How to Load a U-Haul Auto Transport Trailer
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video, I show how to use the U-Haul Auto Transport trailer.
Cost to rent these trailers varies widely. Factors that determine the price are if it's a one-way rental or a local rental. I used this as a one way trailer for a 300 mile trip. It wasn't cheap! I paid $188 after taxes.
When checking availability and vehicle fitment of these trailers on U-Haul's website, their system asks for the tow vehicle and what you will be putting on the trailer. This is to determine if the tow vehicle has a sufficient tow rating for the trailer and vehicle on the trailer, as well as if the vehicle going on the trailer will fit based on its weight and dimensions.
Everything I know about this trailer is presented in this video. I can't answer technical questions about what vehicles can fit, what vehicles can tow this trailer, if you can push a dead vehicle up onto the trailer, etc. because I simply don't know those details.
Any technical questions regarding what can fit and what can tow this trailer need to be looked up on the rental details for this trailer on U-Haul's website. Towing with a given vehicle may work if you have a small vehicle like my Crosstrek on this trailer, but a larger vehicle on the trailer may have put my Chevy Colorado over its tow rating, so U-Haul wouldn't have rented to me in that type of situation. This is why you need to research this detail on U-Haul's website.
Thank you for this video. We are gearing up for 700 miles this weekend in a U Haul with car transport trailer. Your video gave peace of mind. Thank you.
Glad my video helped!
Man 3 weeks ago I never even considered something like this and now I’m about to go pick one up and drive it across the country for a new job 🤪
Same thing here
Any advice?
@@xyzdcp yeah maybe a few
You’re going to be tired af if you go a long ways
Big trucks/long vehicles who hover in your shoulder area will cause the trailer to sway if it’s not loaded correctly
Going too fast will make it sway
Don’t stomp your brake or you’ll die so plan your stops well in advance
Uhaul trucks don’t have window tint so you might get sunburn on your nipples if you drive with your shirt off which really sucked
Don’t eat too much canned tuna or you’ll hate yourself but do hang a grocery bag over a spare hook/seat for an easy trash bag
People will race to cut you off, honk, and brake check you because they’re comically stupid
Plan your gas stops well in advance with google maps so you can minimize sketchy left turns and/or turning around
Don’t be afraid of turning around because it’s going to happen and sometimes you just have to get out of the truck and see wtf is happening
Don’t forget to ratchet down your second tow straps. There’s enough going on so don’t add to the rodeo like I did 🤣
If you drive past enough train tracks you’ll see at least one smooth brain race a train and lose. It took 3 hours for the roadway to clear enough for me to turn around because of how the road was laid out and how stupid the people around me were acting
Every microscopic inch of Louisiana is ass. The roads are made of recycled Martian soil from 40K years ago.
Your phone may overheat in the cab of the truck so plan for that especially if you’re using it for a gps
Solar powered usb charger is an awesome tool
You can drop the truck and trailer off at the same location as your storage rental even if the tardo on the phone says otherwise
Sometimes Uhaul will split, move, AND cancel your storage room reservation IN ROUTE! That one. That one right there almost sent me into a blind rage but fortunately I was too tired to give a damn and kept driving
If you get a ticket or automated toll they’ll charge you by axel so my toll was $27 which was a hilarious reminder of my trip 2 weeks later
You can return your unused materials for a full refund
Sometimes there’s hand trucks, appliance dolly’s, and furniture dolly’s for free at the Uhaul center that you can ask about and sometimes keep
The longer ratcheting cargo straps are always always always better than the shorter ones even if they cost more
The blankets can be used as packaging cushions if you screwed up placement of something and don’t want to move stuff 1-2ft around
Furniture dollys and moving blankets can be rigged up in such a way that you can move extremely large and heavy items alone so long as you can lift a corner on your own
A cordless leaf blower is boss af for cleaning out the truck but a dollar tree broom is also clutch
Sunburn on the nips is a real bitch to heal up from and trust me bubba it ain’t just a white person thing. Don’t play that game it ain’t worth it.
