The Ultimate Guide To U-Haul Trailer Types: Sizes, Specs, And How To Choose The Perfect Rental
Renting a trailer is one of the most cost-effective and versatile ways to tackle a DIY move, haul equipment, or transport vehicles across the country. U-Haul has established itself as the undisputed leader in this space, offering a diverse fleet of trailers designed to meet almost any consumer or commercial need. Unlike renting a box truck, renting a trailer allows you to use your own tow vehicle, saving money on daily rental rates and avoiding the dreaded per-mile fees.
However, selecting the right U-Haul trailer requires more than just picking a size that looks big enough. You must consider your towing vehicle’s capacity, the weight of your cargo, hitch classifications, and safety regulations. Choosing the wrong trailer can lead to dangerous towing conditions, damage to your vehicle, or refusal of rental at the pickup counter. This comprehensive guide breaks down every U-Haul trailer type, their technical specifications, and key considerations to ensure a safe and efficient haul.
U-Haul Cargo Trailers: Secure and Weather-Protected Options
U-Haul cargo trailers are fully enclosed, lockable, and engineered to protect your belongings from rain, wind, debris, and theft. These aerodynamic trailers are the go-to choice for household moves, transporting valuable equipment, or picking up new furniture. Because they are enclosed, they offer excellent peace of mind during long-distance, multi-day journeys where you might need to park overnight at hotels or rest stops.
4x8 Cargo Trailer
The 4x8 cargo trailer is the smallest enclosed option offered by U-Haul. With 142 cubic feet of loading space, it is incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a favorite for college students moving into dorms, studio apartment dwellers, or anyone needing to transport luggage, small appliances, or hobby gear. Because of its low empty weight of just 850 lbs, it can be towed by almost any vehicle equipped with a hitch, including compact SUVs, crossovers, and even some mid-size sedans.
5x8 Cargo Trailer
The 5x8 cargo trailer is widely considered the "sweet spot" of the enclosed rental fleet. Offering 230 cubic feet of storage, this model can comfortably accommodate a queen-sized mattress, several large furniture pieces, and dozens of moving boxes. It features a low-profile design that reduces wind resistance, which helps preserve your tow vehicle's fuel economy during highway driving. It is equipped with heavy-duty tie-down rings inside to ensure your cargo stays anchored and secure over bumpy roads.
6x12 Cargo Trailer
As the largest enclosed trailer in the lineup, the 6x12 cargo trailer is designed for major household moves, capable of holding up to a multi-room apartment's worth of furniture and belongings. Boasting a massive 396 cubic feet of capacity, this dual-axle powerhouse is built for heavy-duty tasks. Unlike the smaller single-axle models, the 6x12 cargo trailer features automatic hydraulic surge brakes. This safety feature uses the trailer's own momentum to apply braking force, significantly reducing the stopping distance and stress on your tow vehicle's braking system.
U-Haul Utility Trailers: Open-Top Versatility for Large or Odd-Shaped Loads
When your cargo is awkwardly shaped, exceptionally tall, or requires quick loading and unloading, a U-Haul utility trailer is the ideal solution. These open-top trailers are perfect for hauling landscaping materials, ATVs, construction equipment, large appliances, or trash to the local landfill. Because they do not have a ceiling, you are not limited by vertical height restrictions, though you must secure your load with heavy-duty straps or cargo nets to comply with highway safety laws.
Small & Medium Utility Trailers (4x7 and 5x9 with Ramp)
The 4x7 utility trailer is a compact, lightweight option without a ramp, ideal for quick trips to the hardware store for lumber or hauling small lawn mowers. If you need more utility and easier loading, the 5x9 utility trailer with a fold-down ramp is highly recommended. The integrated heavy-duty ramp makes loading wheeled cargo, such as motorcycles, riding lawn mowers, or heavy appliances on dollies, an effortless, single-person job. The ramp also folds flat against the trailer bed when not in use to optimize aerodynamics.
Large Utility Trailers (6x12 Utility with Ramp)
For massive hauling needs, the 6x12 utility trailer provides an expansive flatbed platform capable of carrying up to 3,710 lbs of cargo. Available both with and without a heavy-duty loading ramp, this trailer is heavily favored by landscapers, contractors, and DIYers tackling major property cleanups. The high metal side rails provide robust anchor points for tie-downs and help keep loose items contained during transport. Like its cargo counterpart, the 6x12 utility trailer features a dual-axle design and hydraulic surge brakes to ensure stable towing under heavy loads.
