Uhaul Trailer Sizes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Haul

Uhaul Trailer Sizes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Haul types.truckstrend.com

Moving, transporting goods, or tackling a DIY project often involves the need to haul items too large for a standard vehicle. This is where U-Haul trailers step in, offering a diverse fleet designed to accommodate nearly every hauling need. Understanding U-Haul trailer sizes isn’t just about knowing dimensions; it’s about optimizing your move for efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Choosing the right size can prevent multiple trips, reduce fuel consumption, protect your belongings, and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the various U-Haul trailer sizes available, their specific features, ideal use cases, and crucial considerations for selecting the perfect one for your unique requirements. From enclosed cargo trailers to open utility trailers and specialized vehicle transports, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Uhaul Trailer Sizes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Haul

Understanding the U-Haul Trailer Lineup

U-Haul categorizes its trailers primarily into two main types: Cargo Trailers and Utility Trailers, along with specialized Auto Transport solutions. Each type serves a distinct purpose, offering different advantages based on the nature of the items being hauled and the conditions of transport.

• Cargo Trailers: These are enclosed trailers, offering protection from weather and enhanced security for your belongings. They are ideal for household goods, furniture, and anything that needs to stay dry and secure.
• Utility Trailers: These are open trailers, designed for hauling larger, bulkier items that may not fit into an enclosed space, or for materials that don’t require weather protection. They are excellent for landscaping materials, construction debris, ATVs, or open-air furniture transport.
• Auto Transports: These are specifically designed for towing vehicles, offering solutions for both full vehicle transport and partial towing.

Let’s break down the sizes within each category.

U-Haul Cargo Trailers: Secure and Enclosed Hauling

U-Haul’s enclosed cargo trailers are the go-to choice for protecting your valuables from the elements and ensuring their security during transit. They come in three primary sizes, each suited for different capacities.

1. 6×12 Cargo Trailer

• Dimensions (Interior): Approximately 12′ L x 6′ W x 6′ H
• Cubic Feet (Approx.): 396 cu. ft.
• Max Load (Approx.): 2,500 lbs
• Ideal Use Cases: This is U-Haul’s largest and most popular enclosed cargo trailer. It’s perfect for moving a 2-3 bedroom apartment or a small house. It can comfortably accommodate larger furniture items like king-size beds, sofas, refrigerators, and multiple boxes. Its substantial capacity often means fewer trips, saving time and fuel.



• Features: Features a low loading deck for easier access and a sturdy frame. Many 6×12 trailers are equipped with an automatic surge brake system for added safety.

2. 5×10 Cargo Trailer

• Dimensions (Interior): Approximately 10′ L x 5′ W x 4.5′ H
• Cubic Feet (Approx.): 200 cu. ft.
• Max Load (Approx.): 2,000 lbs
• Ideal Use Cases: The 5×10 is a versatile option for moving a 1-bedroom apartment, a dorm room, or transporting larger appliances and furniture pieces (like a queen-size bed, dresser, or washing machine). It’s also suitable for small business deliveries or hauling equipment.
• Features: Offers good maneuverability while still providing significant enclosed space. Like its larger counterpart, it provides weather protection and security.

3. 4×8 Cargo Trailer

• Dimensions (Interior): Approximately 8′ L x 4′ W x 4′ H
• Cubic Feet (Approx.): 128 cu. ft.
• Max Load (Approx.): 1,600 lbs
• Ideal Use Cases: The smallest enclosed trailer, the 4×8 is ideal for college students moving in or out of dorms, transporting extra luggage, sports equipment, or a few pieces of furniture. It’s perfect for small local moves or when you just need a bit more space than your car provides.
• Features: Lightweight and easy to tow, even with smaller SUVs or cars that meet towing requirements.

Practical Advice for Cargo Trailers: Choose a cargo trailer when you need to protect your belongings from rain, dust, and theft. They are best for household items, electronics, fragile goods, and anything that benefits from a secure, enclosed environment.