The Waze app was awesome for planning when I wanted to leave on each day of my trip and I stopped roughly every 1-2 hours after my first 4 hour leg to check my trailer and a mental brake from driving this dang Uhaul
I found the middle lane to be my safe place after a while
Paying the Uhaul guy to help load my car did nothing in reality of actually helping but was good for insurance purposes so I could blame them if something happened
Good luck! Try to have fun and take pictures for your memories even if you hate it
you should always tighten the straps again after going down the road a mile cause it will shift on you initially.
like how often do you suggest tightening the straps? Only after a mile? or tighten them at every gas stop??/
@@anveshm5397 yeah, tighten the straps after a mile you should be good. Check it every once in a while, then you should be good. Good luck!
@@publicEnima thanks for your response. I was about to hit a 2000 mile road trip with U-haul truck alongside towing my car. Its my first time and nervous as the day is approaching. Any suggestions?
Yeah or five miles. After having drive a flat bed tow truck for a bit, I can attest to this. Lol
@@anveshm5397 when you make turns swing wider than normal and watch your height at gas stations. Your side mirror is your friend. Try pull into somewhere where you can drive out and not back out. Its ok to take up multiple spots when you are in a parking lot. Most people will understand. safe travels.
Thank you!! About to do 2200 miles 😮💨
Very good info. Thanks for sharing a video that could save lives if someone needs to understand how these trailers work. Much appreciated.
You bet!
Good info! Wheel chocks would definitely be a good idea. Great video! Thanks for sharing! 😎
Thanks for watching!
Wats a wheel chock?
@@sooofunny37 your mom might know...
thank you so so much! I am transporting my best friend car for her and this was exactly what I needed! Thank you thank you
Glad I could help!
Now I’ll be ready for my 1,014 mile drive. 👍🏻
This is a very good video. You should consider being a teacher because you really explain this video well.
Thanks for the compliments! :-)
Very informative if you've never used a Uhaul car hauler before!
Americas funniest home video winner was a guy who didn’t know about the fold down fender and slid his body out the driver side window of his car.
If you have larger tires-stock or aftermarket-ask about larger tire straps. My stock 20” 4Runner tires 245/60r20 were too big for the stock Uhaul auto transport straps. I only had 3” of strap material make it through the ratchet. 6” is minimum per the instructions. I picked up my trailer in another state so I couldn’t get longer straps. It worked but I was nervous the entire 1000+ miles and checked it every stop.
Thank you, your video gave me the confidence to try this myself!
Once you get the car up on the trailer, before you get out ALWAYS engage the parking brake.
Everyone has a cool story to tell. Im just moving a beat up jeep that my girlfriend wants to keep for her dad when he gets out of prison. XD we are moving from a rent house to our first purchased home so theres that bit of excitement.
Good video; the only issue I have with is your safety chains are not connected correctly. They should be fed THROUGH the holes then hooked through a link and the Rubber safety piece attached. Other than that it’s a great video.
Thanks for the tip! The person at U-Haul hooked them up like this.
Thanks for this...will be towing a car in a couple weeks. Do you happen to remember what size hitch ball is needed?
I think it was a 2" ball
I'm gonna be using one of those trailers next week, seeing the ratchet for the tire strap just reminded me to bring a can of WD-40 just in case. I don't want the ratchet on mine binding up, anyway glad i watched this.
YES! WD-40 or silicone spray is a good idea.
Thank you for this video I’m moving from Oregon to Virginia and this gave me confidence to load and properly secure it
This was easier than I thought thanks. Moving my family from FL to NC in a weeks time so I needed this
I towed my classic car for the first time with one of these trailers last year to a show, it was about 150 miles. It wound up being very easy, you almost don't even realize there's a car behind you. I'm getting ready to do it again next week, have a good trip.
