Towing a U-Haul trailer with '06 FX35

E

eJay

Member
Location
Fairfax, VA
So I ordered the OEM Class II hitch from Infiniti to tow a trailer for my sister's move from Northern VA to NYC next weekend. As I was searching the web I came across this article and our car being a crossover, I'm now scared to tow :eek:

http://www.jerebeasleyreport.com/2010/06/an-update-on-the-u-haul-litigation/

I know that the maximum towing capacity is 3,500 lbs but according to this article towing a heavy trailer can lead to fishtailing and possibly cause fatal accident?!

U-Haul website says that for an FX35 with its weight (4,250lbs) and towing capacity I should be able to tow up to 2,480 lbs of cargo. Would it be safe for me to rent out a 6' X 12' cargo trailer and load it up with stuff for a trip this long?

Any tips, concerns, or suggestions?
 
I've towed my boat (2600-2800 lbs with trailer and gear) with the FX45. I put cruise control on at around 80-85mph for most of the trip and really it did great. No worries there. I wonder if the single-axle (smaller) u-haul trailer is safer than a tandem axle(?). At any rate, I think you'd be fine but I'd go slightly smaller on the trailer vs. bigger. And I'd keep the speeds to 70mph or less and check those trailer hubs and tires carefully at every stop.

Did you buy the OEM trailer wiring harness? Just bought mine from eBay last month ($94 shipped) and installed it myself (easy, around 3 lacksadaisical hours)
 
Hey thanks for the input. I picked up the OEM hitch + wiring harness for $450 incl. tax. I'd go with a smaller trailer only if I didn't have so much stuff to carry. They're not heavy stuff, just a lot of things to move.. I guess if I go around 55mph i should be fine?

---------- Post added at 05:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:18 PM ----------

also do you think i should install the hitch myself or bring it in to get a professional do it?
 
glad you got the oem hitch. the curt hitch has a lot of slip in the receiver tube and is not pre-configured for the oem writing harness. personally I would have a shop like firestone do the hitch install although it shouldn't be too bad. Sometimes a lift just makes things so much easier. I would install the harness again myself and just work slow and deliberately... great instructions just takes some time.

I really can't comment on general towing safety, loads, etc.

Sent from my DROIDX
 
Okay. I think I'll bring it into a mechanic for the hitch around here and do the wiring myself. I found some detailed instructions on the org too! Thanks again for the help Speedster!
 
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