Towing a Suv

459 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by ppointer, 13 d ago

primoV8

Discussion Starter · 21 d ago

Last time I towed something was probably 15 years ago with my 04. It was just towing a pair of jet skis from the summer home to the boat ramp and back. So nothing larger than that and the avg commute time was mostly 30mins.

Next month, we’re heading out on another road trip and on the way back, we’re stopping by San Antonio for a day or two. But I’m also stopping by a military facility where my late father-in-law’s Honda Pilot has been in storage. I checked Uhaul and their car hauler says it’ll fit the Pilot. Is there anything else I might need to tow this safely back to Houston; likely a 2-3hr commute.

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Mike_S

· #2 · 21 d ago

It will make things faster if you get the right ball and ball mount ahead of time. For their car hauler, they say:

Must have 1-7/8" or 2" hitch ball (5,000 lbs. minimum)
Must not exceed maximum allowable hitch ball height of 25"

But I wouldn't trust that. 1-7/8" balls only go to 3500 lbs, and they may even want you to have a 2-5/16" one. So, confirm with U-Haul, along with the proper hitch height for the trailer.

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primoV8

Discussion Starter · #3 · 21 d ago

Thanks. I did watch their video and will be taking measurements sometime this weekend.

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CBEllis

· #4 · 21 d ago

primoV8 said:
Thanks. I did watch their video and will be taking measurements sometime this weekend.

From a weight standpoint, you should be okay. The trailer w/ the Pilot shouldn't exceed 5-6k LBs and your tounge weight should be good. Do they provide ratchet tie-downs and stuff like that, components that fit their trailer? Or do those come from you?

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primoV8

Discussion Starter · #5 · 21 d ago

CBEllis said:
From a weight standpoint, you should be okay. The trailer w/ the Pilot shouldn't exceed 5-6k LBs and your tounge weight should be good. Do they provide ratchet tie-downs and stuff like that, components that fit their trailer? Or do those come from you?

I did give u-haul a call earlier this afternoon to ask what lockdown accessories would be needed. The security chains and ratchet tire-straps are included with the trailer.

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ppointer

· #6 · 13 d ago

I have rented their car hauler on numerous occasions. They work fairly well. Make certain the tie downs have no fraying in them -- I got them swapped out before leaving on one trip. Also make certain the tires are in reasonable condition.

When loading the Pilot, I recommend you have the tongue jack down to help stabilize the trailer (though never disconnect from the tow vehicle while loading). Remember to stow the tongue jack after loading.

I keep a set of gloves in our SUV especially for this type of towing, because the trailers are never clean and you'll have to get your hands dirty. You should also expect to have to crawl on the ground to reach a safety chain up to the Pilot somewhere underneath it. You only get two tie downs from U-Haul, which are adequate, but I always connect their safety chain to whatever car I am transporting. This will make more sense when you look over the trailer.

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