@@irocitZ just seeing your message but thank you we did have a good and safe trip setting in just fine been here a month and 1 week and so far so good just like you said it felt like a didn’t have my car behind me
@@raveenb7239 outstanding, good stuff. Me too all was good, now that I did again there was one thing. Evertime I looked in the rear mirror it felt and looked like someone was tailgating me until I realized it was just my own car.
I'm using a UHaul car carrier for my first time in a couple weeks. As others have said, this video gave me a lot of piece of mind. One thing that I didn't realize until watching, however, is that there are only two wheel straps. I imagined all four would be strapped down! Is this standard on all of their auto transports? Also, I'll be hauling a rear engine car, I wonder how that will effect the load. Will I need to load it backwards?
Two straps is all these trailer have. I really can't answer the question about proper loading a rear engine car. Ask U-Haul that question.
Speed limit 55???? I planned on renting one in TX and going north to MN.
Planning the same thing this coming weekend have you done it any advice would be appreciated!
@@Maxamedx I guess we’re still waiting on him to reach MN so he can answer this question.
Thank you. This is very helpful video. What is the process for renting the truck and the auto transport trailer? Do I get to take the truck home first and load everything on it then come back to get the trailer hookup?
That should work just fine. Just make that arrangement with the U-Haul rental center when you go in to rent the truck and trailer.
I am just about to do this for a move, so thanks for the video. I wish you had gone through the other necessary connections like safety chains and electrical.
Glad it was helpful!
great video!
Thanks!
My cousin and his wife had one of these and both of them missed that the fender folds down, so my cousin loaded her $hit Taurus on it then he climbed out the window and use sticks to roll up the window and turn off the car, they had to leave the keys in. When they got here and I was there they were trying to do the reverse to get it off the trailer, I come over and see the bungee, unhook it and drop it. Not the brightest bulbs in the pack, roflmao.
I’m curious what tires you have on the Sube. Are they ok on the highway too, or primarily for off-pavement? We’re going to need new tires for my wife’s Forester XT pretty soon, and those look a little more aggressive than the stock tires.
The tires are Falken Wildpeak A/T. They perform amazing in the snow I deal with every winter in Northeastern WA state.
www.falkentire.com/tires/light-truck-suv-cuv-tires/wildpeak/t-trail-tire
@@deltabravo1257 So, do your run them all year, or just as a Winter tire? We live near Olympia, WA, so not much snow, mostly wet. Some occasional gravel roads.
Thanks for the tips.
Happy to help!
FYI always double check the tongue latch to make sure it's locked if you weren't the one who locked it down when you picked the trailer up. Learned that the hard way loading my mom's 92 Buick onto one of these trailers. Guy at the place we rented the trailer from never tightened the tongue knob so when the car drove onto the trailer the tongue came off the ball, and the forward momentum of the car drove the trailer into the license plate on our dually. I'm hoping that one day I'll come across one of these trailers for sale on their website.
I never allow others to hook up a trailer I'm doing, because they may not do it correctly.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This is the best youtube video I have seen...clear and concise. I have a Crosstrek that I am thinking about towing behind my campervan for a cross country trip. After watching this video, I think it is definitely doable. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! I watched a few other videos before renting this trailer and knew I could make a better one, so I did.
Wow this is exactly what I needed good job sir 👏🏻👏🏻
Glad you liked it!
Thanks we will be hauling an outback from Portland to Long Island, very helpful for visualizing the job.
Glad it was helpful!
Those aar just safety chains, not designed to secure the vehicle to the trailer, like the safety chains on the trailer hitch. Just incase the tire straps might come loose or come off.
Excellent video! Thank you. You helped us make it home safely.
Glad it helped!
Do you have a video showing how to hook it up to the truck? Also is there a place for a padlock where it attaches to the hitch?
There's no place for a lock on the coupler due to the style of coupler these trailers use. No, I don't have a video showing how to connect it to a tow vehicle. You just raise the jack high enough to clear your hitch ball, back the truck under the coupler then lower the trailer down onto the hitch ball. and connect the wiring and safety chains.
