jumper_bob

Hi guys.

About to move from SW Colo to Palm Beach, FL, area.

87 4runner with 220k miles, runs great, but obviously not a super powerful engine.
Truck currently has 265/75/16 tires, stock gears.

We are looking at cheapest moving options, one that is high on our list is to buy a used trailer, move with it, then sell on the East Coast.

This comes in at a far cheaper/better cost than renting trailer from UHaul. They are expensive, and I am not excited about their trailer quality, and they are the only option for non-local trailer rental.

Considering a 4x8, or 5x9 trailer, we don't have a whole lot of stuff, and could maybe make it fit into that size.
Using the factory tow hitch.

Have thought about a 6x12 trailer, but they are much heavier, although they tend to have double axles and brakes, which would be nice. I have extensive experience with trucks and trailers of all sizes, from this size up to big rig driving; so I am aware of the different aspects affected ranging from stopping power, to extra engine load, cooling, etc.

I have never towed a trailer with this truck before, except for an empty car dolly.
The leaf springs are currently shot, but I am more than likely to do the ZukMod. Just got laid off recently, so would rather not spend the money on new leafs, so am leaning towards the Zuk's instead. But if others say that the Zuk mod is not good for extra weight capacity, then I will bite the bullet and get new leafs.

Anyone out there with experience with a similar vehicle (old, slightly weak, etc) and how it did while towing a similar size trailer? I am planning on downsizing to ~31x10.50 tires or similar, 245's, etc, mine are currently BFG MTs, and worn out anyways, and too big to tow a trailer with. So I am guessing that with the smaller tires and slight-ass-lift of the Zuk's, everything should be okay; albeit I am guessing a tad on the slow side.

Will be all interstate driving, mostly flats on the route we are taking - I-40 thru New Mexico, Texas, I-20 down to the coast, then I-10 along the coast. I know better than to take this setup up (or down) any hills of any size. Have recently re-done the front end bearings, hubs, and new brakes, so those are good; I plan on doing the rear bearings as well before the trip (unknown age/condition right now).

Engine is very solid; new timing chain, water, oil pumps, etc; PS pump is good, belts and all other underhood stuff is great. Gonna give her a lil tune-up soon to be running as well as possible.

So, any feedback from others who have towed similar loads with a similar vehicle? Was it remotely practical? Were you able to travel at a decent enough speed to be on the interstate and not a hazard? (55-60 mph on flats?) Stock braking system work well enough for this small trailer? Cooling system? I am reasonably sure this would work fine, but would love to hear from others with a similar experience.

Thanks, Scott

fdp101452

You know your rig better than anybody else. I personally would consider a flat bed trailer and tarp everything down. I know, I don't like tarps either but a flat bed would catch a lot less wind and be easier on the truck. Good luck to ya, however you go.

jumper_bob

Flat bed / tarp is a good idea; I had not considered that. Especially seeing as how, last year, while driving the RV thru a Utah windstorm, we not only had our awning ripped off and almost tipped over the RV (yes it was that windy), saw a guy in a classic 55 Chevy pulling a matching pop-up, passed us on the interstate, and two cars ahead, the wind lifted his trailer up off the road, flipped it over, and slammed it upside down - trailer explosion!!! So a flat bed is def worth considering for the wind factor, thanks.

ThatGuy1295

Flats definitely the deal. You'll be able to haul more weight with less drag. But the 5x9 would pull pretty decently. I pull a 7' x 16' camping trailer that weighs over 3,200 pounds all over with my tacoma. Im able to hold speed with everybody else, except for passes and real steep grades. The 3.4 has more power but its still the same truck as far as handling and braking goes as yours. They probably weigh pretty close to the same. Honestly these trucks handle and stop fine pulling even 5,000 pounds with good trailer brakes and proper load positioning. But power is definitely the limiting factor when pulling.

So my vote is youll be fine with either a flat trailer (long as you dont overload), or the 5x9, but I wouldnt recommend trying the 6x12, not with a 22re anyways. A small hill would put you down to 3rd gear just trying to stay near the speed limit. Best of luck on your move.

JohnnyCanuck

I haul a tent trailer with my truck, dry weight is just under 1000 lbs, I have around 300 lbs gear. My truck doesn't tear up the pavement but it does just fine.

ThatGuy1295

I did pull my wheeling rig on a car trailer with my taco once. It sucked.
The trailer weighs around 1500lbs and my wheeler is about 4,800 exocaged.

So I tried pulling around 6,300lbs with trailer brakes of coarse and surprisingly it handled ok once I got up to speed. But it had almost no acceleration. 0-60 in 2 hours

JohnnyCanuck

Usually we haul the tent trailer and kayaks with my wifes subaru forester but I found a drop hitch and was surprised how well my truck did, aside from hills!

Here's our tent trailer and wifes rig:

ThatGuy1295

Niice setup Johnny.

I got this a couple years ago.

JohnnyCanuck

Nice! How much does the Escape weigh?

ThatGuy1295

Says in the owners manual 2600lbs dry. And Max of 3,350 I think
It holds a bit of water, dual batteries, and other camping gear.

JohnnyCanuck

hmmm not bad at all.

jumper_bob

Awesome guys, thanks for the feedback. Yah I was pretty certain that, except for the acceleration issue, everything would be fine.

Lol I already get 0-60 in about 2hrs, so it might be up to 3hrs now for a freeway merge with a trailer... and my wife has to pee every 45 mins, so I may never get up to the speed limit

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

I feel sorry for you moving to Florida !

If it was me driving the combination unless this move is a timed event !!

I would take my time and stay off the interstates but I have driven them all and they put me to sleep.

Since your wife has to pee so often no real advantage

wavekayaker

My old room mate moved to the Florida Keys with my old 87 Runner he bought from me. He towed a Uhaul box trailer with his Harley from South Carolina. He ran 70 the whole way (it's flat). The truck was very well maintained and had a v6 radiator. The truck did great.

Good luck!

ToyoTech559

even tho i have a v6, i use to pull a 5x10 trailer with gear and a quad. i have done the zuk mod and it wont have any issues handling the weight. if anything, the more weight the better with zuk mod. i did mine with 98 4runner rear coil springs.