Towing U-Haul 5x8 trailer from CA to TX , any tips ?

Need to drive my truck with 5x8 Uhaul trailer from Sacramento to Houston , any tips and recomendation ? My truck is 2019 TSS RWD 5.7 stock . What is max load with 5x8 Uhaul trailer ? Only me driving .

Should I take I-40 or I-10 ?

Thank y'all pro owner Tundra here

 

If you’re taking I40, Check weather for Flagstaff. Always snows on me there. The 5x8 should pull fine regardless of what you put in there. I towed a 6x12 tandem axle Uhaul loaded down with my FGT with no issues.

 

For a more scenic drive I'd take 40, for the faster more fuel efficient route I'd take 10. The towing part should be a breeze with the Tundra, tow/haul mode and have at it.

On a side note, I-10 passes right thru the city I live in so hit me up if you need. Fuel break or food break in New Mexico!

 

The older U-Haul trailers had some kinda brake that would prevent it from being backed up an incline. Don’t know about the newer trailers.
I tow both a 28 ft & a 32 ft gooseneck trailer (loaded down with fencing supplies or hay bales) in my pastures, on gravel roads, & on pavement a couple of times a week. Yes, the truck is lifted & it has airbags. I have zero problems towing & I’ll admit sometimes I think my trailers are overloaded but time is not always on my side.
I pay attention to the weather, load my trailers correctly, check my side mirrors often, & watch out for all the other idiots in the road. The hard part for me is I sometimes get comfortable & complacent on the longer trips.

 

We're actually working our way back east from California right now. We're towing a 17' Casita camper and elected to take i10 to avoid any possible snow. We're currently in Twentynine Palms right outside Joshua Tree, next week we'll be in Las Cruces to visit White Sands before arriving in Dallas for Thanksgiving.

You shouldn't have any issues with a 5x8 trailer, we tow in Tow/Haul mode and S4.

 

I tow my 5 meter boat weighing 1,200# including trailer in drive and go like the dickens.

 

Your NM stop is in my hometown. Feel free to PM me for any and all info about Las Cruces or White Sands! If you want of course ...

 

That Tundra should pull that trailer with no problems..

I towed exact same size trailer from U-Haul behind my '02 Tacoma 4x4, 4 cylinder automatic from NH to Florida without an incident , except when I left Mother Nature gave me a Surprise ...

I had to stick the loaded trailer in the garage over night so the plows wouldn't hit me

 

Don't stop for fuel in Needles! 15 more miles will be worth it.

 

Those trailers have inertia brakes on them and can be finicky. When I moved fro Iowa to Arizona I used one and I soaked the brake mechanism on the tongue with WD40 and some lube and it worked much better. Those trailers are heavy for no bigger than they are.

 

A 5x8 should tow like a dream. You should be fine driving in 6th. Just watch the grades and if you find the trans downshifting or the converter unlocking a lot, grab 5th.
I have towed a 5x8 many times. Expect about 12 mpg.

 

I'm pretty sure my dad has towed a 5x8 with his Suzuki Grand Vitara. You'll be fine.

 

Oh, and don't trust the tires and check them quite often. People abuse those things and run over stuff all the time.

 

Load the trailer properly, meaning you need to have weight on the tongue or it'll fishtail. When driving a long vehicle or pulling a trailer you need to "drive with the back" watch your mirrors and pay attention to where the trailer tires are in the lane. A typical uhaul 5x8 cargo trailer doesn't have trailer brakes, not a problem just be aware of your loaded braking performance. A typical uhaul 6x12 cargo trailer does have hydraulic surge brakes. Your truck will tow any uhaul trailer available at max trailer capacity. If you think you may be near the capacity of the 5x8 trailer consider just getting the 6x12, a larger trailer will tow easier than a smaller trailer.

 

larger trailers also maneuver easier than smaller ones, especially if you aren't used to backing trailers up

 

I like the dual axle trailers because if you blow a tire it is usually not as destructive and scary event. A blown tire on a dual axle lets you get to a safer place to pull over.

 

Most I’ve ever paid for gas. Definitely don’t buy the fuel at the first stop off of the interstate.

 

They also don't bounce like single axles do.

 

If one does stop in Needles and see a sign advertising "best ribs", they are not.

Had a short job in Needles several years ago. Hopefully that large reefer processing facility has done something for the little town.

 

Above all else, remember it's back there. Tiny light loads can be easy to forget about if you get distracted. Safe travels!

 

I get whatever extra insurance they offer. Saves me from doing a proper damage inspection, and getting screwed over by a bogus damage claim. Welcome to Houston. Guard your cats…

 

Thank you ...

Got shield covered my cat

 

Towed one 700 miles with my 4.6, max loaded and slightly over payload with stuff in my bed too. Didn't even feel it. Check your mirrors, go slow and stop slow, be mindful when making turns and you'll be just fine.

 

Get the insurance, or call your insurance company up and get a rider added to your policy for the trailer. **Important** Make sure whatever insurance you have covers the trailer and any damages resulting if the trailer detaches from you vehicle. Unlikely yes, but you need to read the fine print in the insurance. If a trailer detaches, and your insurance doesn't cover it, you could be up that famous creek without a paddle, especially if injuries occur.