U-Haul Utility Trailers: Open-Air Versatility for Specific Needs

U-Haul’s utility trailers are open-top and designed for hauling items that are bulky, oddly shaped, or don’t require protection from the elements. They offer greater flexibility for loading and unloading.

1. 6×12 Utility Trailer (with or without ramp)

• Dimensions (Bed): Approximately 12′ L x 6′ W
• Max Load (Approx.): 2,500 – 3,700 lbs (varies by model and ramp configuration)
• Ideal Use Cases: This large utility trailer is incredibly versatile. It’s excellent for hauling landscaping materials, construction debris, large pieces of furniture that don’t fit in an enclosed trailer, ATVs, motorcycles, or even small vehicles (like golf carts). The ramp option makes loading heavy or wheeled items much easier.
• Features: Open design for easy loading from all sides. Some models include a sturdy ramp for convenient roll-on/roll-off access.

2. 5×9 Utility Trailer with Ramp

• Dimensions (Bed): Approximately 9′ L x 5′ W
• Max Load (Approx.): 1,600 lbs
• Ideal Use Cases: This trailer is particularly popular for transporting motorcycles, ATVs, lawnmowers, or other small equipment. The integrated ramp and lower deck height make it simple to load wheeled items. It’s also suitable for smaller DIY projects or yard work.
• Features: Low deck and wide, strong ramp for easy loading of wheeled items. Offers good maneuverability.

3. 4×7 Utility Trailer

• Dimensions (Bed): Approximately 7′ L x 4′ W
• Max Load (Approx.): 1,600 lbs
• Ideal Use Cases: The smallest utility trailer, perfect for quick trips to the dump, hauling gardening supplies, small construction materials, or a few pieces of lumber. It’s lightweight and easy to tow, even with compact vehicles (provided they meet towing requirements).
• Features: Compact size for easy parking and maneuvering.

Practical Advice for Utility Trailers: Opt for a utility trailer when you’re moving items that are bulky, oddly shaped, or don’t require weather protection. They are excellent for outdoor equipment, construction materials, or when you need the flexibility of an open top for loading.

Auto Transport and Tow Dolly: Specialized Vehicle Hauling

For those needing to move a vehicle, U-Haul offers two specialized solutions:

1. Auto Transport

• Dimensions (Platform): Varies, designed to accommodate most vehicles.
• Max Load (Approx.): Up to 5,290 lbs
• Ideal Use Cases: An auto transport is a full car trailer, meaning all four wheels of the towed vehicle are off the ground. This is the safest and most secure way to transport a vehicle over long distances, or for vehicles that cannot be driven. Ideal for classic cars, AWD vehicles, or non-running cars.
• Features: Equipped with ramps, tie-down straps, and often surge brakes. Provides full protection for the towed vehicle’s drivetrain and tires.

2. Tow Dolly

• Dimensions (Platform): Designed for two wheels.
• Max Load (Approx.): Up to 3,450 lbs
• Ideal Use Cases: A tow dolly lifts only the front wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground, leaving the rear wheels on the road. It’s a more economical option for transporting front-wheel-drive vehicles over shorter to medium distances.
• Features: Lighter and easier to maneuver than an auto transport. Comes with safety chains and tie-down straps.
• Important Consideration: Not suitable for all-wheel-drive (AWD) or 4×4 vehicles unless specific precautions are taken (e.g., removing driveshafts or using specific towing procedures as per vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines).

Choosing the Right U-Haul Trailer: Key Considerations

Selecting the ideal U-Haul trailer size goes beyond just matching dimensions. Several factors play a critical role in ensuring a safe and successful haul.

