Could you please check my towing setup?

Hi Folks,

I have an 09 Access Cab SR5 4x4 V6 with the 6 speed. No towing package.

Going to be towing 2 motorcycles (Roughly 800 lbs) and a bunch of associated tools/stands/gear PLUS relatively minor household stuff across country. I anticipate a total of 1500 lbs or so PLUS the weight of the trailer itself. I expect the route to be 85% interstate.

Here is what I have planned, could you guys please let me know if I am on the right track:

1. Enclosed 6x12 UHaul trailer
2. Curt Manufacturing 13323 Class III Receiver
3. Curt Manufacturing 55513 T-Connector
4. Curt Manufacturing 45036 2 In Drop Loaded Ball Mount W/ 2 In Ball

The trailer does not have provisions for wheel chocks. I was going to get cheap HarborFreight chocks and strap them in place (cannot drill) using the tie downs on the floor and also strap the bikes down by the front and rear frame/subframe. I am not sure how to strap all my boxes down though, don't want crap flying around hitting the bikes. I will also have the bed loaded with household stuff.

I know higher octane is recommended.

• What about tire pressure? In the winter, I typically run 28 psi all around, but should I go higher in the back while towing?
• Is there any science to staggering the bikes or strapping them down side by side?
• What else should I be thinking about?

 

pack everything tight. I strapped my bike straight in and it did not budge. Drive slow. My only question is the Uhaul 6x12 enclosed trailer is the biggest one they have. Did you verify they will rent it to you? I didn't have any issues but it may vary from place to place.

To secure the load you could just pack everything tight and if you don't fill the trailer run straps across the rails or use one of those bungy nets.

 

Sounds pretty good. Remember to just take it easy and that it is going to take a lot longer to brake especially since you don't have trailer brakes. If you are going across the country it wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in a brake controller. Uhaul can put one in for you. And it would be a lot safer for you and you will be able to use the brake controller in the future.

Remember to pack the main weight towards the front of the trailer. This shouldn't be a problem if you pack the bikes to the front of the trailer. If the weight is biased to the back you will be trailer whipping everyone and most likely flip the trailer. I had a trailer whip on me once and it was pretty scary. The vid is just an example of trailer whip with crash..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfLnLwFcSBc

 

Photo of my 6x12. you shooed be just fine. I have two quads, Food, and gear in the trailer. I also put all my gas and water in the bed of the truck. Put as much of your stuff in the bed of the truck up by the cab in front of the axle.

I run mid grade in town and 91 or better when towing. "Toyota test fuel 91" that is in my owners manual I''ll find the page number if you like.

 

Thanks guys. Now you got me thinking. Do I even need a 6x12? Can I fit two street bikes and some tools/gear in a 5x8? I will go to UHaul and see the trailers in person today, but anyone know?

 

When I did something similar, I had one bike in the 6x12 and I packed it tight between the mattress and box spring. I also removed the plastics so they wouldn't get beat up. I made a wheel chock that consisted of 2x4's that spanned the width of the trailer then 2 others to secure the front tire. It's the one in the picture below, I just cut it shorter to fit the bed of my truck for future hauling. Make sure you have at least 60% of the weight in front of the trailer's axles. The Uhaul is a heavy trailer, I think it weighs something like 2,000 lbs empty so even though you don't have a lot of weight, you'll still have close to 4,000 lbs behind you. Someone mentioned bungee nets, they are very handy as well as bungee cords and ratchet straps for securing the cargo inside the trailer. Usually, I'll drive for a little while then go back and check the cargo, tighten the straps and make sure nothing has gotten loose.

 

2 street bikes should fit fine in a 5x8. They are also much lighter, I think they weigh under 1,000 lbs but do not have brakes. They also have a lower ceiling so loading will be a little more of a pain. It all depends on how much additional cargo you have.

 

Pugga, how is the snow in Mass man?! I bought a grille off of you long back! I am driving back to Boston via Mount Rushmore, badlands and then I-90 all the way in.

Good to know. I don't have too much more stuff, just 3-4 bike stands, 2 boxes of tools, 12-15 quarts of oil etc. I am hoping to get all of it in the 5x8 and keep it simple.

Bungee nets have been added to my harbor freight list!

 

Curt Manufacturing makes awesome stuff - that's really all I have to add.

Fink

 

I thought your user name was familiar! Snow, what snow?? We got 2" of rain the other night, everything is absolutely soaked!

When I moved from Richmond to Boston, I laid out a 6x12 taped off area in my living room and kind of 'mocked up' how the trailer should be loaded. Anything that didn't fit was left behind but it gave me an idea of how much crap I could pack into a small area. For me, seeing the actual size made a big difference. Based on just the bike stuff, I don't think you'll have a problem, doesn't sound like a whole lot of stuff (depending on how big your tool collection is). Just be careful of things that can slide into the bike's plastics. Removing the the plastics when I moved my bike definitely saved the body work.

 

Uh, I'm pretty sure those U-Haul trailers have surge brakes.

Pack stuff snug.

With your "tools and other stuff" remember to load forward, but don't overdo it. With a 5000lb trailer, you want around 500lbs of tongue weight.

 

The 6x12 and 5x10 trailers have surge brakes. The 5x8 and smaller do not have brakes.

 

OK, so I am loaded up and about to hit the road. The 5x8 is TIGHT for two bikes, but I got it all in there! No room for wheel chocks so I just locked the handlebars to the left and used canyon dancers to hold them that way. 6 straps holding each bike down, including canyon dancers. I covered both bikes with comforters/blankets after taking the picture.

Wish me luck!