U-Haul Sizes Trailer: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Towable Solution

U-Haul Sizes Trailer: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Towable Solution types.truckstrend.com

Moving, transporting equipment, or hauling large items can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you need to find the right vehicle for the job. Enter U-Haul, a household name synonymous with DIY moves and versatile transportation solutions. While their trucks are well-known, U-Haul’s extensive fleet of trailers offers an equally vital and often more economical option for various hauling needs. Understanding the different U-Haul trailer sizes is crucial for a successful, efficient, and stress-free experience.

This comprehensive guide will break down the entire spectrum of U-Haul trailers, from compact cargo units to robust car haulers, helping you navigate the choices and make an informed decision for your specific requirements. Whether you’re relocating a small apartment, clearing out a garage, or transporting a vehicle across state lines, knowing the ins and outs of U-Haul trailer dimensions and capacities is your first step towards a smooth journey.

U-Haul Sizes Trailer: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Towable Solution

Understanding the U-Haul Trailer Family: Cargo, Utility, and Car Trailers

U-Haul categorizes its trailers into three primary types, each designed for distinct purposes:

1. Cargo Trailers (Enclosed): These trailers are fully enclosed, providing maximum protection for your belongings against weather, theft, and road debris. Ideal for household goods, furniture, and items that need to stay dry and secure.
2. Utility Trailers (Open): Featuring an open top and often a low loading deck, utility trailers are perfect for hauling landscaping materials, construction debris, ATVs, motorcycles, or irregularly shaped items that don’t require enclosed protection.
3. Car Trailers (Auto Transports & Tow Dollies): Specifically designed for moving vehicles, these trailers ensure your car, truck, or SUV can be safely transported behind your towing vehicle.

Let’s delve into the specific sizes within each category.

Detailed Breakdown of U-Haul Trailer Sizes

1. U-Haul Cargo Trailer Sizes (Enclosed)

These trailers are measured by their approximate interior floor dimensions (width x length).

• 4’x8′ Cargo Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approx.): 4 ft wide x 8 ft long x 4.5 ft high (interior)

  

  • Cubic Feet: ~161 cu. ft.
  • Ideal For: Studio apartments, dorm rooms, small office moves, or hauling a few pieces of furniture. It’s lightweight and easy to tow, making it a great choice for smaller loads.
  • Key Features: Lightweight, low profile for easy towing, often includes tie-downs.

• 5’x8′ Cargo Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approx.): 5 ft wide x 8 ft long x 5 ft high (interior)
  • Cubic Feet: ~205 cu. ft.
  • Ideal For: 1-bedroom apartments, small businesses, hauling ATVs, or transporting multiple large appliances. It offers a significant step up in capacity from the 4’x8′.
  • Key Features: Many models include a loading ramp, making it easier to load heavier items or small vehicles.

• 5’x10′ Cargo Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approx.): 5 ft wide x 10 ft long x 5.5 ft high (interior)
  • Cubic Feet: ~270 cu. ft.
  • Ideal For: Larger 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom apartments, motorcycles, or extensive garage cleanouts. The extra length provides valuable space for longer items.
  • Key Features: Typically comes with a sturdy loading ramp, good for bulkier furniture and recreational vehicles.

• 6’x12′ Cargo Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approx.): 6 ft wide x 12 ft long x 6 ft high (interior)
  • Cubic Feet: ~396 cu. ft.
  • Ideal For: 2-3 bedroom homes, large furniture sets, multiple motorcycles, or extensive moving projects. This is U-Haul’s largest enclosed trailer, offering maximum protection and capacity.
  • Key Features: Equipped with a wide, strong loading ramp, providing ample space and height for most household items.

2. U-Haul Utility Trailer Sizes (Open)

These trailers are measured by their approximate floor dimensions (width x length).

