Towing using a v6 mustang?

[Dida]

I will need to move from NYC to Wisconsin soon, I got a job up there. The only car I have is my v6 Mustang, and I probably either have to tow my stuff up there using a trailer or throw them away.
The trailer I am looking at is a 4x8 UHAUL trailer, 142 cubit feet capacity. I don't know if my Mustang can handle that. I don't want to risk damage to my car.
Also, I need to have a hitch installed to tow anything, how much does that cost?

 

[YNCS]

I assume you'll be taking I-80 from NYC to Chicago. Other than Pennsylvania, it's pretty level from New York to Wisconsin. The Appalachians are the only part that'll be hard on your car.

So here's what you need to do.

1. Have a good mechanic check over your car and give it a tuneup. Also, have your brakes checked.
   
2. Change the oil and engine coolant, including having the radiator flushed. Overheating is one of the most likely problems you'll have.
   
3. When you're driving in the mountains, even on the Interstate, don't try to go fast. The minimum speed, IIRC, is 45 mph. That's the speed you want to drive.
   
4. If your car appears to be overheating (watch the temperature gage), pull off at a rest stop or at the next exit so your car can cool down. Normally, it takes about six to eight hours to drive across Pennsylvania. It may take you ten or more hours.
   
5. Finally, pay attention to what your car is doing. If there's funny noises coming from the engine or transmission, if your acceleration is way off, if you need to use a lot more brake than you did an hour ago, have the car looked at.

Sorry, I don't know how much a trailer hitch will cost.

A thought just occurred to me. You should call the Car Talk guys at National Public Radio. Here's their website. Yours is the sort of question they love to answer.

 

[Birdjaguar]

U-haul can attach a temporary bumper hitch for towing the trailer. Yes do call Car talk.

 

[Dida]

Good, thanks. I have travelled on I-80 from NYC to Wisconsin many times. But this is the first time I will be travelling on a Mustang with a trailer in the back. That is different. I will definity call up these guys, see what they say.

 

[IglooDame]

I've towed a little camper trailer with a 4-cylinder 5-speed Honda Prelude around Alaska, with no ill effects (the transmission hasn't needed any work in the five years since). Go easy on the acceleration, give yourself more stopping distance than usual, and everything YNCS said sounds right.

Oh, and be VERY careful how you load the trailer - I think you need to center the weight a couple feet forward of the trailer axle, but find out for sure from the U-Haul guys.

 

[blackheart]

I've towed a little camper trailer with a 4-cylinder 5-speed Honda Prelude around Alaska, with no ill effects (the transmission hasn't needed any work in the five years since). Go easy on the acceleration, give yourself more stopping distance than usual, and everything YNCS said sounds right.

Oh, and be VERY careful how you load the trailer - I think you need to center the weight a couple feet forward of the trailer axle, but find out for sure from the U-Haul guys.

That's because its a Honda . I suggest just renting a U-Haul truck.

 

[IglooDame]

That's because its a Honda . I suggest just renting a U-Haul truck.

Actually, that's a great thought - I've rented U-Haul trucks and towed my car behind it, it also works great although it is about five times more expensive.

 

[Damnyankee]

I will need to move from NYC to Wisconsin soon, I got a job up there. The only car I have is my v6 Mustang, and I probably either have to tow my stuff up there using a trailer or throw them away.
The trailer I am looking at is a 4x8 UHAUL trailer, 142 cubit feet capacity. I don't know if my Mustang can handle that. I don't want to risk damage to my car.
Also, I need to have a hitch installed to tow anything, how much does that cost?

I got kin in Wisconsin, nice over there. Prepare for less diversity.

 

[Dida]

I have rented a 10" UHaul truck to haul stuff around, it was a GMC, a really nice truck. However, the UHaul option would cost 1300 for the truck itself, and I have to haul my own mustang behind it, which is another 300. Renting the trailer itself is about 300, a much cheaper option. Of course, that is only if my car can handle the drive.

 

[Dida]

I see they are selling hitch for mustang online, about 100 each. That seen to indicate that mustangs can tow.