Ok...next question. I was out fiddling in my 6x10 enlosed trailer today, and I realized...it'll be tuff to fit all my stuff in there for the CA move. Much less the 5x10 that UHAUL wants to rent me. Yes, I'm leaving my enclosed trailer in MO, and renting one for the move.

So...what about the UHAUL 6x12 trailer? Would there be any problems pulling this behind the Ranger? I'm worried about that beast acting as a big sail across the desert, or overpowering the brakes on the truck (though I realize the trailer has surge brakes). Here's the info on the trailers:

5' x 10' Trailer
Tandem axles and surge brakes
Capacity Empty weight: 1,250 lbs
Max load: 1,550 lbs
Maximum Gross Weight (trailer plus load): 2,800 lbs
Dimensions Inside: 9'10" x 4'9" x 4'7" (118" x 57" x 55") (LxWxH)
Interior Volume: up to 230 cubic feet
Door opening: 45'' x 48'' (WxH)
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6' x 12' Trailer
Tandem axles and surge brakes
Capacity Empty weight: 1,800 lbs
Max load: 2,600 lbs
Maximum Gross Weight (trailer plus load): 4,400 lbs
Dimensions Inside: 11'7" x 6' x 5'5" (139" x 72" x 65") (LxWxH)
Interior Volume: up to 396 cubic feet
Door opening: 60" x 58" (WxH)
*************

As you can see, the 6x12 offers a lot more storage space. It's a dual-axle unit, so I should be able to balance it properly (low tongue weight for the Ranger). Both trailers cost the same amount to rent.

Thoughts? I'm worried about the 3.08 gears killing the tranny, but I should be ok if I just nurse it along, right? What about the hills? How bad is I-40 or I-10 out west?

Brandon

 

The "southern" routes are very easy. They don't have the killer grades found on the "northern" routes. At the continental divide, I40 and I10 are essentially flat.

Years ago I towed a small U-Haul trailer via 10. I figure the trailer and load were 2000#. I had another 500# in the bed. The tow vehicle was a 2.8 Ranger 5-spd. I had no problems - even though the trailer had no trailer brakes. I drove at 45 MPH (except when charging the bottom of an uphill grade). My Ranger has the 3.54 (or 3.73?) rear end and the dinky little 14 inch wheels though, so it wasn't as hard on the tranny as your case.

Hmmm. In another post you mentioned changing rear end ratios. An easier/cheaper solution would be to get some smaller diameter tires for this trip!

 

I should mention that I've got the 14" tires as well. It's sounding like the truck should handle the big trailer fine, as long as I'm careful and not in a hurry. My biggest concerns are crosswinds and having and exploding transmission!

Thanks,

Brandon