which u-haul is better to tow ?

4FonZ · 06-06-2003, 05:40 AM

5' x 8' trailer:
- empty weight, 900 pounds
- two-wheels, no surge brakes

5' x 10' trailer:
- empty weight, 1250 pounds
- four-wheels, + automatic hydraulic surge brake

being towed about 900 miles distance by a '01 4Runner SR5 automatic w/tranny cooler...

just wondering which would be "easier" on the engine overall -- the heavier trailer + surge brake OR the lighter trailer w/o surge brakes?

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Todd E · 06-06-2003, 05:56 AM

Well, easier on the engine would be the lighter weight version, but easier on your brake system would be the auto surge brake version.
Truthfully, your truck should do fine with either one (assuming the same amount of stuff loaded into each). The 350 lb difference isn't much considering the weight of everething else you'll be loading into it.
That said, I'd go for the larger one. Less chance for the trailer to push you farther than you want to go.
Just make sure you're not overloading the carrying capasity of your truck.

mtnbkr · 06-06-2003, 06:13 AM

I used a U-Haul trailor similar to the 5x8 you list last weekend (actually, it was a 5x9). I loaded it up with about 150lbs of brush and other junk I was taking to the landfill. I couldn't tell it was back there when stopping and only barely noticed it when starting off from a full stop (I have a 5spd 3.4L).

Chris

jalaber · 06-06-2003, 06:20 AM

I had no problems with the 6x12 so I'd just say to take the larger of the two for the better braking system.

rwmorrisonjr · 06-06-2003, 06:43 AM

Had the same setup as pictured above (even the same color!) when I helped afriend move to Colorado from Virginia. Had no problems towing, but kept speed to around 60 MPH for safety reasons.

Poul D'eau · 06-06-2003, 07:23 AM

The best advice that I can give is go for the bigger one (you might need the space and the brakes cant hurt) I moved about 1600 miles with a 6x12 without too many problems, just make sure the front is heaver than the rear of the trailer - it will give you control problems!!!

If my 3.slow with an AT could climb out of San Diego without any problems your 3.4 sould be ok.

06-06-2003, 05:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
Todd E Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 384	Well, easier on the engine would be the lighter weight version, but easier on your brake system would be the auto surge brake version. Truthfully, your truck should do fine with either one (assuming the same amount of stuff loaded into each). The 350 lb difference isn't much considering the weight of everething else you'll be loading into it. That said, I'd go for the larger one. Less chance for the trailer to push you farther than you want to go. Just make sure you're not overloading the carrying capasity of your truck. __________________ 1986 2wd Xtracab Longbed "Woody edition" 4" lift (3" suspension, 1" body), Allpro 5" lift rear springs 265/70/17 Dueler Revos, 8" rear axle - 5.29's & lockright SR5 guage cluster - glowing red Going prerunner for now, saving for longtravel kit...

06-06-2003, 06:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
jalaber Contributing Member Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: May 2002 Location: NY Posts: 860	I had no problems with the 6x12 so I'd just say to take the larger of the two for the better braking system. __________________ -J.A. 2007 4Runner Sport 1999 4Runner Highlander My Runners 4Runner Topsites 4Runner Diecasts

06-06-2003, 06:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
rwmorrisonjr Contributing Member Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Home: Aurora, CO; Work: The People's Republic of Denver Posts: 1,991	Had the same setup as pictured above (even the same color!) when I helped afriend move to Colorado from Virginia. Had no problems towing, but kept speed to around 60 MPH for safety reasons. __________________ DD: 2006 Jeep Commander Sport 4.7l Trail rig: 1984 BII, 2.8, MSD 6A & Blaster 2 coil, Holley 2300, C5, OEM 1350, 7.5 & D28 with 4.56s, 33x12.50 BFG AT KOs on 15x8 black steelies, new "jeep" seats. Ugly but it runs and its paid for! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life."- Robert A. Heinlein

06-06-2003, 07:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
Poul D'eau Contributing Member Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Shrevevegas, LA Posts: 241	The best advice that I can give is go for the bigger one (you might need the space and the brakes cant hurt) I moved about 1600 miles with a 6x12 without too many problems, just make sure the front is heaver than the rear of the trailer - it will give you control problems!!! If my 3.slow with an AT could climb out of San Diego without any problems your 3.4 sould be ok. __________________ Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web. 08 FJ Cruiser, no mods yet. 72 FJ55 Getting it back to daily driver. 2nd gen. OME steering stablizer, Collander air box mod, Jardine cat back, Bridgestone Revos, OME comfort shocks with OME 900's, Hella 550 fogs and FF 50 driving lights, Uniden 68 elite cb

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06-06-2003, 06:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
mtnbkr Contributing Member Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 458	I used a U-Haul trailor similar to the 5x8 you list last weekend (actually, it was a 5x9). I loaded it up with about 150lbs of brush and other junk I was taking to the landfill. I couldn't tell it was back there when stopping and only barely noticed it when starting off from a full stop (I have a 5spd 3.4L). Chris

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