95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Towing Disappointment

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Old 05-22-2008 | 03:31 PM
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TUNISIA's Avatar
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From: Tunis, Tunisia
Exclamation Towing Disappointment

When I spoke with the local U-Haul rep about renting a car carrier, I was surprised to find out that my '02 4Runner (4WD) with factory "Tow Package" is NOT rated (according to U-Haul data) to pull their carrier and my '72 Chevelle. I've pulled trailers carrying up to 4 Harleys and never gave it a second thought - WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. Anyone know of a kit that can add capacity?
Old 05-22-2008 | 04:14 PM
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The towing capacity of a 3rd gen is 5000 lbs, and I would think a 72 Chevelle and a car carrier is definitely over that limit. A 72 Chevelle by itself is probably close. There is no way to increase the towing capacity of a vehicle, without an engine, transmission, axle and brake swap.

Sounds like it's time for a Tundra.
Old 05-22-2008 | 04:51 PM
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Are you kidding? come to Belize and see what these guys tow behind thier 4cyl's and 6cyl's.
I've seen a 4cyl 2wd pick-up towing so much that another 100lb's would remove the front wheels from the ground! and the motors have 400k + miles and they still do it. There are no limits
Old 05-22-2008 | 05:11 PM
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Yes, in BELIZE. They probably don't have such a problem with state and federal DOT regulations, road maintenance and the USA's affinity for lawsuits. U-Haul is just a company that practices CYA to a fault. I, too, have towed things that were much too heavy for my /94 with no ill effects, but I didn't rent from U-Haul, and had to sign a piece of paper that said I wouldn't blame anyone but myself for damage to my vehicle. Kind of silly, but I see where they are coming from.

Last edited by AndYota; 05-22-2008 at 05:13 PM.
Old 05-22-2008 | 06:16 PM
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UHaul has been pretty strict with this sort of stuff.

They won't lend me a car caddy with a Crew cab TUNDRA. Nope, I couldn't even rent a damn car trailer! They said that the Tundra had enough power, but, not enough weight. Probably the same with the 4runner... They are denying you because of weight restrictions./
Old 05-23-2008 | 06:12 AM
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I was at a u-haul place and overheard a sales person telling one couple that they won't rent any trailer to Ford Explorer owners no matter what the year or kind of tires they have...
Old 05-23-2008 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by mjwalfredo
I was at a u-haul place and overheard a sales person telling one couple that they won't rent any trailer to Ford Explorer owners no matter what the year or kind of tires they have...
Yes, that is true. Here is one of many articles about that situation.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/uhaul_ford.html
Old 05-23-2008 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Belize Off Road Team
Are you kidding? come to Belize and see what these guys tow behind thier 4cyl's and 6cyl's.
I've seen a 4cyl 2wd pick-up towing so much that another 100lb's would remove the front wheels from the ground! and the motors have 400k + miles and they still do it. There are no limits
According to our own governments official CIA website, Belize's current concerns include an unsustainable foreign debt, high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, growing urban crime, and increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS.
...so I think they probably let towing infractions slide just a bit.
Old 05-23-2008 | 04:07 PM
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that was dumb, shoulda said ur towing a yugo.
Old 05-23-2008 | 04:27 PM
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Interesting, my local U-Haul would rent me a car carrier for my 4runner so I could tow our Yaris. Total weight was about 4400 lbs, which is why they might have been okay with it.
Old 05-23-2008 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by mjwalfredo
I was at a u-haul place and overheard a sales person telling one couple that they won't rent any trailer to Ford Explorer owners no matter what the year or kind of tires they have...


totally off topic: Gov't Mule ROCKS!!!!
Old 05-24-2008 | 12:47 PM
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I went to pick up a Supra front clip (ie. front half of a car) and Uhaul wouldnt let me rent a car trailer because a "half car" is not in thier computer system, we were using a 03 F350........so we went to the next closest Uhaul and told them we were towing a 82 Toyota Tercel........no problem!!!
Old 05-25-2008 | 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by SC4Runner
UHaul has been pretty strict with this sort of stuff.

They won't lend me a car caddy with a Crew cab TUNDRA. Nope, I couldn't even rent a damn car trailer! They said that the Tundra had enough power, but, not enough weight. Probably the same with the 4runner... They are denying you because of weight restrictions./

Hmmm weird..they rented me one with no problems..hehehe

Old 05-25-2008 | 07:05 AM
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yeah uhaul suck. they wouldnt rent me a tiny storage trailer so i could move all my stuff from vegas to here. they said my truck doesnt have enuf power. if thats true, then how did i tow a 91 camaro on a car dolly for like 90 miles at 55? uhaul sucks!
Old 05-25-2008 | 08:44 AM
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Go back and get a dolly and tell them your towing a VW bug.
Old 05-25-2008 | 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by CJM
Go back and get a dolly and tell them your towing a VW bug.
Aye, I think I told em I was taking it home to hook up to my F450 (which I dont own)
Old 05-28-2008 | 07:16 AM
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That's what we've always done.....tell them you have a full size truck and you are going to be towing a Ford Escort or something small and gay like that. Of course this doesn't work once you've already been in there and told them what you really drive and what you really want to tow. At this point you'll need to send someone else to rent it for you, or go to a different location. Or some other local equipment rental place.
Old 05-28-2008 | 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by mrspataco13
That's what we've always done.....tell them you have a full size truck and you are going to be towing a Ford Escort or something small and gay like that. Of course this doesn't work once you've already been in there and told them what you really drive and what you really want to tow. At this point you'll need to send someone else to rent it for you, or go to a different location. Or some other local equipment rental place.
HI MPA
Old 05-28-2008 | 12:42 PM
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Nice fake account dirtoyboy. You rule at the internet.
Old 05-28-2008 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by dirtoyboy
HI MPA

Hi hi DTB!

I'm still working on my introduction...I need to dig up my autobiography and ask my mom to send me any and all pics that she may have from my childhood through adult. I want to make sure I'm prepared for such a big step.



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