U Haul Small Cargo Trailer Buying Guide

If you're planning to buy a U-Haul small cargo trailer, you'll want to consider the weight capacity, which can range from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds, depending on the model. This will help you determine what type of cargo you can safely transport.

The size of the trailer is another crucial factor, with options ranging from 4 to 7 feet in length and 3 to 4 feet in width. This will affect the amount of space you have for your belongings.

U-Haul offers a variety of small cargo trailer models, including the U-Haul 4x6, 4x8, and 6x12. Each model has its own unique features and benefits.

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To ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience with your U-Haul small cargo trailer, it's essential to understand the towing and trailer requirements. Your vehicle should have a maximum recommended speed of 55 miles per hour.

The trailer and your belongings will affect your speed, braking, maneuverability, and more. Be aware of your trailer's dimensions when entering low or narrow passages. Gas mileage will be better for light loads—and more expensive for heavier loads.

To determine if your car can tow a U-Haul trailer, enter your towing car's make, model, and year when reserving your trailer. Most cars can tow a U-Haul trailer, but U-Haul does not allow any sport-utility vehicles not equipped with a hard top to tow a trailer.

To ensure safe and successful towing, it's essential to meet the minimum requirements for your towing vehicle. The maximum recommended speed is 55 MPH, which is equivalent to 88 km/h.

You'll need to have a hitch ball that's either 1-7/8" or 2" in diameter, with a minimum weight capacity of 2,000 pounds. This is crucial for securing your trailer properly.

The maximum allowable hitch ball height is 25", so make sure your hitch ball doesn't exceed this height. This will help prevent any damage to your vehicle or trailer.

External mirrors on both sides of your vehicle are also a must. This will provide you with a clear view of the road behind you, reducing the risk of accidents.

If you're driving an SUV or select Jeep, you'll need to have a hard top to ensure safe towing. This will provide additional structural support and protection for your vehicle.

Your vehicle's tow vehicle and trailer lighting must be operational at all times, day and night. This includes headlights, taillights, and brake lights.

To ensure you're not overloaded, your vehicle's curb weight must exceed the weight of the loaded trailer. This will help prevent any damage to your vehicle or trailer.

Lastly, your vehicle must be equipped with an adequate hitch system and lighting connections. This will ensure a secure and safe towing experience.

Here's a quick rundown of the key requirements:

To pick up your trailer, you'll need to gather all rental documents, including a signed rental contract and a valid driver's license.

You'll also need to inspect the trailer to ensure you're aware of its size, weight, and any other important details. This will help you determine if your vehicle can safely tow it.

Before hitting the road, perform a safety check on your vehicle to ensure it can handle the trailer's weight and size. This includes checking the brakes, tire pressure, and other necessary parts of your car.

Make sure to secure all loose items in your vehicle, and double-check that your hitch is securely attached to your car.

To avoid any last-minute trips back to the rental location, verify that you have all the necessary equipment, including a tow dolly, furniture pads, moving boxes, tape, tie-down ropes, plastic stretch wrap, and other supplies.

U-Haul offers a variety of trailer types and sizes to suit different needs.

The smallest U-Haul trailer is approximately 8'1 x 4'1" x 4' (LxWxH) in size, with a volume of 142 cubic ft. and an empty weight of 850 lbs.

For those who need a bit more space, U-Haul also offers a trailer with an inside size of 8' x 4'8" x 5'4" (LxWxH), a volume of 208 cubic ft. and an empty weight of 900 lbs.

Here's a comparison of the different U-Haul trailer sizes:

Choosing the right size cargo moving trailer is crucial for a smooth and stress-free move. The size of the trailer you need depends on how much stuff you're moving. If you're moving a small amount of furniture, a 4'x8' cargo trailer with a loading capacity of up to 1,600 lbs might be sufficient.

For smaller moves, like moving into a dorm with a limited amount of furniture, a 4'x8' cargo trailer is a great choice. This trailer also protects your belongings from wind and rain.

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If you're moving a bit more, a 5'x8' cargo trailer is a good option. These trailers have a loading capacity of up to 1,800 lbs and are perfect for handling basic furnishings like a couch, chairs, and twin bed.

For small apartment moves involving a bed, couch, chairs, boxes, electronics, and more, a 5'x10' cargo trailer with 230 cubic feet of space is a good fit.

If you're moving a long distance, U-Haul's largest trailer option, the 6'x12' cargo trailer, is designed to meet your needs. This trailer can hold up to 2,500 pounds and is capable of holding several rooms worth of furniture.

Here's a quick summary of the trailer sizes and their capacities:

There are three main types of U-Haul trailers to choose from. U-Haul offers an aerodynamic and lightweight enclosed cargo trailer, perfect for moving household belongings.

U-Haul's utility trailer is designed for hauling bulkier landscaping items and building supplies. It's a great option for those who need to transport heavy or oversized items.

The car trailer is another type of trailer offered by U-Haul, and it comes in different varieties. You can choose between a tow dolly, which is better suited for local moves, or an auto transport trailer for longer distance moves.

U-Haul's cargo trailer is the most practical choice for moving household belongings.

