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I have a 2004 Escalade in great condition. I am moving from San Diego to MN in June. I am driving and towing a small uhaul trailer. No furniture just boxes of personal stuff and clothing. I have never towed before and am wondering how difficult this is and any tips.
Not difficult, and a 2004 Escalade should be more than adequate. Here are a few tips:
1. Load heavier stuff in the front of the trailer. The front needs to be significantly heavier than the rear (a few hundred pounds tongue weight), otherwise it will wag like the tail on a dog.
2. Take photos of the trailer before you leave so you can't be blamed for pre-existing damage.
3. Make sure all the lights work before you leave. Trailer lights are notoriously unreliable.
4. Make wide turns. It's easy to hit stuff with a trailer if you're not paying attention.
Not difficult, and a 2004 Escalade should be more than adequate. Here are a few tips:
1. Load heavier stuff in the front of the trailer. The front needs to be significantly heavier than the rear (a few hundred pounds tongue weight), otherwise it will wag like the tail on a dog.
2. Take photos of the trailer before you leave so you can't be blamed for pre-existing damage.
3. Make sure all the lights work before you leave. Trailer lights are notoriously unreliable.
4. Make wide turns. It's easy to hit stuff with a trailer if you're not paying attention.
We've got a typo here... are you asking if u-haul will hook it up for you?
They *should* hook it up for you. But U-haul places vary a lot by location... it's very hit and miss. Some are a full-service location that will install hitches, do mechanical work, etc. Others are just a gas station. But pick a large U-haul store in a decent neighborhood, and I'm sure they'll hook it up for you.
It's not difficult at all to pull a small trailer but just don't forget it's back there. It's easy to do on a long tiring drive.
Also, keep an eye on the hitch hookup at every gas stop and kick the tires ever so often at stops to make sure they're still inflated. Check your lights in a safe area before dark.
Make sure you have the right jacks, tools and spare tires to be able to repair a flat tire on the trailer, or on your own vehicle, if you don't have AAA or someone like that who can come out and help. People just don't stop and help broken down cars on the side of the road these days. Ask my 67 year old wife.
Good luck and be safe.
PS:: Carry a good flashlight with you at all times.
Good advice already. Balanced loading, in particular. Note to allow extra time for slower speeds. Try to avoid getting yourself in tight spots/lots where you need to maneuver too much. Example, backing up takes some skill.
You should not have any problems, at all especially when considering the vehicle you are driving. Back up can be a little challenging but not impossible and you think ahead when pulling into a lot so you can park and exit without backing up.
Like the UHaul expression goes, An Adventure in Moving!
I have a 2004 Escalade in great condition. I am moving from San Diego to MN in June. I am driving and towing a small uhaul trailer. No furniture just boxes of personal stuff and clothing. I have never towed before and am wondering how difficult this is and any tips.
Here's the best advice you'll ever get.
Rent one for a day and practice driving around town and in and out of parking lots. Find a big parking lot with a large open area and practice backing up.
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