Towing 6"X12" U-Haul Trailer
11-14-2013, 01:58 PM
#21
Doing between 65-70 mph will be fine. 6th gear will engage, even in tow/haul mode. You can lock it manually when you get into hilly terrain so as to not bounce back and forth.
11-14-2013, 02:29 PM
#22
Senior Member
I have towed with a uhaul trailer and ai have loaded a car and towed it behind a uhaul truck. As most have said, if you can fit it in the 6x12 uhaul trailer your most likely better off. If you do hit some weather you can always slow down and put it in 4 wheel drive to get you thru. Your mileage with the F150 and trailer will be better than the uhaul truck w/ or w/o a car behind it.
As for the uhaul trailer, the 45mph is a safety & liability issue. If you pack well (i.e. balanced load left to right and at leaat 60 of the weight between the hitch and the axle), and check the tire pressure you will be good to just over 70mph on open highway. When you get in to the cities where the highway tends to twist more and you have idiots jumping on and off. Relax, slow down and drive in the #2 lane, stop you from getting cutoff as much and you do not have to guess whether the car coming up the on ramp is going to give you right of way, poke along and screw everything to hell or race a head and jam the breaks. As someone already said, there is a dramatic difference in feel when you exceed 75mph towing. There is alot of wind force and otherthing, even with my little utility trailer loaded to 1200 or 1400 lbs I rarely puch over 75, and only when there is light traffic and open road (no tight bends like you get in the cities).
Just to emphasize tire pressure. The tire pressure on the trailer can make it tow like a champ or make it buck like a brama bull. Make sure the tire pressure is the same on each tire. I assume you will be stopping for the night at least once. Make sure to check the tires before you roll out in the morning. It is best to check them cold and add air when they are cold as it provide a more accurite reading from tire to tire. FYI, make sure the tires on the truck are aired up as well, particularly the rear axle. I would suggest using the max cold PSI on the tire not the door sticker. The Cold PSI on the tire will provide max performance and weight carrying capacity for the tire. And it is always easier to let a little out when there hot to adjust the ride then it is to accuritatly add enough when there hot. Also tires an max PSI create less rolling resistance and therefore better MPG. Good luck, safe trip. PS unless both cars have hands free phone systems pick up a couple of cheap walkie talkies so you can talk to the wife when your driving, i.e. emergency stop to check the trailer, or one of the kids suddenly need sto use the bathroom. It will also make driving easier as you do not need to be right behind one another.
As for the uhaul trailer, the 45mph is a safety & liability issue. If you pack well (i.e. balanced load left to right and at leaat 60 of the weight between the hitch and the axle), and check the tire pressure you will be good to just over 70mph on open highway. When you get in to the cities where the highway tends to twist more and you have idiots jumping on and off. Relax, slow down and drive in the #2 lane, stop you from getting cutoff as much and you do not have to guess whether the car coming up the on ramp is going to give you right of way, poke along and screw everything to hell or race a head and jam the breaks. As someone already said, there is a dramatic difference in feel when you exceed 75mph towing. There is alot of wind force and otherthing, even with my little utility trailer loaded to 1200 or 1400 lbs I rarely puch over 75, and only when there is light traffic and open road (no tight bends like you get in the cities).
Just to emphasize tire pressure. The tire pressure on the trailer can make it tow like a champ or make it buck like a brama bull. Make sure the tire pressure is the same on each tire. I assume you will be stopping for the night at least once. Make sure to check the tires before you roll out in the morning. It is best to check them cold and add air when they are cold as it provide a more accurite reading from tire to tire. FYI, make sure the tires on the truck are aired up as well, particularly the rear axle. I would suggest using the max cold PSI on the tire not the door sticker. The Cold PSI on the tire will provide max performance and weight carrying capacity for the tire. And it is always easier to let a little out when there hot to adjust the ride then it is to accuritatly add enough when there hot. Also tires an max PSI create less rolling resistance and therefore better MPG. Good luck, safe trip. PS unless both cars have hands free phone systems pick up a couple of cheap walkie talkies so you can talk to the wife when your driving, i.e. emergency stop to check the trailer, or one of the kids suddenly need sto use the bathroom. It will also make driving easier as you do not need to be right behind one another.
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moend (11-14-2013)
11-14-2013, 04:20 PM
#23
Moe
Thread Starter
Also can I go 60-65 with my truck pulling the trailer or that is to much. is it gonna hurt the truck mechanically?
