Towing a small Uhaul?

[belairbrian]

My son just bought his first house and I restored a Snapper RER for him. He'll be the third generation Snapper owner in the family.

So to my question. I'm going to use a Uhaul 4x8 to carry it and a 20gal compressor from AL to GA. Trailer is 850, mower 314, compressor around 100 so about 1260 all in. trailer is 4 ft high so I don't think it will be above the tailgate.

There will also be about 100 pounds in the bed.

I'm new to the F150 (last one I owned was in 1996). Just moved from a Tundra and 2500hd. My truck has the 5.0, tow package, 7050 GVW pakcage.

So would you use tow haul for a trailer like this?

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[KTM753]

So would you use tow haul for a trailer like this?

Yes, for one specific reason, the transmission shift algorithms are always learning based on driving habits and other factors. If you like how your truck shifts now while not towing, use tow/haul while towing, no matter how small, lightweight the trailer is.

Also you might find you like the extra engine braking it provides as well. Others probably have a different opinion and that's okay. This one is just my own. Sounds like a fun trip and a good reason to help your son with a big milestone. Enjoy the trip.

 

[belairbrian]

Didn't know about the learning transmission, good point.

Last two trucks were a 2007 2500hd with a 8.1L/ Allison and a 2016 Tundra 4x4.

 

[jhelrey]

Truck won't even notice the trailer.

 

[don.mullins]

While that is a light trailer for your truck, why wouldn’t you use TOW/HAUL mode? I use it any time a have a trailer, not just for my 30’ travel trailer.

And I use my driving modes whenever the situation presents itself: Slippery if it is raining, Snow/Sand if on the beach, etc. My thought is let the truck optimize itself to any situation, not just extremes.

 

[Tall Tail]

While that is a light trailer for your truck, why wouldn’t you use TOW/HAUL mode? I use it any time a have a trailer, not just for my 30’ travel trailer.

And I use my driving modes whenever the situation presents itself: Slippery if it is raining, Snow/Sand if on the beach, etc. My thought is let the truck optimize itself to any situation, not just extremes.

Tow haul would likely reduce the MPG.

 

[23STX]

It certainly won’t hurt anything. I use tow/haul empty everyday in certain sections of road. Wish the transmission shifted like this all the time

 

[Kidder]

I would use Tow/Haul in the mountains. Normal or Eco on the flats. Your truck will pull that U-haul easily. I have the 3.5EB. Your 5.0 will be just fine and, from what I've read, outperforms (slightly) the 3.5EB when towing.

I loaded the biggest enclosed Uhaul (6x12) with furniture and towed it from TX to KY. The bed was also full with a lawnmower, furniture dolly, and other crap. Towing was a piece of cake.

 

[RobertD]

I assume from your question that you are a bit new to hauling trailers. So hear are a couple things to think about.

I did a quick internet search and the trailer opening is 37" wide and 41" tall and the mower is 32w X 43 h. You may have a hard time getting into an opening that is a little too short.

Also proper loading is very important for a trailer with a rear engine snapper I suspect the weight is in the back so you may want to back it in to put some weight on the trailer tongue. Also if you put the compressor in the back it may make the trailer tongue light and cause issues. You may need a bigger trailer so that it can be loaded with enough tongue weight to keep it from swinging violently side to side.

 

[Henfield]

About 8% of my miles are towing and my 5.0 has no problems at all towing my wheeling truck on a trailer. So what you are planning is a breeze in the park.

I typically get 11-12mpg so plan your fuel stops accordingly. I plan mine based on 36 gallon tank at anywhere from 280-330miles. If you have 26 gallon 200-240 would be ok. I average 300 MBFU. (Miles between Fill Ups)

I started out fiddling with the Normal v Tow Haul v Manual. Increasingly I just let the truck do the work and leave it in TH mode. Check your tire pressures (so easy these days), gas up and GO!

 

[Aron]

Tow haul would likely reduce the MPG.

That has not been my experience, at least not with a larger (29' x 8' x 10') trailer. The "normal" setting was worse mpg, even when accounting for the electric mode of the powerboost in slow traffic.

 

[Groovicles]

My son just bought his first house and I restored a Snapper RER for him. He'll be the third generation Snapper owner in the family.

So to my question. I'm going to use a Uhaul 4x8 to carry it and a 20gal compressor from AL to GA. Trailer is 850, mower 314, compressor around 100 so about 1260 all in. trailer is 4 ft high so I don't think it will be above the tailgate.

There will also be about 100 pounds in the bed.

I'm new to the F150 (last one I owned was in 1996). Just moved from a Tundra and 2500hd. My truck has the 5.0, tow package, 7050 GVW pakcage.

So would you use tow haul for a trailer like this?

Won't be a problem at all I think, though there are some on this forum who who would sincerely recommend that what you're doing is a death trap and only a 3/4 to 1 tonne can only suffice ?

 

[belairbrian]

I assume from your question that you are a bit new to hauling trailers. So hear are a couple things to think about.

I did a quick internet search and the trailer opening is 37" wide and 41" tall and the mower is 32w X 43 h. You may have a hard time getting into an opening that is a little too short.

Also proper loading is very important for a trailer with a rear engine snapper I suspect the weight is in the back so you may want to back it in to put some weight on the trailer tongue. Also if you put the compressor in the back it may make the trailer tongue light and cause issues. You may need a bigger trailer so that it can be loaded with enough tongue weight to keep it from swinging violently side to side.

Not new to towing at all. Have been towing a 30+ foot 5th wheel for 20 years, 4 years pulling a 28 ft trailer for the high school band. Just new to this particular truck, so gathering information form those more familiar with it's towing charateristics.

Not sure where those dimensions came from. The highest point on the mower is the forward edge of the steering wheel at 39" per tape measure.

Yes it will go in backwards to get the weight correct.
Snapper actually offerd a forward weight to reduce the nose lift when the clutch is engaged.

 

[belairbrian]

Won't be a problem at all I think, though there are some on this forum who who would sincerely recommend that what you're doing is a death trap and only a 3/4 to 1 tonne can only suffice ?

Maybe a dually for stability?

 

[RobertD]

Not sure where those dimensions came from. The highest point on the mower is the forward edge of the steering wheel at 39" per tape measure.

Snapper's brochure. might be a difference with a newer one vs older one? Glad you are thinking ahead on this.

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