How hard is towing for a first timer? (Uhaul, U-Haul, rent a trailer)
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One option I have for moving my stuff from LA to Denver is to rent a trailer. U-Haul's 5x10 trailer weighs 1250lb empty (2800lb max), has two axles, and surge brakes. My tow vehicle would be a V6 4Runner (4300lb curb weight) with a max towing capacity of 5000lb and a max tongue weight of 500lb. I'll already have two cars to move so I'd rather not add a third (cargo truck) if I can avoid it.
One option I have for moving my stuff from LA to Denver is to rent a trailer. U-Haul's 5x10 trailer weighs 1250lb empty (2800lb max), has two axles, and surge brakes. My tow vehicle would be a V6 4Runner (4300lb curb weight) with a max towing capacity of 5000lb and a max tongue weight of 500lb. I'll already have two cars to move so I'd rather not add a third (cargo truck) if I can avoid it.
I can't comment on your vehicle & trailer, but towing's not that difficult. You have to watch out for wind, and passing/being passed by semi trucks is interesting. Keep in mind all that extra length.
We towed 1,000 pounds behind a 2001 Ford ZX2 a couple of years ago ... from Tucson, Arizona to Wilmington, Delaware. And then turned around and reversed the trip. The wind was against us on the way home, which made that drive exhausting, but it was otherwise not a problem.
Your biggest problem with this set up is the ratio on the length (& Weight) of the trailer vs. the wheel base of your 4Runner. Not saying it can't be done, but it is a dangerous combo for high risk driving conditions. The shorter wheel base on the 4Runner will make the trailer harder to stop, control and keep from jacking should you experience trouble areas on the highway. Examples: severe storm/weather conditions, sudden stops, sharp curves. Ideally, for that size of trailer and weight for that distance would be pick up truck for the sole reason of stability. I have previously worked for a towing company, I have seen my share of Uhaul trailer wrecks that could have been avoided with a better tow vehicle set up and/or more experienced driver. If the trailer gets out of control, it WILL flip your vehicle. Just an FYI.
As for towing - I have over 10yrs experience towing live weight in a bumper pull trailer that would be of similar specs you're looking at. My trailer is 12ft long, 1250lb empty and ranges 2500-4000lb loaded. The biggest rules you need to be aware of:
1. trailers are not meant to keep up in traffic. If you choose this set up, you NEED to keep a moderate speed of 60+/- for the trip.
2. you absolutely need to give yourself space and time to slow down, take turns more slowly. A loaded trailer needs 3-4 times the stopping distance compared to not pulling a trailer.
3. having a spotter traveling behind you to help spot for lane changes, etc is very helpful. Trailers can create blind spots and you can clip vehicles if you're not changing lanes into a clear lane. When I taught my husband how to haul, I would travel behind the trailer, and move over when the lane was clear for both rig and car. He knew if I could move over, he could move over.
It can be done, but please be careful and mindful of your traveling habits.
I don't plan on fully loading the trailer. I have a few items that I don't want to part with but if I carried them in the 4Runner, I'd have room for nothing else. U-Haul's next smaller trailer (5x8) is 900lb empty (2700 max) but lacks brakes and only has a single axle so I thought the 5x10 would be a safer choice given the extra axle, brakes, and lower profile despite being longer.
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