Don’t forget to set the parking brake in the car
Done
I don’t have parking brake bruh
Will the U-Haul people help me load and unload my car from this thing? Would be nice for those having to go it alone.
I would think that they would be more than happy to help.
Love a great how-to vid
Hi did you have extra load on the truck when you were towing? Like some furnitures and clothes?
ZERO extra weight in the truck. I was simply owing the car home from when I bought the truck. I didn't trade in the car.
Excellent video.
I had been considering how to economically get my cool vintage car from Fresno Cal to Monterey Car week in August. I recently saw a Uhaul truck with a car on auto transport going down the freeway.
Bingo!
Right on!
These trailers are the only thing U-Haul has for towing a 1985 Chevrolet Caprice.
Thank you buddy...we hit the road in about an hour
Just a couple of things to point out. Chains should be loose. You dont want them to bind when the car suspension is going up and down. The second thing is that you want to drive up until you hit the metal bar with your front wheels. Your right front tire was not all the way up!
Thanks for the tip on the chains.
The problem was that this trailer was damaged - one of the front wheel bars was bent and deformed from what I remember, so both wheels couldn't rest against the front wheel stops.
I am not sure if this question has been asked, Is it possible to add additional tiedowns and/or wheel chocks to prevent movement?
No, it isn't. I'd really like to be able to make a proper tiedown of the rear tires instead of relying on those chains.
Great video. getting ready for a cross country trek and glad to have some additional insight. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
These are some good trailers no lie. Perfect for towing a utv.
We're getting ready to us one of these to carry a car across our state as we move. The U-Haul website said "All towing is subject to inspection. You will need to contact a U-Haul location to schedule a vehicle pre-tow inspection prior to the rental." We're picking the car up about 100 miles down the road from our house as we go. How strict are they about this inspection?
I am not sure.
Can a u-hal cargo van pull the car transport?
Yes, they can.
@@deltabravo1257
Thank you 🙂
Are the safety chains included with the U-Haul Auto Transport Trailer?
Yes, the chains are included. They are permanently attached to the trailer.
WHAT IS MINIMUM WIDTH BETWEEN TIRES A VEHICLE CAN BE? I AM TOWING A GOLF CART AND AM CONCERNED THE RAMPS MAYBE TOO WIDE FOR THE CART
I don't know. I didn't measure the trailer when I rented this one back in 2021. You will need to call you're local U-Haul rental place.
What's the longest car you can put on
Will a muscle car fit? a long Ford Galaxy
I don't know. I didn't measure the trailer when I rented this one back in 2021. You will need to call you're local U-Haul rental place.
U-Haul Australia now has its own specifically designed fleet!
They come with their own branded wheels and tyres. And they're fitted with Demco EZ-Latch couplers imported from the USA!
I like the Demco EZ-Latch Couplers. I'm tempted to upgrade one of my Home Depot trailers with one.
2:30 lol why did u move the camera
I was trying to figure out if these trailers use hydraulic or electric brakes. Your explanation that it has surge brakes right at the start was very satisfying to hear. Did you notice any delay or weirdness with the braking system?
I didn't notice and odd behavior with the brakes. I've never towed a trailer with surge brakes before so I was surprised at how well they worked.
Thanks for the video. I also am gonna be towing a crosstrek. Most posted highway speed limits are 100km/h. I realize it doesn’t recommend going over 55mph. Will I be good to follow posted 100 km/h speed limit while towing the crosstrek?
Yes it will be fine. I towed my Crosstrek at 65 mph
How do you reset the brake cable pedal on a auto transport system?
I don't know.
How would you use that trailer if your engine is disabled?
Not sure. Maybe use a come-along to winch a dead vehicle onto the trailer?
Can this be hauled behind a U-Haul moving truck? Or is it only for pick-up trucks and the like?
I checked and apparently my Kia COULD experience damage from the wheel wells and straps if I use the car trailer for 2 wheel drive vehicles.
Yes, it can be towed behind a U-Haul truck.
