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U-Haul auto trailer & '03 Tacoma?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by mbernbach, Jul 14, 2009.

  1. Jul 14, 2009 at 11:37 AM
    #1
    mbernbach

    mbernbach [OP] New Member

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    Hello,

    I have read the towing bible but I'm still not sure about this.

    I want to rent a car trailer from u-haul.

    http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.aspx?equipment=towing-autotransport

    Will my '03 4x4 V6 auto ex-cab tacoma with a 5,000lbs hitch be able to tow it (2,210lbs) with my '73 BMW 2002 (curb weight 2227lbs) on it for a one time 150 mile trip?


    Thanks
     
  2. Jul 14, 2009 at 11:40 AM
    #2
    muliefever

    muliefever Muliefever

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  3. Jul 14, 2009 at 11:41 AM
    #3
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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  4. Jul 14, 2009 at 1:55 PM
    #4
    mbernbach

    mbernbach [OP] New Member

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    Thanks,

    just to be sure here. Do I need any extra equipment besides my hitch?
     
  5. Jul 14, 2009 at 2:21 PM
    #5
    TengoTaco

    TengoTaco Newb

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    I think u haul uses the 4 pin sockets. Just make sure you have the 4 pin on your truck or an adapter
     
  6. Jul 14, 2009 at 2:29 PM
    #6
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Do you have the proper drop in the draw bar?

    Does U-haul supply you with ratchet straps? They might rent straps for an additional rental fee. I'd atleast get 2 straps in the front and 2 straps in the back. If you're using U-haul straps....inspect them FULLY and don't hesitate to give them back if you aren't happy with them.

    The U-haul trailers have surge brakes.... I've never had experience with surge brakes and I don't know if there's any type of SETUP involved. Do some research on that or perhaps someone will chime in.

    Depending on the trailer and the vehicle - you might not have a lot of room to play with .... but where the vehicle is on the trailer is KEY in how it handles (tonque weight). Too little tonque weight and you'll have swaying. Too much tonque weight and you'll have unsafe steering response.

    After you adjust everything, drive around for a bit....check the straps.... and if you feel the trailer swaying....move the vehicle forward on the trailer a couple inches. If the front end is LIGHT....you'll wanna move the vehicle back on the trailer a bit.

    Good LUck!
     
  7. Jul 14, 2009 at 2:55 PM
    #7
    djs05tacoma

    djs05tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Will they even rent you a car hauler? When I rented a car trailer from uhaul about 5 years ago the first thing they asked was what kind of truck I had (at the time it was 3/4 ton dodge diesel) when I asked them why they said they wouldn't rent any car trailers to anything less than a 1/2 ton vehicle, no matter what the towing capacity said on the door.
     
  8. Jul 14, 2009 at 3:02 PM
    #8
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    It probably depends on the U-haul station.

    I stopped in at our local U-haul place and they gave me the run-around. I told them the truck could tow 6500lbs and the guy was OK with that.

    I'm not sure what they'd say if your rating is only 5,000lbs.

    Some of the other companies won't rent a trailer unless you're using it behind a box truck.
     
  9. Jul 14, 2009 at 3:09 PM
    #9
    djs05tacoma

    djs05tacoma Well-Known Member

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    yeah, thats been my experience in the past, depends on the location, hopefully the OP confirms with uhaul before just showing up to get a trailer and finds out they won't rent him one.
     
  10. Jul 17, 2009 at 4:16 PM
    #10
    petersharp

    petersharp Well-Known Member

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    WTF, that must have cost them a lot of business. Why wouldn't they - as long as the truck is within limits and is insured, then what's the problem?
     
  11. Jul 18, 2009 at 5:04 AM
    #11
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    liability & stupidity (of the customers that is)
     

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