11-14-2013, 04:34 PM
#24
Moe
Thread Starter
I have towed with a uhaul trailer and ai have loaded a car and towed it behind a uhaul truck. As most have said, if you can fit it in the 6x12 uhaul trailer your most likely better off. If you do hit some weather you can always slow down and put it in 4 wheel drive to get you thru. Your mileage with the F150 and trailer will be better than the uhaul truck w/ or w/o a car behind it.
As for the uhaul trailer, the 45mph is a safety & liability issue. If you pack well (i.e. balanced load left to right and at leaat 60 of the weight between the hitch and the axle), and check the tire pressure you will be good to just over 70mph on open highway. When you get in to the cities where the highway tends to twist more and you have idiots jumping on and off. Relax, slow down and drive in the #2 lane, stop you from getting cutoff as much and you do not have to guess whether the car coming up the on ramp is going to give you right of way, poke along and screw everything to hell or race a head and jam the breaks. As someone already said, there is a dramatic difference in feel when you exceed 75mph towing. There is alot of wind force and otherthing, even with my little utility trailer loaded to 1200 or 1400 lbs I rarely puch over 75, and only when there is light traffic and open road (no tight bends like you get in the cities).
Just to emphasize tire pressure. The tire pressure on the trailer can make it tow like a champ or make it buck like a brama bull. Make sure the tire pressure is the same on each tire. I assume you will be stopping for the night at least once. Make sure to check the tires before you roll out in the morning. It is best to check them cold and add air when they are cold as it provide a more accurite reading from tire to tire. FYI, make sure the tires on the truck are aired up as well, particularly the rear axle. I would suggest using the max cold PSI on the tire not the door sticker. The Cold PSI on the tire will provide max performance and weight carrying capacity for the tire. And it is always easier to let a little out when there hot to adjust the ride then it is to accuritatly add enough when there hot. Also tires an max PSI create less rolling resistance and therefore better MPG. Good luck, safe trip. PS unless both cars have hands free phone systems pick up a couple of cheap walkie talkies so you can talk to the wife when your driving, i.e. emergency stop to check the trailer, or one of the kids suddenly need sto use the bathroom. It will also make driving easier as you do not need to be right behind one another.
As for the uhaul trailer, the 45mph is a safety & liability issue. If you pack well (i.e. balanced load left to right and at leaat 60 of the weight between the hitch and the axle), and check the tire pressure you will be good to just over 70mph on open highway. When you get in to the cities where the highway tends to twist more and you have idiots jumping on and off. Relax, slow down and drive in the #2 lane, stop you from getting cutoff as much and you do not have to guess whether the car coming up the on ramp is going to give you right of way, poke along and screw everything to hell or race a head and jam the breaks. As someone already said, there is a dramatic difference in feel when you exceed 75mph towing. There is alot of wind force and otherthing, even with my little utility trailer loaded to 1200 or 1400 lbs I rarely puch over 75, and only when there is light traffic and open road (no tight bends like you get in the cities).
Just to emphasize tire pressure. The tire pressure on the trailer can make it tow like a champ or make it buck like a brama bull. Make sure the tire pressure is the same on each tire. I assume you will be stopping for the night at least once. Make sure to check the tires before you roll out in the morning. It is best to check them cold and add air when they are cold as it provide a more accurite reading from tire to tire. FYI, make sure the tires on the truck are aired up as well, particularly the rear axle. I would suggest using the max cold PSI on the tire not the door sticker. The Cold PSI on the tire will provide max performance and weight carrying capacity for the tire. And it is always easier to let a little out when there hot to adjust the ride then it is to accuritatly add enough when there hot. Also tires an max PSI create less rolling resistance and therefore better MPG. Good luck, safe trip. PS unless both cars have hands free phone systems pick up a couple of cheap walkie talkies so you can talk to the wife when your driving, i.e. emergency stop to check the trailer, or one of the kids suddenly need sto use the bathroom. It will also make driving easier as you do not need to be right behind one another.
Thank you!
11-14-2013, 05:03 PM
#25
Not trying to start a disagreement just saying. Is your truck a manual or something special. Just tell her its a longer car wider turns and easy on the gas. Go to a huge empty parking lot put up some cones and set up course and kick back she cant hit anything if there is nothing to hit. Again was not trying to start anything.
11-14-2013, 05:10 PM
#26
Senior Member
Thank you for all the help. what PSI should I put in the truck and the trailer and yes sir we both have Bluetooth deal in our vehicles, I am planing not to go over 65mph just to be safe is that ok on the truck? what you reckon: me driving in the front or the wife? the way she breaks is awful she slam them Sun-of-guns like there is no tomorrow and I am afraid I will run into her. Also, do you think the trailer will kick a lot of rocks on her car if she drive behind me?
