Hi Everyone,

I have a towing question. I wanted to ask here because there is a lot of experience and I have basically zero experience towing. I have a 2019 XL Crew cab 2wd, 3.5EB and 3.55 rear end ratio. It has the trailer tow package and the backup assist. I want to tow a project vehicle about 275 miles across the state. (FL) The vehicle I want to tow is a 1973 GMC Sierra 1500. Its a long bed and the doorjamb sticker says its 5400 GVWR. The wheelbase is about 130 inches. I wanted to rent a uhaul Auto Transport trailer. I went through the routine on the uhaul site to price out and confirm the rental and it said that the trailer is not recommended for that configuration... My Ford F150 hauling my gmc. Just for kicks I put in that my vehicle was an F-250 and it seemed like it would allow that configuration.

Is towing this GMC with my F150 sketchy and maybe pushing limits? Any idea what would be the limiting factor and/or why it didn't seem to like that my towing vehicle was the F150? I can go into the local Uhaul place and talk to them and hopefully get someone knowledgeable that can explain. Thought I might try to get some education here first. The uhaul website (separately) says the max load of the trailer is 5290 which appears to be less than the weight of the GMC, but entering the make model info into pricing/reservation section on the uhaul website it doesn't tell me why it would approve a rental if I had the F250 but not the F150.

Anyway, like I said I am a newb and thought I would ask people with experience. Thanks for any and all info.

 

Well, the maximum weight for a U-Haul auto transport trailer is 5290 lbs per the website. You stated the GMC is heavier so that is a liability on you should something happen during transit. The trailer weight is 2290 lbs. so the total weight is around 7700 lbs. The only way to get past the U-Haul trailer selection option is to lie about the cargo type.

What is your payload rating on the yellow and GVWR on the white/light blue door stickers? Tongue weight will probably be close to 15% (1155 lbs.) because an auto transport is supposed to be loaded heavy on the front (i.e. vehicle engine forward of trailer tires).

 

Thanks for the reply! Payload looks like 1992 and the GVWR is 6750. My project truck has aluminum heads and a few leaf springs removed, surely that is more than a 110 lb weight reduction? haha. Thank you again.

 

Probably do to the base 5000lbs towing on the F150. Last time I rented one they had to verify the truck had a receiver hitch before renting it, I forget what I was hauling.

I would stop by and talk to them.

 

That GM does not weigh 5400 pounds that is the gross it can weigh, just like the F150 GVWR. I bet it will tow it with out a problem. You just have to basically tell Uhaul you are towing a project, my dealer had to look at the setup when I was done to ensure it was safe, but that took the liability off me. Just put in a smaller car and rent it. Use it return it and have a great day.

 

I doubt it weighs much over 4000 pounds.

 

1974 Long Bed, 400 SBC with iron intake and exhaust manifolds, TH350, PS, PB, AC weighed 4100 lb with a 1/4 Tank of Fuel on NHRA Certified Scales.