:27 PM
    #9
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2009
    Member:
    #19571
    Messages:
    4,917
    Gender:
    Male
    Oly WA
    Vehicle:
    2012 F150
    They are about double that at U-Haul. If you have time hit the auto parts store. Last time I rented a 6x12 enclosed trailer I had to buy one from them because I left mine on my trailer at home. Now I have one for my trailer and one to keep inside my truck.
     
  10. Jun 21, 2011 at 12:33 PM
    #10
    hookedontronics

    hookedontronics Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2010
    Member:
    #28863
    Messages:
    2,780
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Glenville, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC Off Road 4x4
    Icon extended travel 3.5" front coilovers, DSM UCAs, TSB leaf pack w/ wheelers AAL, All Pro U-bolt flip kit, Walker Evans 2.0 rear shocks, 18" XD Monster rims, Nitto trail grappler 285/65R18 Tires, Color matched grill, Grillcraft, Kragen HIDs, Carling switches, my bed light mod, diff drop, Alpine IVA-W505, JL Audio C5 componets and coaxials, JL 300/4 and 250/1 amps and JL stealthbox, wheathertechs, avs vent visors, toyota bed x-tender, alcantara center console cover and door pocket covers, console vault, color matched mirrors, heated mirrors, etc etc etc
    just paid 70 last night for a uhaul, u need a trailer and not a dolly with a rwd m3. 12- was insurance so figure 58-

    just towed my s2k last night

    IMG_1197_50b9ea255e0e9e03b5c7b691aeec916a0768b843.jpg
    IMG_1199_868e7e9ea09b497735c3111ef57637a2a6edd0ed.jpg

    i've also towed this car (previously around 3000lb) on a roughly 3500lb dump trailer and it towed it fine
     
  11. Jun 27, 2011 at 8:37 PM
    #11
    cullen61918

    cullen61918 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2011
    Member:
    #49732
    Messages:
    21
    What size hitch ball would you need for the u-haul car trailer?

    looking good, this makes me feel a lot better about doing it.

    Perfect, hope I don't come across any complications.
     
  12. Jun 28, 2011 at 8:26 AM
    #12
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2007
    Member:
    #924
    Messages:
    21,889
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Milton Juevo Portimous II
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    Current: '21 Bronco Badlands. Previous: '06 TRD Access Cab, v6, 6-speed
    Nice that they've updated that systems! They wouldn't let me haul a car with my Tacoma last time I tried.
     
  13. Jun 28, 2011 at 8:30 AM
    #13
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2010
    Member:
    #39131
    Messages:
    38,444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    '19 Ford F-250 6.7 SCrew
    F-250 Land Yacht Mod
    Their trailers are adjustable and accept various sizes. I believe I've got a 2" ball on my truck and am able to hook up to Uhaul's trailers.
     
  14. Jun 29, 2011 at 6:34 AM
    #14
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2007
    Member:
    #924
    Messages:
    21,889
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Milton Juevo Portimous II
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    Current: '21 Bronco Badlands. Previous: '06 TRD Access Cab, v6, 6-speed
    It was early 2006 when the new Tacomas were only out for a short time. I don't blame them for being cautious considering the towing capabilities of the Gen 1 trucks.

    I've been towing with my own car hauler since then. No hassles from the man that way. ;)
     
  15. Oct 25, 2011 at 6:24 PM
    #15
    grivera

    grivera Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Member:
    #9474
    Messages:
    800
    Gender:
    Male
    Hanover, MD
    Vehicle:
    '08 DC SR5 4x4, Desert Sand Mica
    Rear Suspension TSB, Bilstein 5100 on all 4 corners-fronts set at 1.75". BFG A/T's @ 265/75/16; Access LE Roll-up cover; Iron Cross Tube SS Steps; Fumoto valve; WeatherTech Liners; AFE Pro-Dry; front side windows tinted 20%; TW Decal!

    I just bought a 95 Jeep Wrangler ($825 toy) and had dismissed the transport for the car dolley instead because I thought the combined weight and braking would be an issue. Are you saying the transport has it's own brakes? Will a Jeep be too heavy? My taco has a factory tow package, fwfw
     
  16. Oct 25, 2011 at 6:30 PM
    #16
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2010
    Member:
    #39131
    Messages:
    38,444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    '19 Ford F-250 6.7 SCrew
    F-250 Land Yacht Mod
    The flatbed auto transport trailers from Uhaul have their own self-contained brakes. You only need a flat 4 connection since the brake cylinder is contained within the trailer's tongue.

    Read up on Uhaul's criteria (might be best to not tell them what you're towing)...
    http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/EquipmentDetail.aspx?model=AT

    The trailer alone weighs about 2,200 lbs, not sure what your new toy weighs.
     
  17. Jan 30, 2012 at 6:55 PM
    #17
    cullen61918

    cullen61918 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2011
    Member:
    #49732
    Messages:
    21
    12%2520-%25201_daf742f98bba84497b18f6837ac9a36c78d0dcd8.jpg

    we are taking this from Orange County, CA to Tampa, FL.
     
  18. Jan 31, 2012 at 4:19 AM
    #18
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2010
    Member:
    #39131
    Messages:
    38,444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    '19 Ford F-250 6.7 SCrew
    F-250 Land Yacht Mod
    You might want to either put your mud flaps back on or makeshift some sort of rock/dirt guard for that nice, white BMW. Otherwise you're going to basically sand blast the front end for 2,000 miles.
     
  19. Jan 31, 2012 at 4:07 PM
    #19
    cullen61918

    cullen61918 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2011
    Member:
    #49732
    Messages:
    21
    Too late, just did the first 500 miles of the trip. Averaged 15mpg at around 62mph. The front gets beat up on the track anyways, im not sweating it. Thanks though.
     
  20. Mar 10, 2012 at 12:05 PM
    #20
    deadhed61

    deadhed61 :notsure:

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2011
    Member:
    #65723
    Messages:
    8,074
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Santa Barbara, Ca
    Vehicle:
    The Black Pearl
    A little lift and a little armor
    Perfect thread for me to find today! Im trying to tow my 89 4runner which is about 3400lbs and from what im reading here it sounds like it will be ok and has been done?
     

Products Discussed in

To Top