This is my first truck (XLT with FX4 and 5.0 v8) and it will be the first time I tow something, but it will be a 1200+ miles trip with a Uhaul 6x12 trailer. I have some novice questions needing you suggestion:
- Will a 2 in ball mount with 2 in drop work perfectly with the trailer?
- I will have about 2000lbs to transport so should I put all in the trailer? Or should I put couple hundred lbs on the bed and the rest in trailer?

Thanks.

 

6x12 Cargo Trailer Rental | U-Haul (uhaul.com)

So the trailer weighs 1,920 but is double axle...probably around 300 pounds tongue weight? I'd simply put everything in the trailer, try to kind of balance it out to where you aren't really 'front heavy' and thus making the tongue weight overly high.
Go practice some corners in a safe place if you're not really familiar with towing...you'll be surprised how wide you may have to make your right-hand turns.

 

You may notice it takes longer to slow down the load as well -leave additional space for braking, and brake earlier than you'd expect. At least until you get a feel for the braking effort required.

Very very good tip about the wide right turns. You'll be running over toes at the crosswalk if you turn in a conventional manner.
Watch your mirrors to make sure the trailer is staying within the lines -it will be at least as wide as your truck I think. I haven't towed with this full size truck yet to remember how wide a u-haul is compared to the truck.

If you are making this a multi day trip, check the hitch connection, electrical connection and safety chains each day before you pull out of your parking area. Check the load too if necessary.

Maybe not bad to check tire pressure on the trailer each day too.

 

I agree with bajaman. Keep the bed empty or mostly empty. Try to balance the weight in the trailer. More weight in the front is better than more weight in the back though.

Take wider turns, keep more distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you and keep your speed in check. You'll gain confidence and get a feel for the trailer after being on the road a while.

For the ball mount, there's no real way of knowing until you get there and see. Unless someone on here has towed the same trailer and can chime in.

I remember how it felt my first few times towing. It is nerve wracking for sure. Just take it easy and you'll be fine. That amount of weight is nothing for your truck.

 

Good advice.

So...looking at the U-Haul info, it only says "must not exceed the allowable 25" trailer ball height"...
Jeebus...that is crazy tall. I would think more along the lines of 20", which is where the o.p. should be with his 2" drop, don't you think?

 

I think a 2" drop will put him around 17-18, but not certain.

 

well, you won't truly know how much drop you need til you hook up. I made a guess on towing my 38' TT and lucked out. the 1 ton dropped 2 inches when hooked up and then I used the WD hitch to level it out. sooo, if you can afford it, get an adjustable hitch that you can adjust (if need be) once the loaded trailer is hooked up. or make a WAG and you could luck out too. I may be doing the same thing cause I doubt the F150 I'm getting, will sink only 2inches. Which kinda sux because I will need ANOTHER hitch before Memorial day weekend.

Good Luck

Zee

 

Also, don't forget Tow/Haul mode.

 

i have rented the 6x12 trailer from UHaul several times - two inch drop works fine.

 

That’s a good size trailer to start with.

Not super wide so you should be okay using stock F150 mirrors.
You won’t be able to see over it so you will get the hang of not having your rear view.

Will be good practice.
You should even find an empty lot or two along the way and practice backing it up.
Smaller trailers are more difficult than longer ones, so don’t feel bad.