Thank you!
Thank you!
2. 65 is fine with your truck. Just look ahead further than normal to anticipate problems.
3. Do not try to stay right with with your wife, or have her follow close behind you. I have actually seen collisions because one of the parties in a group traveling together were following to close. Use your communication device, or better yet, get you a couple of the family radios. They work great for traveling with multiple vehicles.
4. Rocks will not be a problem, (see #3). Keep a safe following distance. She should be able to stay several vehicles behind you and still keep you in sight. You may not be able to see her in your mirror, but she will be able to see your truck and trailer. Put a bumper sticker or some sort of visual que for her to identify the trailer. It's amazing how many Uhaul trailers are on the road at the same time you are.
5. Discuss a meeting point if you should get separated. When you stop, always make sure she knows what you next stopping point will be to include the exit number. Make sure she knows the route, or has it written down with her. Simple directions. Nothing complicated.
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moend (11-14-2013)
11-14-2013, 05:13 PM
#27
Moe
Thread Starter
1. I use the max sidewall pressure when towing. Use the pressure that UHaul wants on the trailer.
2. 65 is fine with your truck. Just look ahead further than normal to anticipate problems.
3. Do not try to stay right with with your wife, or have her follow close behind you. I have actually seen collisions because one of the parties in a group traveling together were following to close. Use your communication device, or better yet, get you a couple of the family radios. They work great for traveling with multiple vehicles.
4. Rocks will not be a problem, (see #3). Keep a safe following distance. She should be able to stay several vehicles behind you and still keep you in sight. You may not be able to see her in your mirror, but she will be able to see your truck and trailer. Put a bumper sticker or some sort of visual que for her to identify the trailer. It's amazing how many Uhaul trailers are on the road at the same time you are.
5. Discuss a meeting point if you should get separated. When you stop, always make sure she knows what you next stopping point will be to include the exit number. Make sure she knows the route, or has it written down with her. Simple directions. Nothing complicated.
2. 65 is fine with your truck. Just look ahead further than normal to anticipate problems.
3. Do not try to stay right with with your wife, or have her follow close behind you. I have actually seen collisions because one of the parties in a group traveling together were following to close. Use your communication device, or better yet, get you a couple of the family radios. They work great for traveling with multiple vehicles.
4. Rocks will not be a problem, (see #3). Keep a safe following distance. She should be able to stay several vehicles behind you and still keep you in sight. You may not be able to see her in your mirror, but she will be able to see your truck and trailer. Put a bumper sticker or some sort of visual que for her to identify the trailer. It's amazing how many Uhaul trailers are on the road at the same time you are.
5. Discuss a meeting point if you should get separated. When you stop, always make sure she knows what you next stopping point will be to include the exit number. Make sure she knows the route, or has it written down with her. Simple directions. Nothing complicated.
man thank you very much, and I think you are right i should buy me a radio of some sort, just because i am sure AT&T gonna loose reception at some point of our travel.
Thanks again
11-14-2013, 07:03 PM
#28
Senior Member
I wouldn't recommend anything over 70 . Your mpg's will decrease a lot above 65 and it will handle very different. Weight wise as long as you keep the trailer under 7k and it will tow fine without the max tow pkg.
I'd put my wife in front as I can see over her car and I tend to pay attention a lot more to road conditions than she does.
The hand held radio idea is great. You never know when one of you won't have service. So it's a great thing to have as long as the wife answers it..
Good luck...
I'd put my wife in front as I can see over her car and I tend to pay attention a lot more to road conditions than she does.
The hand held radio idea is great. You never know when one of you won't have service. So it's a great thing to have as long as the wife answers it..
Good luck...
11-15-2013, 06:07 PM
#29
Senior Member
Not trying to start a disagreement just saying. Is your truck a manual or something special. Just tell her its a longer car wider turns and easy on the gas. Go to a huge empty parking lot put up some cones and set up course and kick back she cant hit anything if there is nothing to hit. Again was not trying to start anything.
The following users liked this post:
moend (11-15-2013)
11-16-2013, 11:21 PM
#30
3. Do not try to stay right with with your wife, or have her follow close behind you. I have actually seen collisions because one of the parties in a group traveling together were following to close. Use your communication device, or better yet, get you a couple of the family radios. They work great for traveling with multiple vehicles.
Nobody should decide beforehand how fast you will go. The truck & trailer & conditions decide that. You can have a goal, but don't be too set on it. You don't want to ruin the truck for another 5 MPH. And braking & handling with a trailer can be downright dangerous.