U-Haul Car Trailer Rental: Your Comprehensive Guide to Stress-Free Vehicle Transportation types.truckstrend.com
Moving a vehicle, whether it’s across town or across the country, can be a daunting task. From beloved classic cars and project vehicles to daily drivers needing relocation during a household move, finding a reliable and cost-effective transportation solution is paramount. This is where U-Haul Car Trailer Rental steps in, offering a flexible and accessible service designed to empower individuals to transport their vehicles safely and efficiently.
U-Haul, a household name synonymous with DIY moving, extends its expertise to vehicle transport through its extensive fleet of car trailers. These rentals provide a practical alternative to expensive professional auto transport services, giving you direct control over your vehicle’s journey. Understanding the nuances of U-Haul’s car trailer offerings, from choosing the right equipment to mastering the towing process, is crucial for a smooth and successful experience. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to navigate the world of U-Haul car trailer rentals with confidence.
U-Haul Car Trailer Rental: Your Comprehensive Guide to Stress-Free Vehicle Transportation
Types of U-Haul Car Trailers: Choosing Your Ideal Transport Solution
U-Haul primarily offers two distinct types of car trailers, each suited for different vehicle types, towing needs, and budget considerations. Understanding their differences is the first step in making an informed decision.
1. Auto Transport (Car Carrier)
The U-Haul Auto Transport is a robust, full-platform trailer designed to carry your entire vehicle off the ground. It features an integrated braking system and is ideal for long-distance moves, protecting your vehicle from road wear, mileage accumulation, and potential debris.
- Key Features: Four wheels off the ground, independent suspension, hydraulic surge brakes, ramps for easy loading, security chains and straps.
- Best For: Long-distance moves, classic cars, luxury vehicles, vehicles with low ground clearance, all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, non-running vehicles (though loading can be more challenging).
- Pros: Maximum protection for your vehicle, no wear and tear on towed vehicle, more stable for longer hauls, suitable for a wider range of vehicles including AWD.
- Cons: Heavier and larger, requires a more substantial towing vehicle with higher towing capacity, generally more expensive to rent.
2. Tow Dolly
The U-Haul Tow Dolly is a simpler, lighter, and more economical option. It lifts only the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground, allowing the rear wheels to remain on the road.
- Key Features: Two wheels off the ground, ramps for loading, safety chains, basic strapping system.
- Best For: Shorter distances, front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, vehicles where mileage accumulation on the rear wheels is not a concern, budget-conscious moves.
- Pros: Lighter and easier to maneuver, less expensive to rent, requires a lower towing capacity from the towing vehicle.
- Cons: Rear wheels accumulate mileage and wear, not suitable for all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles without disconnecting the driveshaft (which U-Haul advises against for most users), less protection for the towed vehicle’s underside, less stable than an auto transport for very long distances.
| Feature | U-Haul Auto Transport (Car Carrier) | U-Haul Tow Dolly |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels Off Ground | All four | Front two only (rear two on road) |
| Protection | Excellent (full platform) | Minimal (exposed rear) |
| Mileage Accrual | None on towed vehicle | Yes, on rear wheels of towed vehicle |
| Towing Vehicle | Higher capacity required | Lower capacity required |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Vehicle Types | FWD, RWD, AWD, low clearance, non-running | Primarily FWD (RWD/AWD often not suitable) |
| Stability | Very stable for long hauls | Good for short/medium hauls, less stable |
Benefits of Renting a U-Haul Car Trailer
Choosing a U-Haul car trailer offers a multitude of advantages for personal vehicle transportation:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Often significantly cheaper than hiring a professional auto transport company, especially for shorter distances or when you’re already renting a U-Haul truck.
- Flexibility and Control: You dictate the schedule, route, and pace of your move. Your vehicle is always with you, providing peace of mind.
- Wide Availability: U-Haul has thousands of locations across North America, making it easy to pick up and drop off trailers almost anywhere.
- Convenience: Integrates seamlessly with a U-Haul truck rental, allowing for a single-source solution for your entire move.
- Specialized Equipment: U-Haul trailers are purpose-built for vehicle transport, featuring essential safety components like ramps, straps, and chains.
- DIY Empowerment: For those who prefer a hands-on approach, renting a trailer provides the satisfaction of managing your own vehicle’s transport.
