Hello, I am getting ready to move from SoCal to Colorado, a bit of a haul. I'm trying to figure out what size of Uhaul trailer to rent, the 4x8 780lbs or the 5x8 900lbs? I can pretty much throw away my stuff as space dictates, but would prefer to leave with as many possessions as is safe for my truck. GCWR is 5080, my truck is an 1986 22RE extended cab 5-speed recent rebuilt tranny and engine. I have a smitty built bumper that needs to be replaced, any suggestions there? And I am really not wishing to kill my truck or greatly reduce its life. Original frame has 290K on it, not any real rust, no crashes. Tires show midwear, but are still fine. Brakes are fine. Any other towing suggestions are also appreciated. I did look at other postings for this issue and got some info, but most of the threads are for towing cars or other heavier items. Thanks
theo [color:"red"] [/color]

I hauled the 5x8 over 1000 miles with my 1st gen. I had it grossly overloaded and had no problems. I do have Manroe coil over shocks on the back and they helped a lot.

Thanks for the reply. What kind of terrain did you drive over, flat or hills?

my dad towed the 5x8 uhaul w/ his 2005 honda accord from virginia to florida. he said it wasnt bad at all. but it def. wasnt my idea. your truck will be fine w/ the 5x8, believe me.

I'd also see if the trailer might have some electric or inertia brakes; it'll save you on the downsides.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SAFETY CHAINS and a good spare for the trailer. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />

Trailer weight is one thing; the stuff you throw in is another. Get the tare weight at a local scale before you load; gross weight after, for total weight you'll be lugging.

I'd either take I 20 to I25 and north, or I15 to I80 and east. I70 has some pretty long steep grade from the west to Eisenhower Tunnel. Raton Pass on the NM/CO border has its steep spots, but isn't as long a grade.

Couple thoughts.

Also, try to get your weight evenly spaced on the trailer. I've towed a trailer with 2 quads on it a few times, and one time I loaded them too far forward, and the trailer dangerously swayed back and forth the whole way up, but when I loaded them properly the way back, all was fine.

60/40 split works best.

Get the 6x12... It has brakes, while the 5x8 does not.

may want to fill up with mid grade gas as well -- it'll keep you from pinging while towing a heavy load.

There has been some great suggestions here, I just want to stress the importance of getting the U-Haul with the electric brakes. I hauled a 2nd gen 4 Runner on a tow dolly with my 22re and it towed it fine (55 mph max), however during breaking I overheated the rotors managed to warp them pretty bad.

I have towed the 6x12 Uhaul trailer from Sac to LA and back with no problems and that includes going up the grapevine. The trailer having brakes really helps. If you need a new hitch, look into a receiver hitch (junkyard or ebay) that will bolt up to the frame and an adjustable drop hitch. This way you can adjust the trailer so its level which helps when pulling in and out of gas stations so you wonÆt drag the back end of the trailer.

For trailer lights, look for the adapter kit that plugs into you tail lights so you wonÆt have to cut any wires. Look for Hoppy p/n 43315 or Valley p/n 33315 for your t-connector, about $35 - $40.

Also, when you rent from Uhaul, they donÆt like renting trailers to those with 4 cyl engines. They wouldnÆt rent me a tow dolly for that reason. I went to another place and said I had a V6 and drove out with the dolly.