• 5’x9′ Utility Trailer with Ramp:

  • Dimensions (Approx.): 5 ft wide x 9 ft long (floor)
  • Carrying Capacity: Up to 1,650 lbs (approx.)
  • Ideal For: Landscaping projects, hauling riding lawnmowers, ATVs, motorcycles, building materials, or bulky items that don’t fit in an enclosed trailer.
  • Key Features: Low deck for easy loading, equipped with a sturdy fold-down ramp, and side rails for securing cargo.

• 6’x12′ Utility Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approx.): 6 ft wide x 12 ft long (floor)
  • Carrying Capacity: Up to 2,670 lbs (approx.)
  • Ideal For: Larger equipment, construction debris, lumber, large furniture, or multiple recreational vehicles. This is the largest open utility trailer, offering significant versatility for heavy and awkward loads.
  • Key Features: Heavy-duty construction, low loading deck, and side rails for strapping down cargo. Some models may have a removable ramp.

3. U-Haul Car Trailer Sizes

These are specialized trailers for vehicle transport.

• U-Haul Auto Transport:

  • Description: A full-size trailer where all four wheels of your vehicle rest on the trailer bed.
  • Ideal For: Long-distance moves, protecting classic or valuable cars, all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles (which generally cannot be towed with a dolly).
  • Key Features: Low loading ramps, tilt-bed for easy loading, heavy-duty straps to secure the vehicle, provides maximum protection for your towed vehicle.

• U-Haul Tow Dolly:

  • Description: A two-wheel dolly that lifts only the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground, with the rear wheels remaining on the road.
  • Ideal For: Shorter distance moves, front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, or when budget and weight are primary concerns. It’s lighter and often less expensive than a full auto transport.
  • Key Features: Lighter and more maneuverable than an auto transport, requires less towing capacity from your vehicle, easy to load with ramps.

How to Choose the Right U-Haul Trailer Size

Selecting the perfect trailer involves more than just guessing. Here’s a practical guide:

1. Assess Your Inventory: Make a detailed list of everything you plan to move. Measure the largest and most awkwardly shaped items.
2. Estimate Cubic Feet: For enclosed trailers, add up the approximate cubic feet of your belongings. A good rule of thumb is that a 4’x8′ is suitable for a small room, a 5’x8′ for a large room or small apartment, a 5’x10′ for a large apartment, and a 6’x12′ for a small house.
3. Consider Item Type:
   • Fragile/Weather-Sensitive: Opt for an enclosed cargo trailer.
   • Bulky/Outdoor/Heavy Equipment: A utility trailer is best.
   • Vehicles: Auto transport for long distances/AWD, tow dolly for FWD/shorter distances.
4. Don’t Underestimate: It’s almost always better to have a little extra space than not enough. An overpacked trailer is dangerous and inefficient.
5. Towing Vehicle Compatibility: This is paramount. Your towing vehicle must meet U-Haul’s requirements for hitch class, ball size, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to safely pull the desired trailer. U-Haul’s website has a helpful "Trailer Hitch Guide" where you can input your vehicle’s make and model.

Important Considerations Before Renting

• Towing Capacity of Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle’s towing capacity (found in your owner’s manual) exceeds the combined weight of the trailer and its loaded contents.
• Hitch and Wiring: You’ll need a properly installed hitch receiver, a hitch ball (correct size for the trailer – usually 1-7/8" or 2"), and a working lighting connection (typically 4-flat or 7-way). U-Haul can install these if needed.
• Safety Checks: Always perform a pre-trip inspection: check tire pressure on the trailer, ensure lights are working, and confirm the hitch connection is secure.
• Insurance: Your personal auto insurance may not cover damage to a rental trailer or its contents. U-Haul offers supplementary coverage options like Safemove® or Safetow® for peace of mind.
• Driving with a Trailer: Be mindful of wider turns, increased braking distance, reduced acceleration, and potential blind spots. Always maintain a safe speed and follow all local towing laws.

