long distance towing - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

johnrobi · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 08:10 PM

I have just purchased an 03 tundra TRD V8. I will be towing a 6 by 12 uhaul trailer and a full bed of household goods from Kethikan, AK to Maine. I think the truck has a tow package, I just would like some advice on towing and if the tundra will be able to handle it. Any advice would be appreciated.

Herbicidal · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 10:36 AM

If possible, when that trailer is full, take it somewhere and get it weighed. Truck scales, gravel place, check your area to see what's close. With that information you will know how much you are towing and drive accordingly. Check and adjust your tire pressures on your truck and trailer before hitting the road. You'll probably want to be close to the maximum tire PSI on both vehicles for the best road manners.

U-haul should also be able to tell you the empty weight of the trailer. I suspect with careful packing of the trailer and the bed of your truck you will be fine. Just use common sense with regards to your towing speed (OD turned off), keep your distance between the vehicle in front of you and so forth.

Now I was curious, so I just looked up the 6x12 enclosed trailer on U-Haul and found the trailer (empty) weighs 1,800 lbs. Max load = 2,600 lbs. GVW = 4,400 lbs. Surge brakes for the trailer. Based upon those numbers, you will be fine. Good luck with your trip and drive safely!

johnrobi · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 03:01 PM

Thank you for the information, my biggest concern is the weather. Last report I has was 49 degrees below zero in Edmonton, Alberta. Not sur how the Tundra will handle it, may have to put up a screen to keep the engin etemp up. Also not sure of the tires, I hope they are in good shape. Again thank you for the information.

nirion · #4 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 04:34 PM

I would recommend an add-a-leaf for the rear end. We pulled a 6x12 single axle (3500lb) trailer from OH to AZ with my 2000 Tundra and it was well loaded, and the rear sagged. I would have liked another leaf, but didn't have time to do it before we left. Also, in the mountains, the tranny hunted a lot. We averaged about 11mpg (2000miles each way).

Good luck