Do rules not apply to uhaul?

[tlmgcamp1]

I rented a small uhaul trailer to move firewood. I had it almost grossed out at about 2400lbs. When figuring how much more I vould put in the bed of the pickup, I assumed 15% on the tongue. I made 3 trips on some curvy 50mph roads and some on 55mph roads where I had it up to 60. Towing was uneventful and very solid. I then noticed a sticker on the trailer recommending 160lb max tongue weight. Concerned, I put a bathroom scale under the tongue of the loaded trailer and it read 140 lbs or just under 6% of the gross. Shouldn't it have been a handful to drive?

 

[SpencerPJ]

The extended tongue helps compensate for that. Common rules can't apply to a company like uHaul, too much room for error.

 

[LarsMac]

u-Haul knows people will push the limit, so they put in a bit of a fudge factor.

 

[bigbAZ]

The extended tongue helps compensate for that. Common rules can't apply to a company like uHaul, too much room for error.

Exactly, they design the trailers with the axle further back. You'd have to go to extremes in improper loading to make it sway.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I rented a small uhaul trailer to move firewood. I had it almost grossed out at about 2400lbs. When figuring how much more I vould put in the bed of the pickup, I assumed 15% on the tongue. I made 3 trips on some curvy 50mph roads and some on 55mph roads where I had it up to 60. Towing was uneventful and very solid. I then noticed a sticker on the trailer recommending 160lb max tongue weight. Concerned, I put a bathroom scale under the tongue of the loaded trailer and it read 140 lbs or just under 6% of the gross. Shouldn't it have been a handful to drive?

The 10%-12% tongue weight rule of thumb is specific to travel trailers. Many utility trailers and most car haulers can tow nicely with much less tongue weight because the trailer balance is more neutral, i.e. the axles are at or near the center point. RV trailers frames are near always designed with a longer wheelbase, i.e. the axles are further back.

 

[Lou Schneider]

You also have to consider the effects of wind resistance. RV travel trailers are tall and wind hitting the top of the front wall will lighten the hitch weight at speed, i.e. move the center of gravity rearward by pushing that part of the wall up and back. Same for the tall wall at the rear - it's drag will likewise shift the center of gravity rearward. Utility trailers are shorter and are more in the tow vehicle's wind shadow.

 

[tlmgcamp1]

Ok...good stuff.