Tips for Loading and Towing

• Weight Distribution: For cargo and utility trailers, load about 60% of the weight in the front half of the trailer (over or slightly ahead of the axle) and 40% in the rear. This creates proper tongue weight, preventing sway.
• Secure Everything: Use moving blankets, ropes, and cargo straps to secure all items. Prevent shifting during transit, which can cause instability.
• Practice: If you’re new to towing, practice turns, backing up, and braking in an empty parking lot before hitting the road.
• Mirror Checks: Constantly monitor your mirrors to ensure the trailer is tracking correctly and to be aware of surrounding traffic.

U-Haul Trailer Approximate Daily Rental Prices (One-Way Rates Vary Significantly)

Please note: Prices are approximate daily rates and can vary significantly based on location, availability, demand, and whether it’s a local or one-way rental. One-way rentals are generally more expensive and priced based on distance and duration. Always check current prices on U-Haul’s official website or by calling a local dealer.

Trailer Type	Size	Approximate Daily Rate (Local)	Interior Dimensions (Cargo) / Carrying Capacity (Utility/Car)
Cargo Trailers	4’x8′	$14.95 – $19.95	~161 cu. ft.
	5’x8′	$19.95 – $24.95	~205 cu. ft.
	5’x10′	$24.95 – $29.95	~270 cu. ft.
	6’x12′	$29.95 – $34.95	~396 cu. ft.
Utility Trailers	5’x9′ with Ramp	$19.95 – $24.95	Up to 1,650 lbs
	6’x12′	$29.95 – $34.95	Up to 2,670 lbs
Car Trailers	Auto Transport	$55 – $75+ (local)	Vehicles up to 5,290 lbs
	Tow Dolly	$35 – $50+ (local)	Vehicles up to 3,900 lbs

Note: One-way rental prices are calculated based on distance, duration, and specific drop-off location, often being significantly higher than local daily rates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about U-Haul Trailers

Q1: Do I need a special license to tow a U-Haul trailer?
A1: In most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, a standard driver’s license is sufficient for towing U-Haul trailers for recreational or personal use, as long as the combined weight of your vehicle and the trailer doesn’t exceed specific limits (which typically are very high and apply more to commercial trucking). Always check local regulations.

Q2: Can I tow a U-Haul trailer with any vehicle?
A2: No. Your vehicle must meet U-Haul’s safety requirements, including having a properly installed hitch, adequate towing capacity, and working trailer lights. U-Haul’s online reservation system will verify your vehicle’s suitability.

Q3: What kind of hitch do I need?
A3: The hitch type depends on the trailer’s weight and your vehicle’s capacity. U-Haul trailers typically require a 1-7/8" or 2" hitch ball. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a U-Haul representative can help you determine the appropriate hitch class.

Q4: Are U-Haul cargo trailers waterproof?
A4: U-Haul cargo trailers are enclosed and designed to protect contents from the elements. While they are highly weather-resistant, they are not hermetically sealed, so in extreme conditions, some moisture might potentially enter. For sensitive items, consider extra protective wrapping.

Q5: Can I pick up a trailer in one city and drop it off in another?
A5: Yes, U-Haul offers one-way rentals for trailers, allowing you to pick up in one location and drop off at any authorized U-Haul dealer in another city. These rates are typically different from local daily rates.

Q6: What if my vehicle doesn’t have a hitch or wiring?
A6: U-Haul provides hitch installation services at many of its locations. You can have a hitch receiver, hitch ball, and wiring installed on your vehicle by U-Haul professionals.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of U-Haul trailer sizes might seem overwhelming at first, but with a clear understanding of your needs and the options available, it becomes a straightforward process. From the compact 4’x8′ cargo trailer perfect for a small move to the robust 6’x12′ utility trailer ready for heavy-duty hauling, U-Haul offers a solution for nearly every towing scenario.

By carefully assessing your items, considering your towing vehicle’s capabilities, and following crucial safety guidelines, you can confidently select the right trailer and ensure a smooth, efficient, and cost-effective transport experience. Remember, proper planning is the key to a successful move, and choosing the right U-Haul trailer size is the first, most important step.