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2012 EX-L Cross country enclosed (U-Haul Style) trailer tow... Too ambitious?

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5K views 7 replies 8 participants last post by  John U  
#1 ·
Were making a move from California to Alabama and I'm trying to figure out the most economical way to do it. Part of the plan is to sell most of our stuff to lighten the load, but there are some things- including our van :DD:D:D- that just wouldn't be practical to sell and then buy again at our new place.

I think I can condense everything down enough to fit into a U-haul style tow-behind trailer (6x12 or 5x10 or thereabouts). Does anyone have experience doing something like this? Do you think installing an ATF cooler is worth it or not? The trailers are about 1250lbs and loaded I cant imagine it would be more than 2250lbs. Id be driving by myself or maybe with one passenger so not much weight in the van...

Id appreciate feedback on any other less-than-obvious factors I should consider, as well.

TYIA!
 
#2 ·
I think you're kidding yourself about how much weight you're going to put inside a 6x12 enclosed trailer. If you really do limit the trailer to bulky, but lighter items to stay within ratings, then go ahead and go for it. But DO install the ATF cooler for sure. Feel free to use a MUCH cheaper aftermarket cooler rather than Honda's overpriced and modest capacity unit.

Our family of 5 routinely pulls a 2,700# loaded popup camper and plenty of junk in the van over mountain passes on long distance vacations. Our first Odyssey is a 2003 and still runs fine on original engine and transmission (with lots of careful preventive maintenance).

Consider PODS shipping or similar approach for your heavier stuff that doesn't fit in the trailer weight cap.
 
#3 ·
+1 on how easy it is to overload that size of trailer. Most people would max out the 3,500 tow rating with a 5 x 8. Ask me how I know :)

The trans cooler is a must and if you are going to be over 1,800 lbs you need trailer brakes, which requires at least a 6 wire plug. It can be done, but doing it right will cost you.
 
#4 ·
The larger U-Haul trailers have hydraulic surge brakes so a 4-pin electrical connector should work.

Mark off the dimensions of the trailer in your garage or basement and you will see how small it is relative to the space needed to move even part of your household stuff. Many companies offer self-loading containers which would hold much more stuff and also are moved trouble-free by transport truck.

Dave
 
#5 ·
We have done drives like that twice with our Honda Odyssey with a 6x12 U-Haul trailer with mostly lighter boxy stuff like mattresses and pillows and some miscellaneous items that we didn't want the movers to take. It was not an issue. The only downside was that the gas burn was a lot higher than what we expected on stop/go traffic and during the uphill climbs. So I would be prepared to fill up every 150 miles or so to avoid fuel stress. We didn't have a transmission cooler (I would have liked to have one but didn't have the time) but we drove only at night to reduce how much traffic we would hit and the kids could be asleep.
 
#6 ·
Compare the cost of re-buying all the stuff you will sell against the cost of moving it with a one-way U-Haul truck (or similar moving van) and car trailer. Assuming you are moving this month, you may get some good deals from U-Haul on one-way rentals since it's off-season for moves. In my experience they will negotiate a good deal for the one-way rentals. Get prices from other u-move providers and use them as leverage when you call U-haul. You might be surprised by the low cost.

I'd go with the tow dolly or auto transport trailer to tow your Odyssey and a 10-17" truck to pull it with. I've done this several times (once with the dolly, and once with the full trailer) for long-distance moves and it works fine. The advantage of the dolly is that it weighs less, reducing your overall load, while the full trailer gets all four wheels of your car off the ground and is a bit better for your vehicle. But the trailer itself weighs more, and the center of gravity is higher when towing.