The Ultimate Guide to U-Haul Trailers: Types, Sizes, Safety & Rental ...
Vehicle Trailers: Towing Your Car, Truck, or Motorcycle
U-Haul provides highly specialized towing equipment designed specifically for transporting vehicles. Whether you are moving across the country and don’t want to put mileage on your secondary car, restoring a classic vehicle, or transporting a disabled vehicle to a mechanic, U-Haul has a dedicated trailer type for the job.
Tow Dolly vs. Auto Transport
The primary decision when towing a car is choosing between a Tow Dolly and an Auto Transport trailer. A Tow Dolly is a lightweight trailer that lifts only the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground while the rear wheels remain on the pavement. This is a highly economical option best suited for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Conversely, an Auto Transport is a heavy-duty, dual-axle flatbed trailer that carries the entire vehicle off the ground. This is the safest and most recommended option for all-wheel-drive (AWD), four-wheel-drive (4WD), and rear-wheel-drive vehicles, as keeping all wheels off the ground prevents expensive drivetrain damage during transport.
Motorcycle Trailer
U-Haul’s dedicated motorcycle trailer is a highly specialized utility trailer designed specifically to transport bikes safely. It features a built-in front-wheel chock that stabilizes the motorcycle's front wheel, preventing it from twisting during transit. It also boasts heavy-duty integrated tie-down D-rings and an ultra-low loading ramp that minimizes the incline, reducing the risk of tipping over when loading or unloading heavy touring bikes or cruisers.
U-Haul Trailer Specifications Comparison
To make an informed decision, it is crucial to analyze the precise dimensions, weight capacities, and volume limits of each trailer. The table below outlines the core specifications of U-Haul's most popular trailer rentals.
| Trailer Type & Size | Empty Weight (lbs) | Max Cargo Load Capacity (lbs) | Volume / Bed Dimensions | Braking System | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4x8 Cargo | 850 | 1,600 | 142 cu. ft. | None | Dorm rooms, small moves, luggage |
| 5x8 Cargo | 900 | 1,800 | 230 cu. ft. | None | 1-bedroom apartments, mid-size furniture |
| 6x12 Cargo | 1,920 | 2,480 | 396 cu. ft. | Hydraulic Surge | Multi-room moves, heavy boxes, appliances |
| 4x7 Utility | 630 | 1,770 | 4' x 7' Bed | None | Landscaping, small equipment, lumber |
| 5x9 Utility (w/ Ramp) | 1,240 | 1,650 | 5' x 9' Bed | None | Motorcycles, ATVs, riding mowers |
| 6x12 Utility | 1,730 | 3,710 | 6' x 12' Bed | Hydraulic Surge | Heavy construction materials, large machinery |
| Tow Dolly | 750 | 3,450 (FWD) / 3,900 (RWD) | Front Wheel Cradle | None (Some models have surge) | Towing front-wheel-drive cars |
| Auto Transport | 2,210 | 5,290 | 79" x 148" Platform | Hydraulic Surge | Towing AWD, 4WD, and heavy trucks/SUVs |
Pros and Cons of Renting a U-Haul Trailer
Understanding the advantages and limitations of utilizing a trailer rental over other moving methods will help you plan your logistics more effectively.
Pros
- Highly Cost-Effective: Trailer rentals are dramatically cheaper than box trucks. U-Haul does not charge mileage fees for local trailer rentals, allowing you to make multiple trips without worrying about an escalating bill.
- Lower Loading Height: Because trailers sit much closer to the ground than box trucks, loading heavy furniture and appliances requires far less physical exertion.
- Use Your Own Vehicle: Towing allows you to travel in the comfort of your personal car, SUV, or truck, utilizing your own climate control, entertainment systems, and familiar driving dynamics.
- Convenience: Once you reach your destination, you can unhook the trailer at your home or hotel, leaving you with an unencumbered personal vehicle to drive around town.
Cons
- Towing Mechanics: Driving with a trailer requires specialized skills. Backing up, taking wider turns, and calculating braking distances can be highly stressful for inexperienced drivers.
- Speed Restrictions: U-Haul strictly mandates a maximum speed limit of 55 mph for all vehicles towing their trailers, which can significantly increase travel times on long highway road trips.