1. Volume and Weight of Your Belongings: This is paramount. Estimate the cubic footage of your items and their combined weight. Don’t just consider how much space you need, but also whether the trailer can handle the total weight. U-Haul provides helpful guides and calculators on their website to assist with this.
2. Type of Items: Are your items fragile, sensitive to weather, or oddly shaped? Enclosed cargo trailers offer protection, while open utility trailers provide flexibility for oversized or dirty items.
3. Distance of Travel: For long-distance moves, a larger enclosed trailer might be more efficient, reducing trips and offering better security. For short, local hauls, smaller, more maneuverable options might suffice.
4. Towing Vehicle Compatibility: This is the most crucial safety factor. Your towing vehicle must have the appropriate towing capacity, a compatible hitch (hitch ball size varies, typically 1-7/8" or 2"), working electrical connections for lights, and potentially a braking system (U-Haul trailers often have surge brakes, but your vehicle must be rated to tow the combined weight). Never exceed your vehicle’s manufacturer-specified towing capacity.
5. Budget: Trailer rental costs vary by size, duration, location, and demand. While a larger trailer might cost more per day, it could save you money on fuel and time by reducing the number of trips.
6. Loading/Unloading Accessibility: Consider how easy it will be to load and unload your items. Ramps on utility trailers are a huge benefit for heavy or wheeled items.

How to Rent a U-Haul Trailer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renting a U-Haul trailer is a straightforward process, whether you do it online or in person.

1. Determine Your Needs: Use the information above to select the appropriate trailer size and type.
2. Check Tow Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure your vehicle meets all U-Haul’s towing requirements (hitch, wiring, towing capacity). You can use U-Haul’s "Trailer Hitch Super Centers" to ensure your vehicle is ready.
3. Make a Reservation:
   • Online: Visit U-Haul’s website, enter your pick-up/drop-off locations and dates, and select your desired trailer. This is often the most convenient way to secure your rental.
   • In-Person/Phone: Call or visit a U-Haul dealer.
4. Provide Information: You’ll need a valid driver’s license, contact information, and details about your towing vehicle.
5. Pick Up Your Trailer:
   • At the U-Haul location, a representative will verify your vehicle’s compatibility and help you hook up the trailer.
   • They will perform a safety check, ensuring lights work and the hitch connection is secure.
   • Inspect the trailer for any existing damage before driving off.
6. Safety Checks: Before every trip, double-check your hitch connection, safety chains, lights, and tire pressure.

Tips for a Safe and Successful Trailer Haul

• Proper Loading and Weight Distribution: Load heavier items first, over the trailer’s axle, and distribute weight evenly from side to side. Too much weight in the front can overload the hitch; too much in the back can cause dangerous swaying.
• Secure Your Items: Use ropes, straps, or moving blankets to secure all items inside the trailer. Loose items can shift during transit, causing damage or affecting stability.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Always check tire pressure (trailer and tow vehicle), lights, turn signals, brake lights, and the hitch connection before starting your journey.
• Adjust Driving Habits: When towing, increase your following distance, reduce your speed, and take wider turns. Braking will take longer, so anticipate stops.
• Check Mirrors Frequently: Be aware of the trailer’s position relative to other vehicles and obstacles.
• Practice Backing Up: If you’re new to towing, practice backing up in an empty parking lot. It takes coordination and patience.
• Take Breaks: Long hauls can be tiring. Stop periodically to rest and re-check your trailer.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

• Underestimating Size: If you rent a trailer that’s too small, you’ll either have to make multiple trips or leave items behind. Solution: Always err on the side of slightly larger, or use U-Haul’s online estimation tools thoroughly.
• Towing Vehicle Limitations: Your vehicle might not be rated to tow the trailer you need. Solution: Always check your vehicle’s manual for its maximum towing capacity. If your car isn’t sufficient, consider renting a U-Haul truck that can tow the trailer or a larger trailer itself.
• Loading Difficulties: Heavy or awkward items can be challenging to load. Solution: Use appliance dollies, furniture pads, and consider the ramp options on utility trailers. Get help from friends or family.
• Weather Impacts: Rain, snow, or high winds can affect an open trailer or make driving difficult. Solution: For weather-sensitive items, always choose an enclosed cargo trailer. For open trailers in bad weather, use tarps and extra tie-downs, and adjust driving speed.

U-Haul Trailer Sizes – Quick Reference & Estimated Pricing

Please Note: Prices are estimates and can vary significantly based on location, availability, demand, rental duration (daily vs. one-way), and time of year. Always check U-Haul’s official website for current pricing and availability in your area.