Great helpful video. I have a question, it says 55 mph is the recommended speed. Can I drive 65 mph and tow my car? Will it be safe enough? Because I am going for a 900 miles journey and driving 55 will take me a long time to reach my destination.
A lot of people that rent these trailers have ZERO previous towing experience. U-Haul states "55 MPH MAX" for liability reasons.
I won't say what you should tow with or what speed you should drive while towing, also due to liability reasons.
@@deltabravo1257 Thanks
Excellent video. Will soon be using an auto transport trailer to haul my Can Am Defender. Only thing I believe I missed was engaging the parking brake on your Subaru.
I'd recommend some sort of tie-downs on the back of your Defender.
I set the parking brake but never showed that in the video.
Thanks for the video, wanted to see if these trailers came with straps and how everything worked. Wheel chocks certainly help but you should always put your parking brake on when loading or unloading a trailer.
Yep, parking brake applied when I loaded it up.
great video. can i used this transport to tow a vehicle for 5 hrs away?? thanks in advance
I depends on what your tow vehicle is and what you want to put on the trailer. Check online at U-Haul's website to check your vehicle compatibility with this trailer
@@deltabravo1257 i have a chevy silverado 1500 ill be towing a mini cooper? will that work
Thanks SO much for making this video. I am renting one of these next week to bring a new, used classic car to its new home and you have relieved me of any concerns! Happy New Year to you!
Glad it was helpful!
How do you prevent the car's suspension from bouncing the car up and down? The last time I towed a car, that was a problem, somehow remedied by the Ryder Truck Rental folks. It was a 1,200 mile journey. For me, the bouncing was an obvious safety issue. Fortunately, we noticed it before we left town. I've been told that the car's suspension can be damaged if it's chained down too tight. I'd like to tow our Electric Hyundai Kona 1200 miles this time.
You don't.
I have to pick my suv up from the dealership before loading the truck. Once the vehicle is on the tow trailer can I unhitch the tow trailer with the vehicle still on the trailer in order to load up the moving truck? Or do I have to move the vehicle off the tow trailer before unhitching, load the moving truck, hitch the towing trailer back up and secure the vehicle once again.
Check with the U-Haul rental place for that info. I don't want to give incorrect advice on that aspect.
This video was great. I noticed the trailer says a speed limit of 55mph. Is that really true or would I be safe going 65mph?
LU-haul does that for liability purposes. I can't say how safely you can tow it because I don't know what your tow vehicle is, what your towing experience is, etc. I can't won't say one way or the other due to liability concerns.
How do you raise the trailer up when the front of the trailer is facing down. When hauling? I thought that the trailer needs to be leveled and up for the haul and not close to the ground
Get a different hitch, so the ball height is higher, then the front of the trailer will be higher.
Do you think it'll be hard to push a car up on it. My car broken down and i want to haul it myself. It's a prius
Pushing a car up onto the trailer will take 3-4 people.
hi, thanks for the video. Do you know if UHaul sells these Auto Transport trailers? Thanks
Not that I know of.
I am towing my vehicle on the Uhaul AT behind a 20 foot Uhaul truck. My main concern is getting in and out of gas stations. Did you have any issues navigating for fuel? Is it a good idea to use the Travel Centers which may have more room to move around vs. standard gas stations?
I'd just pick your gas stations wisely and not go to the ones that aren't made for easy maneuvering. If you are travelling along the interstate highway system, big gas stations are easy to find right off the exits.
Seeing is believing. Sure would be nice if I could see you drive it on the road to see if all is perfectly tighten and safe for the road please.
I towed this trailer with the Crosstrek on it 300 miles across WA State and it did fine. There were no issues.
I won't go without four corners tied down!
Good video. Good comments.
Thanks to everyone.
Nice video. Have you gone long distances pulling a car transport behind a uhaul truck? (26’) in my case
I haven't done that kind of a trip.