Before renting a U-Haul trailer, verify that your car insurance covers the trailer, and consider adding a related policy if it doesn't.

U-Haul trailer rentals start at $14.95 per day, with prices increasing if you need additional coverage or services.

To budget for your rental, consider the costs of damage protection coverage, roadside assistance, or moving supplies, which can add to the base rental fee.

When planning a move, it's essential to consider your budget before and after renting a U-Haul trailer.

U-Haul trailers start at $14.95 per day, with prices increasing if you need additional services like damage protection coverage or roadside assistance.

The cost of renting a U-Haul trailer depends on several factors, including the type and size of the trailer, the distance of the move, and added gas mileage costs.

You'll need to pay for the total estimated charges when you pick up the trailer, and U-Haul accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you pay with cash for a one-way trailer, you'll have to pay a deposit of $60, in addition to the rental fee.

There are no per-mile charges for trailer rentals or towing equipment, so cross-country or long-distance moves won't affect the cost.

Before renting a trailer, make sure your car insurance covers it. This is a crucial step to avoid any unexpected expenses or issues down the road.

Check your policy documents to see if your car insurance already covers trailers. If it does, great! You're good to go. If not, consider adding a related policy to your existing insurance coverage.

Adding a trailer to your insurance policy is usually a straightforward process and can be done online or over the phone with your insurance provider.

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Driving a U-Haul small cargo trailer requires some extra attention to safety and equipment. You should be aware of your trailer's dimensions when entering low or narrow passages.

Gas mileage will be better for light loads, but heavier loads will cost more. Towing heavy items affects braking and acceleration, so be sure to leave between four and five seconds between you and the car in front of you.

To maneuver safely, don't exceed 55 miles per hour and use a wider-than-normal turning radius. It's also a good idea to drive forward into a parking space whenever possible, and if you must back up, place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and look over your shoulder.

To pack the trailer efficiently, aim for 60% of the cargo weight in front and 40% in the back. Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top, and secure everything with moving straps.

To find your hitch system rating, you need to compare the ratings of your hitch, hitch ball, and ball mount. The lowest rating among these parts will be your hitch system rating.

Your hitch's maximum tow weight rating can usually be found on a label on the hitch itself. I've seen many labels on hitches, and they're usually easy to spot.

The rating for your ball mount is usually on a label on the mounting plate or along the shaft that goes into your receiver. Make sure to check both places to ensure you have the correct rating.

Here's a quick rundown of where to find each rating:

Remember, your hitch system rating is the lowest rating among these parts. Don't tow more than that, or you risk damaging your vehicle or trailer.

Driving a trailer can be a bit more challenging than driving a regular vehicle, but with some knowledge and practice, you'll be a pro in no time. The trailer and your belongings will affect your speed, braking, maneuverability, and more.

Be aware that gas mileage will be better for light loads—and more expensive for heavier loads. This is because the weight of the trailer and its contents affects the engine's efficiency.

When entering low or narrow passages, make sure to check your trailer's dimensions to avoid any issues. This is especially important if you're driving in areas with tight spaces, such as city streets or parking garages.

Towing a trailer requires a wider-than-normal turning radius, so be sure to leave plenty of space to turn. It's also a good idea to drive forward into a parking space whenever possible, and if you must back up, place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and look over your shoulder.

To pack the trailer efficiently, aim for a balance of 60% of the cargo weight in front and 40% in the back. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent any shifting during transit.

Here are some general guidelines for packing the trailer:

Finally, be aware that towing heavy items affects braking and acceleration. U-Haul recommends leaving between four and five seconds between you and the car in front of you to ensure safe stopping distances.

Loading a trailer can be a daunting task, but with some basic knowledge, you can ensure a safe and successful move. According to U-Haul, the location of heavier items is crucial.

Load your heavier items towards the front of the trailer, which is the end closest to your car. This helps maintain balance and stability.

Proper weight distribution is also essential. Place 60 percent of the cargo weight in the center load line. This is a key factor in preventing trailer sway and ensuring a smooth ride.

To maximize space and prevent damage, load heavy items first. This allows you to stack lighter items on top, keeping them secure and protected.

Light items should be placed on top and towards the back of the trailer. This helps maintain balance and prevents shifting during transit.

To keep your belongings safe, secure your cargo with straps or tie-downs. This prevents items from getting banged up in transit and ensures a successful move.

Motorcycle trailers are designed to safely transport motorcycles. They come in different sizes and weights.

The U-Haul motorcycle trailer has an inside dimension of 7'8" x 3'9.5". This allows for a generous amount of space to load your motorcycle.

The empty weight of the U-Haul motorcycle trailer is 800 lbs. This is important to consider when calculating the total weight of your trailer and motorcycle.

The maximum load capacity of the U-Haul motorcycle trailer is 1600 lbs. This means you can safely load a heavy motorcycle onto the trailer.

Here are the key specs of the U-Haul motorcycle trailer:

U-Haul also offers a larger motorcycle trailer with an inside dimension of 9'2" x 4'9". This trailer has a maximum load capacity of 1,650 lbs and a maximum gross weight of 2,890 lbs.