Trailer Type	Dimensions (LxWxH/Bed)	Cubic Feet (Approx.)	Max Load (Approx.)	Ideal Use Case	Est. Daily Price Range*
Cargo Trailers
4×8 Cargo	8′ L x 4′ W x 4′ H	128 cu. ft.	1,600 lbs	Small moves, dorms, extra luggage	$14.95 – $24.95
5×10 Cargo	10′ L x 5′ W x 4.5′ H	200 cu. ft.	2,000 lbs	1-BR apt, large appliances, small business	$19.95 – $29.95
6×12 Cargo	12′ L x 6′ W x 6′ H	396 cu. ft.	2,500 lbs	2-3 BR apt/small house, large furniture	$29.95 – $39.95
Utility Trailers
4×7 Utility	7′ L x 4′ W (bed)	Open	1,600 lbs	Yard work, DIY projects, small materials	$14.95 – $24.95
5×9 Utility w/ Ramp	9′ L x 5′ W (bed)	Open	1,600 lbs	Motorcycles, ATVs, lawn equipment	$19.95 – $29.95
6×12 Utility	12′ L x 6′ W (bed)	Open	2,500-3,700 lbs	Large furniture, landscaping, small vehicles	$29.95 – $39.95
Vehicle Transports
Tow Dolly	N/A (for 2 wheels)	N/A	3,450 lbs	FWD vehicles, short/med distance	$49.95 – $69.95
Auto Transport	N/A (full platform)	N/A	5,290 lbs	All vehicles, long distance, non-running	$69.95 – $99.95

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a special license to tow a U-Haul trailer?
A: In most states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada, a standard driver’s license is sufficient for towing U-Haul trailers. However, always check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent for specific regulations, as rules can vary by total weight or type of trailer.

Q: Can I tow a U-Haul trailer with any vehicle?
A: No. Your towing vehicle must meet specific requirements, including adequate towing capacity (check your vehicle’s owner’s manual), a compatible hitch, and working electrical connections for trailer lights. U-Haul will verify your vehicle’s suitability before rental.

Q: Are U-Haul trailers waterproof?
A: U-Haul cargo trailers (enclosed) are designed to be weather-resistant and protect your belongings from rain and dust. While not strictly "waterproof" in all conditions (e.g., submersion), they offer excellent protection for typical road travel. Utility trailers are open and do not offer weather protection.

Q: What’s included with a U-Haul trailer rental?
A: The rental includes the trailer itself, safety chains, and proper hitch connection. You are responsible for providing a compatible towing vehicle, a hitch ball of the correct size, and ensuring your vehicle’s wiring for trailer lights is functional.

Q: Do U-Haul trailers have brakes?
A: Yes, many U-Haul trailers, especially the larger cargo trailers (like the 6×12) and auto transports, are equipped with automatic surge brakes that engage when your tow vehicle slows down or stops. Smaller trailers typically do not require independent braking systems.

Q: Can I pick up a trailer at one location and drop it off at another?
A: Yes, U-Haul offers one-way rentals for trailers, allowing you to pick up at one authorized location and drop off at another, which is ideal for long-distance moves. Local rentals require pick-up and drop-off at the same location.

Q: What if I choose the wrong size trailer?
A: It’s always best to get it right the first time. If you realize you chose a trailer that’s too small, you may need to make multiple trips or rent a second trailer, incurring additional costs. If it’s too large, it might be harder to tow and cost more than necessary. Contact U-Haul as soon as possible if you think you need to change your reservation.

Conclusion

Navigating the various U-Haul trailer sizes can seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of your needs and the options available, you can confidently select the perfect trailer for your next hauling project or move. By carefully considering the volume and type of your items, the distance of travel, and critically, your towing vehicle’s capabilities, you can ensure a safe, efficient, and cost-effective experience. U-Haul’s extensive fleet, from compact utility trailers to robust auto transports, provides a solution for virtually every need, empowering you to tackle your hauling challenges with ease and peace of mind.