I see small van-based trucks running around here with Uhaul paint schemes frequently. All Uhaul markings are removed, but clearly once a Uhaul vehicle. I just assumed they're cycled out units.
Let's talk trailers
- Thread starter lowell66dart
- Start date
I see small van-based trucks running around here with Uhaul paint schemes frequently. All Uhaul markings are removed, but clearly once a Uhaul vehicle. I just assumed they're cycled out units.
I have a 20' tilt deck trailer with carries my LJ plus a couple of motorcycles but have been considering a car dolly for pulling behind the motorhome. When I am not dry camping in the desert, the trailer becomes an issue in campsites. The car tow dolly would be much shorter to stow while not using it.
Never owned one, just trailers. Downsides to a Car Tow Dolly? Flat towing seems to cup my front tires.
Never owned one, just trailers. Downsides to a Car Tow Dolly? Flat towing seems to cup my front tires.
Timely topic for me as I’m picking up a 2024 F350 this weekend.
I really don’t need to long of a trailer to haul extra stuff besides the LJ so which would y’all recommend 16’ or 18’.
Eyeing the big Tex trailer line at the moment.
Also, as far as U-Haul trailers go, might need to rent one if I can’t find a trailer I’d like to purchase.
Should I be concerned with using a U-Haul trailer to haul the LJ about 3k miles on a trip?
TIA for your thoughts.
I really don’t need to long of a trailer to haul extra stuff besides the LJ so which would y’all recommend 16’ or 18’.
Eyeing the big Tex trailer line at the moment.
Also, as far as U-Haul trailers go, might need to rent one if I can’t find a trailer I’d like to purchase.
Should I be concerned with using a U-Haul trailer to haul the LJ about 3k miles on a trip?
TIA for your thoughts.
Trailers are for carrying the load, and in my view, also protecting the load (sacrificial). I always want a trailer that is longer than the vehicle or equipment I put on top. If someone rear ends me, it's the trailer that takes the brunt of the hit, not my vehicle or tractor etc. Also, longer trailers handle better.
Agreed. Also, you want a trailer longer than the load so when you secure the load, the forces of the straps can be in opposite directions, forward and backward. I grew up with a dad who drove a semi. From a very early age we were taught that IF the trailer rolls over, the load better stay attached. When I haul a vehicle, I have at a minimum of 4 straps total, one attached at each corner.
I don't want any shorter than a 20' trailer. I'm looking at a 24' because it is only $300 more than a 20' and only weighs 200# more.
I've driven by the BigTex HQ located on I-30, about two hours east of Dallas. They must have hundreds of trailers in their yards. You might stop by and see if they will deal. They also have a big sales lot in Baton Rouge. My friend has had one for twenty years with no problems.
I pulled a Uhaul trailer with my LJ on it about 850 miles. No problem and I certainly went over 55, that sticker was stuck on by their lawyers.
If you have tires bigger than about 31-33 inches you will need to use your own straps or find a way to extend theirs.
I also towed my first TJ with 285/75/17 on it about 32.5 inches. Had to air down the front tires and compress them with other ratchet straps to get the Uhaul straps to get started in the ratchet. When I picked up the LJ it had 35's on it so I brought all my own straps.
If you have tires bigger than about 31-33 inches you will need to use your own straps or find a way to extend theirs.
I also towed my first TJ with 285/75/17 on it about 32.5 inches. Had to air down the front tires and compress them with other ratchet straps to get the Uhaul straps to get started in the ratchet. When I picked up the LJ it had 35's on it so I brought all my own straps.
Thats a good length and it appears that even 16 footer would be ok. I have to assume you dont really need that beaver tail on the end unless you are able to skip ramps, that would be nice.
Thanks everyone for the replies and advice from people unlike me who have experience at this.
Will bump up my trailer length and also see if I can “borrow” one of brother in laws trailers instead of using a u-haul if I can’t find a trailer that I like before the trip.
Will bump up my trailer length and also see if I can “borrow” one of brother in laws trailers instead of using a u-haul if I can’t find a trailer that I like before the trip.
Good to know.
LJ has 285/75 R16’s so definitely would need some extended straps.
Might need to go this route if my borrow a trailer doesn’t work out.
Thx
I could load the jeep with or without ramps. Took work to load my Mach 1 on there the ramps needed extensions.
I want to get an 18ft or 20ft, 10k rating. I currently have a 16ft, 7k rated trailer. It's tows great though and makes it a little easier for tight camping areas we often visit. The lj is about 1k away from maxing it out with the empty weight around 1600 lbs.
I used a weight distribution hitch because 1/2 ton payload. Radial tires make life easier too.
I used a weight distribution hitch because 1/2 ton payload. Radial tires make life easier too.
My ex-employer had a couple of BigTex trailers. At least one of them was some kind of semi-custom setup - we gave them the length, cargo weight, and what kind of fenders etc we wanted, and they cranked it out. This was back in the 90s, dunno if they do it that way anymore or not. Damn good trailer and it was comparatively cheap.
Decided to just rent the u-haul car hauling trailer when I need to haul the LJR.
Still debating about spending the extra $ on an aluminum trailer.
Tow pig is a 2024 F-350 diesel short bed so don’t anticipate too much drama when towing.
Thanks again for everyone’s input!
Still debating about spending the extra $ on an aluminum trailer.
Tow pig is a 2024 F-350 diesel short bed so don’t anticipate too much drama when towing.
Thanks again for everyone’s input!
Probably the wise decision considering storage costs etc unless you have property. Just need your own straps if bigger than 33's.