- Vehicle Requirements: Your vehicle must be equipped with a compatible hitch receiver, wiring harness, and have a towing capacity that exceeds the combined weight of the trailer and your cargo.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Safely Hook Up and Tow a U-Haul Trailer
Towing safety starts long before you pull onto the highway. Properly connecting your trailer and understanding safe driving practices are non-negotiable steps to prevent accidents, sway, or structural damage.
Step 1: Verify Hitch and Vehicle Compatibility
Before booking, check your vehicle’s owner's manual to find its maximum towing capacity. Ensure your tow hitch receiver is rated correctly (Class I, II, III, or IV) for the load you plan to carry. You will need a hitch ball (typically 1-7/8" or 2" depending on the trailer) and a properly functioning 4-way flat or 7-way round electrical connection to power the trailer’s brake and turn lights.
Step 2: Align and Couple the Trailer
Slowly reverse your tow vehicle until the hitch ball is directly under the trailer's coupler. Lower the coupler onto the ball using the trailer jack. Secure the coupler latch and insert a safety pin or lock through the latch to prevent it from accidentally popping open during transit. Hand-tighten the hand wheel on the coupler if equipped, ensuring a snug fit.
Step 3: Attach Safety Chains and Wiring
Cross the safety chains underneath the trailer tongue to create a "cradle." In the event of a coupler failure, this cradle will catch the trailer tongue before it hits the pavement. Attach the hooks to the loops on your vehicle's hitch frame. Next, plug in the electrical wiring harness, leaving enough slack so the wires do not pull tight during sharp turns, but not so much slack that they drag on the ground.
[Tow Vehicle] -- (Left Chain) \ / (Right Chain) -- [Trailer Tongue] X <-- Chains Crossed
Step 4: Perform a Pre-Trip Safety Check
Before driving away, have a partner stand behind the trailer while you test the left turn signal, right turn signal, hazards, and brake lights. Walk around the trailer to inspect the tire pressure and ensure the cargo doors or ramp gates are double-latched and locked.
Step 5: Master the 60/40 Cargo Loading Rule
To prevent dangerous trailer sway (fishtailing), you must distribute your cargo weight properly. Load 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer (closer to your tow vehicle) and 40% in the rear. Secure all heavy items tightly to prevent them from shifting backward while driving up hills or accelerating, which can instantly cause loss of vehicle control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do U-Haul trailers have brakes?
Only the larger U-Haul models, specifically the 6x12 cargo trailer, 6x12 utility trailer, and the Auto Transport, are equipped with automatic hydraulic surge brakes. These do not require your tow vehicle to have an electronic brake controller; instead, they activate automatically using the kinetic deceleration force of the trailer pushing against the tow vehicle.
Can I tow a U-Haul trailer with a sedan or small SUV?
Yes, smaller models such as the 4x8 cargo trailer and the 4x7 utility trailer are engineered to be towed by compact cars, sedans, and small crossovers, provided your vehicle has an aftermarket or factory-installed hitch and is rated to tow at least 1,000 to 1,500 lbs. Always verify your specific vehicle's towing limit in your owner's manual.
Are there mileage charges for U-Haul trailer rentals?
No. Unlike U-Haul moving trucks, which charge a flat rate plus a fee per mile, U-Haul trailers feature unlimited mileage for both local and one-way rentals. You pay a flat rate for the rental period, making trailers an incredibly budget-friendly option for long-distance hauls.
What size hitch ball does a U-Haul trailer require?
U-Haul trailers are designed to fit either a 1-7/8" or a 2" hitch ball. Their couplers are engineered to adjust to either size, but you must ensure your hitch ball is rated to handle the gross weight of the loaded trailer.
Does my personal car insurance cover a rented U-Haul trailer?
In most cases, your personal auto insurance liability coverage will extend to a towed trailer, but it typically will not cover physical damage to the rental trailer itself or the cargo inside. U-Haul offers affordable optional protection plans, such as Safetow, which cover trailer damage, cargo damage, and medical/life protection.
Secure Your Next Move with the Right U-Haul Trailer
Renting a U-Haul trailer is a highly efficient, customizable, and budget-friendly solution for your transport needs, whether you are moving across town or relocating your life across state lines. By selecting the appropriate size, adhering to strict towing weight capacities, and securing your load according to the 60/40 rule, you will guarantee a smooth, safe, and stress-free journey.
Ready to make your move? Visit your local U-Haul dealer or book online today to secure the ideal cargo, utility, or vehicle trailer for your next adventure.
