Blog Post

U-Haul Auto Transport Trailers are a popular choice for short, medium, and long-distance moves. At first glance, one might underestimate their weight capacity. Despite their minimalist design, these trailers can tow up to 5,290 pounds – for perspective, a 2019 Ford F-150 weighs 4,913 pounds.

The appeal of U-Haul Auto Transport Trailers lies in their affordability, easy loading ramp, security features like chains and tire straps, automatic brakes, and tilt-out fenders for convenient door access. Before renting one, ensure your vehicle meets the towing requirements.

What Are the U-Haul Tow Vehicle Requirements?

To ensure the safety of your vehicle and yourself during transportation, specific Tow Vehicle Requirements are established. Fulfilling a set of prerequisites is necessary before scheduling the transport service.

The primary criteria for tow vehicles utilizing U-Haul Auto Transport Trailers encompass:

• Always wear a seatbelt
• Maintain a driving speed of 55 mph or lower
• Distribute weight towards the front of trailers
• Verify proper functioning of lighting and external mirrors
• Ensure SUVs have a hardtop attachment
• Adhere to the maximum hitch ball height limit of 25 inches
• Meet the minimum hitch ball weight requirement of 25 pounds
• Use a towing system with a minimum weight-carrying rating of 5,000 pounds

Lastly, your tow vehicle needs to:

• Weigh at least 3,500 pounds
• Equal or exceed at least 80% of the combined trailer and vehicle weight
• Always have operational lighting that’s linked to the trailer

Though the significance of wearing a seatbelt and having working brake lights is widely recognized, terms like “hitch ratings” can cause confusion for many.

What Is a U-HAUL Hitch System Rating?

U-Haul defines a hitch system rating as the maximum weight your configuration can tow, with the strength of the system measured by its lowest-rated component. It’s crucial to compare the maximum tow weight ratings of your hitch, ball mount, and hitch ball. Your hitch rating will typically be the lowest among these components.

Once you determine your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, the next step is selecting the appropriate equipment. Understanding tongue weight and gross trailer weight will guide your equipment choices.

Having clarified the concept of a hitch system rating, let’s briefly explore hitch types and components.

What Are the Different Hitch Types?

There exist ten main categories of vehicle hitches. It is crucial to comprehend the functionality of each hitch type to identify the ideal match for your towing configuration. Beyond vehicle transport, hitches are frequently employed for transporting canoes, cargo, and bicycles.

• Bolt-on trailer hitches connect the tow vehicle and trailer directly.
• For a seamless towing experience, custom trailer hitches are highly recommended as they are tailored to specific vehicles. One similar option to custom hitches is OEM (original manufacturer parts) made by the car manufacturer.
• Fifth wheel hitches, classified as class 5 trailer hitches, are installed within the plate of a pickup truck’s bed, connecting with a pin on the trailer.
• Fixed tongue hitches have a non-removable tongue.
• Gooseneck hitches, akin to fifth-wheel hitches, involve mounting a ball in the pickup truck’s bed to create a coupler on the trailer.
• Pintle hitches typically serve heavier vehicles like military, construction, or industrial equipment, making them less likely to be needed by the average person.

We will now delve into the final three hitch styles for discussion.

• Receiver style hitches
• Round tube hitches
• Weight carrying hitches

Receiver-style hitches feature a receptacle for holding inserts like bike racks. Round tube hitches, known for their pleasing aesthetics, maintain strength while being lightweight. Weight-carrying hitches suit smaller trucks with a max tow rating of 5,000 pounds, recognizable by a square under the bumper or a ball on it. We’ve covered the essentials for renting a U-Haul Auto Transport Trailer, but are there alternative vehicle transport options available?

What’s the Difference Between a Car Trailer and a Tow Dolly?

Using a tow dolly can be a cost-effective alternative to car trailers, but they are not ideal for long-distance transportation. When loading a vehicle onto a dolly, only the front two wheels are secured on the half-size trailer while the other wheels remain on the ground.

Compared to loading a vehicle on a trailer, using a dolly is more challenging. Trailers offer a smoother driving experience as they come equipped with brakes and the ability to reverse, unlike dollies. If your budget allows, opting for a car trailer is recommended for easier loading and driving. While we have highlighted the benefits of car trailers, let’s delve into the process of loading a vehicle onto U-Haul Auto Transport Trailers.

How Do I Safely Load My Vehicle Onto a U-Haul Auto Transport Trailer?

To properly load your vehicle onto a U-Haul Auto Transport Trailer, start by aligning the transport and tow vehicle on a level surface. Next, prepare the auto transport trailer, load the car onto the carrier, and secure the vehicle before departure.

How Do I Line Up the Transport and Tow Vehicle?

Initially, ensure the parking brake is engaged on your towing vehicle. Once the parking brake is activated, confirm the trailer’s coupler and safety chains are securely connected to the towing vehicle. Never attempt to load a car that is not fully attached.

How Do I Prep the Auto Transport Device?

To begin, release the tire straps from the ratchets by lifting the ratchet handle upwards and pulling the latch towards you. Once the latch is off, you can lay the straps flat on the trailer deck. Next, lower the driver’s side fender by undoing both latches and rotating it down. Finally, unlock the ramps and fully extend them. With the preparation done, you’re now ready to load.

How Do I Load the Vehicle Onto the Transport?

Loading a vehicle onto the transport involves four steps: align the car centrally, enlist someone to assist with guiding the loading to the side, drive up the ramp at a slow pace, and engage the parking brake once the vehicle’s tire is against the trailer’s initial stops.

How Do I Secure My Loaded Vehicle?

You’re nearing the finish line! To secure your vehicle, align the strap ratchets with the center of your tire. Next, loop the straps over the front tires before threading the strap through the ratchet spool’s slot. Once at least six inches of the strap has passed through the spool, tighten the ratchet. Secure the safety chains to the frame.

To finish, lift and slide the ramps into the auto carrier to engage the latches. Then, raise the driver’s side fender back up before securing the latches.