I will be renting a U-Haul 6’x12′ cargo trailer (with brakes) to help my daughter and son-in-law move in a few weeks. I have the factory installed crank and will be getting a ball mount this weekend. I have towed trailers before, but always with a vehicle that I bought with the hitch and ball mount already in place. I hope this esteemed group can answer some of the questions I have.
I want to make sure I don’t damage the Outback or the goods I’m transporting.
- What should I look for in a ball mount?
- I will get this before U-Haul does their pre-towing inspection.
- I have the instructions from the Outback owner’s manual telling me what to turn off before towing (BSD/RCTA). What else do I need to adjust besides my route and speed?
- I know I’m limited to 2,700 gross trailer weight (about 1,200 pounds of stuff according to the U-Haul site). Would I be better off with a smaller trailer and more travel? We have their Honda CR-V for cargo space, plus friends helping out.
Our Outback has almost 800 mi on it, will be over 1000 by the weekend of the move. I know this expedition will bring new stresses to the vehicle. Am I ok taking the trailer on the highway (is the Outback too new for a trailer on the highway)? It is a 20 mile one way trip. I’m fine with avoiding the freeway if that’s a better option.
Thanks to everyone.