The U-Haul Car Trailer Rental Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Renting a U-Haul car trailer is straightforward, but careful planning and attention to detail are crucial.
Step 1: Research and Reservation
- Determine Your Needs:
- Towed Vehicle: Know its make, model, year, and approximate weight. Crucially, determine if it’s FWD, RWD, or AWD.
- Towing Vehicle: Know its make, model, year, and its maximum towing capacity (GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating, and tongue weight capacity).
- Distance: Local (round trip) or one-way (long distance)?
- Use U-Haul’s Compatibility Tool: Visit U-Haul’s website (uhaul.com) and use their vehicle towing compatibility tool. Enter your towing vehicle and the vehicle you intend to tow. This tool will recommend the appropriate trailer (Auto Transport or Tow Dolly) or inform you if towing is not possible with your current setup. This step is critical for safety and compliance.
- Make Your Reservation: Once compatible, reserve your trailer online, via phone, or in person at a U-Haul location. Booking in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (summer, end of month), is highly recommended.
Step 2: Pickup and Inspection
- What to Bring: Valid driver’s license, credit card for payment, and the vehicle you plan to use for towing.
- Pre-Rental Inspection: Before leaving the lot, thoroughly inspect the trailer for any existing damage (scratches, dents, tire condition, light functionality). Report any issues to the U-Haul representative and ensure they are noted on your contract.
- Understand Your Contract: Read the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to rental duration, mileage limits (if any for trailers, usually not for one-way), insurance options, and return policies.
Step 3: Hooking Up the Trailer
This is a critical safety step. If you’re unsure, ask the U-Haul representative for assistance.
- Positioning: Back your towing vehicle up to the trailer hitch.
- Coupling: Lower the trailer coupler onto your towing vehicle’s hitch ball. Ensure the ball is the correct size (usually 2" for U-Haul trailers). Lock the coupler securely.
- Safety Chains: Criss-cross the safety chains under the trailer tongue and attach them to your towing vehicle’s frame or hitch receiver. This prevents the trailer from separating if the coupler fails.
- Wiring: Connect the trailer’s electrical wiring harness to your towing vehicle’s trailer light connector. Test all lights (running lights, brake lights, turn signals) before departing.
- Breakaway Cable (Auto Transport): For Auto Transports with surge brakes, ensure the breakaway cable is securely attached to your towing vehicle’s frame, not the hitch ball. This cable will activate the trailer brakes if it detaches from the towing vehicle.
Step 4: Loading Your Vehicle
Proper loading is essential for safe towing and preventing damage.
- Clearance: Ensure adequate space around the trailer for maneuvering the vehicle onto the ramps.
- Ramps: Deploy the ramps from the trailer. Ensure they are securely seated.
- Loading: Slowly and carefully drive the vehicle onto the trailer.
- Auto Transport: Drive fully onto the platform, centering the vehicle. The front tires should rest against the wheel stops.
- Tow Dolly: Drive the front wheels onto the dolly, ensuring they are centered and snug against the stops.
- Securing:
- Auto Transport: Use the provided ratchet straps to secure all four tires to the trailer’s D-rings. Ensure they are very tight and the vehicle cannot shift.
- Tow Dolly: Use the provided over-the-tire straps to secure the front tires firmly to the dolly. Ensure the straps are properly threaded and ratcheted tight.
- Parking Brake & Transmission: Place the towed vehicle in park (or gear for manual transmissions) and engage the parking brake. For Tow Dollies, ensure the steering wheel is unlocked (ignition in the "ACC" position) to allow the wheels to track curves.
Step 5: On the Road
Towing changes your vehicle’s dynamics significantly.
- Increased Weight & Length: Your vehicle will be heavier and longer. Account for this in braking distances, turning radius, and lane changes.
- Speed Limits: Obey reduced speed limits for vehicles with trailers, typically 55-65 mph in most states.
- Braking: Allow significantly more distance for braking. Surge brakes on Auto Transports will assist, but your towing vehicle’s brakes will work harder.
- Turns: Make wider turns to avoid hitting curbs or other obstacles with the trailer.
- Lane Changes: Check mirrors frequently and allow ample space.
- Regular Checks: Stop every 1-2 hours to check the straps, tire pressure (on both towing vehicle and trailer), and trailer lights.