Does U-Haul do the actual installation while you drive it into place? So that someone with experience sets it up after packing your truck but before driving with your car in tow?
I suppose they could do that, which would require driving your tow vehicle with the trailer, and the car you want to put on the trailer back to the U-Haul rental location.
I have hauled Jeeps on trailers many times (had my own flatbed trailer) and I'm familiar with using these ratcheting style tie-downs, so I had the knowledge to do this myself.
Excellent video! Very helpful. Do you mind sharing the model of the tow hitch ball you used? Thanks!
It's a 2" ball.
Thank you so much
can iHaul too if uHaul?
Yep!
Very well designed trailer.
How do you load a car that doesn't start? To take to your mechanic? Thanks
I don't know.
You rock bro ❤ much love thanks 🙏
How can you use this trailer for a non-running vehicle?
Yes, you can, providing you can figure out a way to winch the dead vehicle up on trailer.
Excellent video! Can I use my Ford Explorer?
You will need to check with U-Haul for that answer. I don't have the answer because I don't work for U-Haul. It Depends on what you intend to tow and what the tow capacity is of your Explorer.
What’s the biggest car you can put in it? I need to know bc I might be using this tomorrow
I really don't know. You will need to look at U-Haul's website, and it will tell you what cars will fit.
@@deltabravo1257 well after 2 days of traveling I can tell you a Tahoe fits🤣🤣🤦🏽♂️..tomorrow is my last day of traveling and dropping it off,hopefully it’s a smooth 5hours
Thank you for a great Vajayo! I learned a few things watching this!
Glad to hear that!
Where can I buy one ?
Crosstreks are available at your local Subaru Dealer.
THank you. Great instructional video.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video. I have to do this. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Does it work for sedan like cars
Yes, it should. GO to U-Hauil's website and look at this trailer. It will tell you what fits.
Will U-Haul set your car on the trailer for you?
I don't know. You will have to call your local rental center and ask them.
What about loading the car backwards? Loads the engine weight over the trailer axle and releases tongue weight. 🤷♂️
I’ll be doing this in a few weeks. Thanks for sharing
Great idea, I never thought about that.
@@deltabravo1257 of course maybe that put the weight to far back also. Never seen anyone do it. Would be curious what a scale would say. Of course depends on the car as well
@@RetiredUnderachiever nooooo do not, I repeat do not do this. It looks like a good idea but due to the total weight being further towards the rear you can get what’s called whipping and if you respond to it incorrectly you have a high likely hood of becoming a statistic. There’s a reason you don’t see it done and when you do, if they get up to speed and it starts swaying you better stay out of the way.
A properly loaded trailer has 10-15% of its total weight on the tongue. Any less and it will sway dangerously.
What's the gvwr
Since it's been two years ago I rented this trailer, I don't remember. You should be able to find that info from U-Haul's website.
Hi, I'm trying to tow 97 camaro that doesn't start, I'm thinking to pull using my truck on to the trailer any suggestions? Thanks.
If you use a vehicle to try and pull the dead car on to the trailer, the trailer will move and the dead vehicle will not ascend the ramps. This might work if you chock the tires of the trailer, but i think the trailer will still try to move as you attempt to pull the dead vehicle on to the trailer.
@@deltabravo1257 ok thank you so much..on my way to try anyway.
@@tonij4073 how did you end up getting the dead vehicle onto the trailer? I have the same issue.
@@kristinak2211 i had couple guys push it one stayed inside tha car to steer make sure line up wheels straight where needs to go on trailer gain some speed and on the trailer lol.. i did it in 2 tries.
thank you
Why the lose chains in the back? To allow it to bounce a little?
That's just how the U-Haul trailers are. They don't have a rear tie-down system for the vehicle being hauled. The chain is just a safety mechanism I guess.
Nice video, thank you !
Thank you for a very helpful video the details are so important!!
Glad it was helpful!
Any tip on one that can be used on a 26 foot box truck?
This trailer will work behind any of U-Hauls rental truck, if that's what you are curious about.