Another 'moving to Colorado' thread - trailer questions

I've read the other ones on the first several pages of this forum, so here are my questions that are still unanswered.

I have a 2003 TRD Double Cab 4x4 with a freshly rebuilt transmission and engine. During the engine rebuild, I had them add a aux transmission cooler. Naturally aspirated, so no supercharger (yet). Don't worry, I'm not a Californian and I know how to drive in the snow and rain unlike those other transplants. I'm not going to steal your hunting spots.

I have 4 bicycles, a large dirt bike (690) and a bunch of crap but no furniture to move out from Oakland, CA. I'm pretty sure I'll have to get a trailer to make it in one trip. I don't think I want a trailer once I get there, so owning is not a priority and seems more of a hassle (title transfer, registration, etc). I'm looking for the least expensive option that isn't risky with a crappy, unsafe trailer.

Besides buying a trailer (>$1000 for a new one; $500 for a crappy used one that probably needs new wheel bearings and tires) and renting from U-Haul, do you know of any other options?

Does anyone need a trailer delivered from California to Colorado?

 

You might want to check out the Pirate 4x4 forum. There is a section on there for moving stuff across the country for people. May be able to find someone trying to get a trailer from CA to CO.

 

Thanks, I looked in there and nobody has an active post looking for anything along the route. I'm hesitant on offering up space because I am already tight on it and have already reserved a 5x8' trailer.

 

Oh got it! My bad - thought you were still looking for a trailer.

If it makes you feel better I pulled the U-Haul 6x12 trailer from PA to CO last year fully loaded with no wiggle room inside. Barely felt it back there. 14' DC OR.

 

I appreciate the information. The time is getting close so I have a trailer reserved, but could still cancel the reservation if I found something. Your '14 has about 46 more horsepower than my truck, although it does weigh 500 lbs more according to OEM curb weight figures.

I will have a lot more elevation to cross coming from the west coast - the first 2 hours of my drive are virtually flat at sea level, then the next hour goes up 8,000'! Because of this, I am trying very hard to avoid needing the 6x12'.

 

You should be ok. I've pulled a 5x10 Cargo trailer converted to an expedition trailer fully loaded down with camp gear (Probably about 4000lbs with water and all) all over the Sierras, Cascades, Rockies and from CA to PA twice back and fourth and from PA to WA once. Pulled it over the Eisenhower tunnel (11,158ft) several times and that was the biggest pull. Did about 45 in 3rd gear at 3.5k RPMs over that.

Note: I do have a break controller and the 5x10 had electronic breaks. The 6x12 U-haul just has that thing on the tongue that engages the brakes I believe when you slam on the breaks.

 

You're correct on difference heading East vs West to Colorado. That being said as long as you don't mind driving the slow lane up passes, you will be fine.

 

I think I am scarred from last March when I drove from Grand Junction to Denver along I-70 and was running on 4-5 cylinders since my damn spark plug cables had failed. DON'T BUY BOSCH!

This afternoon, I am upgrading the front brakes to the Tundra WL calipers, nice slotted/vented rotors and EBC green pads, so my brakes should be fine for the 5x10'.

 

Hah. First time towing anything with my truck went just fine. I kept forgetting there was even anything behind for most of the trip. Only on the uphills did I notice the weight, but below 60 mph downshifting the automatic to 2nd gave me more than enough power to accelerate back up to speed.

I stopped at the CAT scales along my route and my total weight was 7,300 lbs.