Step 6: Unloading and Return
- Unloading: Find a safe, level spot to unload your vehicle. Reverse the loading process, ensuring the ramps are stable.
- Trailer Return: Return the trailer to the agreed-upon U-Haul location by the specified time. Ensure it is clean and free of personal belongings. The U-Haul representative will inspect the trailer upon return.
Important Considerations for Safe and Successful Towing
Safety is paramount when towing. Overlooking these critical considerations can lead to dangerous situations and costly damages.
- Towing Vehicle Compatibility & Capacity: This cannot be stressed enough. Your towing vehicle MUST be rated to safely tow the combined weight of the trailer and the vehicle being towed. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and tongue weight capacity. Never exceed these limits.
- Vehicle Being Towed:
- Weight: Ensure the towed vehicle’s weight is within the trailer’s capacity.
- Drivetrain: As mentioned, AWD and RWD vehicles often require an Auto Transport. Using a Tow Dolly on these vehicles can cause severe transmission damage unless the driveshaft is disconnected, which is usually not a DIY task.
- Ground Clearance: Vehicles with very low ground clearance might scrape on ramps or the trailer platform.
- Tire Condition and Pressure: Before starting, check the tire pressure on both your towing vehicle and the trailer. Underinflated tires are a leading cause of blowouts and instability.
- Pre-Trip Inspection: Beyond the U-Haul representative’s inspection, do your own walk-around. Check all lights, tires, connections, and mirrors.
- Weight Distribution: Always load the towed vehicle centrally on the trailer. Improper weight distribution (too much weight on the rear of the trailer or too little tongue weight) can cause dangerous "trailer sway" or instability.
- Insurance Coverage: Your personal auto insurance policy might cover some liability for a rented trailer, but often does not cover damage to the trailer itself or the vehicle being towed. U-Haul offers supplementary coverage (e.g., Safetow® for trailers, Safemove Plus® for trucks with trailers) that can provide peace of mind by covering accidental damage. Review these options carefully.
- Legal Requirements: Be aware of varying speed limits for towing, potential lane restrictions (e.g., no left lane for trucks/trailers), and any specific state regulations for towing in the areas you will be traveling through.
Tips for a Smooth U-Haul Car Trailer Experience
- Book Early: Especially during peak moving seasons or holidays, trailers can be scarce. Reserve well in advance.
- Watch U-Haul Videos: U-Haul provides excellent instructional videos on their website and YouTube channel covering hooking up, loading, and safe towing practices. Watch them!
- Practice Driving: If you’re new to towing, find an empty parking lot and practice turning, backing up (though backing up with a tow dolly can be tricky, and with an auto transport, often impossible), and braking before hitting the open road.
- Pack Smart (If Using a Truck): If you’re also renting a U-Haul truck, distribute weight evenly within the truck to maintain stability. Avoid putting excessively heavy items at the very rear.
- Bring Help: Having an extra set of hands for loading and spotting can make the process much safer and easier.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Long-distance towing is tiring. Take frequent breaks.
- Roadside Assistance: Familiarize yourself with U-Haul’s roadside assistance number in case of an emergency.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
While U-Haul car trailer rentals are generally reliable, you might encounter some challenges:
- Availability Issues:
- Solution: Book as far in advance as possible. Be flexible with pickup locations and dates if possible. Consider a one-way rental if a local one is unavailable, or vice-versa.
- Towing Capacity Discrepancies:
- Solution: Double-check your towing vehicle’s actual towing capacity against the combined weight of the trailer and the towed vehicle before reserving. If your vehicle isn’t suitable, you might need to rent a larger U-Haul truck that can tow the trailer, or consider professional auto transport.
- Loading Difficulties:
- Solution: Watch U-Haul’s instructional videos beforehand. If possible, load on a slight incline to make it easier. Get assistance from a friend or U-Haul staff if available. For non-running vehicles, a winch or extra strong people might be needed.
- Trailer Sway or Instability:
- Solution: This is often caused by improper weight distribution or excessive speed. Slow down immediately, ensure the towed vehicle is centered and securely strapped, and verify proper tongue weight. Check tire pressures.
- Mechanical Issues (Trailer or Towed Vehicle):
- Solution: U-Haul offers 24/7 roadside assistance. Pull over safely and call their support line.
