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Best trailers for long move?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Scott Lunt, May 23, 2015.

  1. Scott Lunt

    Scott Lunt Junior Member

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    I'm moving from Washington DC to Denver CO this summer. 1600 miles. Unfortunately it looks as though I'll be driving the 2006 Prius rather than putting it on a trailer (long story). The twist is that I have a scooter (think Vespa) that the moving company won't take so I'm looking into trailer hitches and trailers. Uhaul has a 4x7 open-top trailer which would be fine except that they say I can't use that one for some reason (possibly because they don't allow the open top trailers to go that far??). The closed top 4x7 one may be the best answer ($300 or so to rent) but I don't like the idea of putting a scooter in the closed top (never mind the crappy wind resistance). Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions for pulling a small trailer that can hold my scooter. Perhaps even buying one - since the cost of renting is several hundred anyway. I would also have to install a tow hitch.

    Advice?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 Scott Lunt, May 23, 2015
  2. tanglefoot

    tanglefoot Whee!

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    Since rental costs so much, you might think about a Harbor Freight Trailer. We got the foldable 4x8' for barely over $200 with a coupon. It takes some assembly work, but then you have something you can keep and often sell for more than you paid when you don't need it anymore.

    Some rental places won't let you rent a trailer for a vehicle that isn't designed to tow it, so that may be another reason to use your own.

    Have a safe trip!
     
    #2 tanglefoot, May 23, 2015
  3. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Yep !! That's what we did.
    ... and here's a nice write up for your Gen II trailer wiring - complements of Darell - of evnut.com
    Prius Trailer Wiring

    .
     
    #3 hill, May 23, 2015
  4. Scott Lunt

    Scott Lunt Junior Member

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    Coupon?? Do Tell.
     
    #4 Scott Lunt, May 23, 2015
  5. tanglefoot

    tanglefoot Whee!

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    It was in their mailer. I think it was 25% off purchase total, or something like that. Also got a free LED flashlight!
     
    #5 tanglefoot, May 24, 2015
  6. cliffmark1

    cliffmark1 Junior Member

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    hey scott. Wish you the best with your move. If you haven't already arranged for a moving company/shipping company I'd suggest selling your Prius in DC and picking up a 4x4 that can tow. you'll get more money for the prius in DC and you'll pay less for a truck there too then the entire move is trivial. Trucks are super useful in CO and gas is cheaper than DC, if you like the mountains and camping then a 4x4 is very helpful on roads like the switzerland trail. Going over west i70 once in denver, the great divide is easier with more power, I floor it the entire time going up the hill climbs in a prius but our truck I don't have to.

    Back to the move you can take your entire load in one bigger trailer and in my experience if it has the power enjoy a fine trip and pay far less.
     
    #6 cliffmark1, May 24, 2015
    Last edited: May 24, 2015
  7. tanglefoot

    tanglefoot Whee!

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    My favorite way to explore the Switzerland Trail is by bicycle (which fits nicely in the back of the Pri for the trip to Gold Hill).

    I was going to see if a receiver-hitch mounting channel for the scooter might be a possibility. Is it a pretty light scooter?
     
    #7 tanglefoot, May 25, 2015
    Last edited: May 25, 2015
  8. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    don't forget to buy at least one spare tire and small bottle jack....better to have and not need it...if you keep the trailer spray it with rubber undercoating..they rot in no time
     
    #8 Beachbummm, May 26, 2015
  9. cliffmark1

    cliffmark1 Junior Member

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    Sounds like a stunning bike ride.
     
    #9 cliffmark1, May 28, 2015
  10. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Your best bet might be to sell the Vespa and get another one in Denver as that is a large, active market. Who knows with a little luck you might make money or at least break even once you consider all the towing costs.

    U-Haul trailers are very heavy for their size because they are overbuilt to survive the rigors of rental use and stupid customers (see below).

    [​IMG]
     
    #10 fotomoto, May 28, 2015
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