U-Haul Car Trailer Rental Estimated Pricing
Disclaimer: U-Haul car trailer rental prices are highly variable and depend on several factors:
- Trailer Type: Auto Transport (Car Carrier) is generally more expensive than a Tow Dolly.
- Distance: Local (round trip, usually daily rate) vs. One-Way (fixed rate based on distance, typically for longer hauls).
- Duration: Daily rates for local rentals, or a fixed rate for the duration of a one-way move.
- Location: Prices can vary by pickup and drop-off locations due to demand and fleet availability.
- Time of Year/Demand: Peak moving seasons (summer, holidays, end of month) often see higher prices.
- Availability: Limited availability can sometimes drive prices up.
Due to these variables, providing exact prices is impossible. Below is an estimated range to give you a general idea. Always get an exact quote from U-Haul for your specific needs.
| Rental Type & Trailer | Estimated Daily Rate (Local) | Estimated One-Way Rate (e.g., 500-1000 miles) | Additional Costs (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tow Dolly | $45 – $65 | $150 – $350 | Insurance ($10-25), Taxes |
| Auto Transport | $60 – $85 | $250 – $700+ | Insurance ($15-35), Taxes |
Note: One-way rates are typically fixed for the journey and duration, not daily. The price includes the use of the trailer for the specified trip length (e.g., 3-7 days for a cross-country move).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about U-Haul Car Trailer Rental
Q1: Can I tow a car trailer with any vehicle?
A1: No. Your towing vehicle must meet U-Haul’s specific safety and towing capacity requirements. Use U-Haul’s online compatibility tool to verify. Factors include your vehicle’s curb weight, wheelbase, and towing capacity.
Q2: Do I need special insurance to rent a U-Haul car trailer?
A2: Your personal auto insurance may offer some liability coverage, but often does not cover damage to the rented trailer or the vehicle being towed. U-Haul offers supplementary coverage options like Safetow® (for the trailer) and Safemove Plus® (for the truck and trailer) which are highly recommended for peace of mind.
Q3: How fast can I drive with a U-Haul car trailer?
A3: U-Haul recommends a maximum speed of 55 MPH. Always adhere to posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers, which are often lower than regular car limits.
Q4: What’s the main difference between an Auto Transport and a Tow Dolly?
A4: An Auto Transport carries all four wheels of your vehicle off the ground, protecting it from wear. A Tow Dolly carries only the front two wheels, leaving the rear two on the ground, which means they will accumulate mileage and wear. Auto Transports are generally safer and more versatile (especially for AWD/RWD), while Tow Dollies are cheaper and lighter.
Q5: Can I rent a car trailer for local moves only?
A5: Yes, U-Haul offers both local (round trip) and one-way (long distance) rental options for car trailers.
Q6: Do I need to check the tire pressure on the trailer?
A6: Absolutely. Before you start your trip and at every stop, visually inspect and, if possible, manually check the tire pressure on both your towing vehicle and the trailer. Correct tire pressure is crucial for safety and stability.
Q7: Can I tow an AWD or RWD vehicle on a U-Haul Tow Dolly?
A7: U-Haul generally advises against towing AWD or RWD vehicles on a Tow Dolly without disconnecting the driveshaft, as it can cause severe transmission damage. An Auto Transport is the recommended trailer for AWD and RWD vehicles.
Q8: What size hitch ball do I need for a U-Haul car trailer?
A8: U-Haul car trailers typically require a 2" diameter hitch ball. Ensure your hitch ball is rated for the weight of the trailer and towed vehicle.
Q9: Can I use a U-Haul car trailer for a non-running car?
A9: Yes, you can. However, loading a non-running vehicle onto either trailer type will be significantly more challenging as you’ll need a winch or significant manual effort to get it onto the ramps. An Auto Transport is generally easier for this as it has a larger platform.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Vehicle’s Journey
U-Haul car trailer rental offers a robust, cost-effective, and empowering solution for transporting your vehicle. Whether you’re moving cross-country, bringing home a new project car, or relocating a classic, U-Haul provides the tools and flexibility you need. By understanding the different trailer types, meticulously following the rental and loading procedures, and prioritizing safety considerations, you can ensure a stress-free and successful journey for your valuable vehicle. With careful planning and attention to detail, U-Haul puts the power of vehicle transportation directly into your hands.