U-Haul Trailer Sizes And Lengths: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hauler cars.truckstrend.com
Moving, embarking on a DIY project, or transporting oversized items often brings one name to mind: U-Haul. Renowned for its extensive fleet of moving trucks, U-Haul also offers a diverse range of trailers designed to cater to various hauling needs. However, navigating the options—from compact cargo trailers to spacious utility models—can be daunting. Choosing the correct U-Haul trailer size and length is paramount, not just for convenience and efficiency, but critically, for safety and cost-effectiveness. An undersized trailer means multiple trips or an inability to transport your items, while an oversized one can be challenging to maneuver and unnecessarily expensive.
This comprehensive guide will demystify U-Haul trailer sizes and lengths, helping you make an informed decision for a smooth, safe, and successful hauling experience. We’ll delve into each trailer type, discuss vital considerations, offer practical advice, and address common questions to ensure you hitch up to the perfect solution.
U-Haul Trailer Sizes And Lengths: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hauler
Understanding U-Haul Trailer Categories: Cargo vs. Utility
U-Haul broadly categorizes its trailers into two main types, each serving distinct purposes:
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Cargo Trailers (Enclosed Trailers): These are fully enclosed trailers, offering protection from weather elements and added security for your belongings. They are ideal for moving household goods, furniture, electronics, and anything that needs to be shielded from rain, dust, or prying eyes. Their solid walls also provide a secure space for stacking and strapping items.
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Utility Trailers (Open Trailers): These trailers feature an open design, often with low sides and sometimes a ramp. They are perfect for hauling irregularly shaped items, construction materials, landscaping supplies, vehicles, or anything that doesn’t fit into an enclosed space or benefits from easy loading. The open design allows for more flexibility with item dimensions.
Understanding this fundamental difference is the first step in narrowing down your options.
A Detailed Look at U-Haul Cargo Trailer Sizes
U-Haul’s enclosed cargo trailers come in four primary sizes, each designed for specific moving capacities:
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4×8 Cargo Trailer:
- Dimensions (Interior): Approximately 4′ wide x 8′ long x 4′ high
- Cubic Feet: ~160 cu. ft.
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,600 lbs
- Ideal For: Small moves, studio apartments, dorm rooms, local errands, or transporting a few pieces of furniture. It’s perfect for supplementing a small truck or SUV.
- Benefits: Compact, easy to maneuver, and offers good protection for smaller loads.
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5×8 Cargo Trailer:
- Dimensions (Interior): Approximately 5′ wide x 8′ long x 4.5′ high
- Cubic Feet: ~200 cu. ft.
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,800 lbs
- Ideal For: One-bedroom apartments, hauling motorcycles, or larger items like mattresses and appliances that wouldn’t fit in the 4×8.
- Benefits: A popular choice for its versatility, offering a good balance between size and ease of towing.
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5×10 Cargo Trailer:
- Dimensions (Interior): Approximately 5′ wide x 10′ long x 5′ high
- Cubic Feet: ~250 cu. ft.
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,800 lbs
- Ideal For: Larger 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom apartments, multiple pieces of furniture, or larger quantities of boxes.
- Benefits: Provides extra length for longer items, making it suitable for more substantial loads than its 5×8 counterpart.
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6×12 Cargo Trailer:
- Dimensions (Interior): Approximately 6′ wide x 12′ long x 5.5′ high
- Cubic Feet: ~340 cu. ft.
- Max Load Weight: Up to 2,500 lbs
- Ideal For: The most popular choice for 2-3 bedroom homes, large furniture, and significant moving projects. It offers ample space for a wide array of household goods.
- Benefits: Maximum capacity for enclosed trailers, suitable for most residential moves, offering excellent protection and security.
A Detailed Look at U-Haul Utility Trailer Sizes
U-Haul’s open utility trailers come in four main sizes, with some featuring integrated ramps for easier loading:
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4×7 Utility Trailer:
- Dimensions (Open Bed): Approximately 4′ wide x 7′ long
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,600 lbs
- Ideal For: Light hauling tasks, small landscaping projects, ATVs, or compact equipment.
- Benefits: Compact, lightweight, and easy to tow, perfect for small, quick jobs.
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5×8 Utility Trailer:
- Dimensions (Open Bed): Approximately 5′ wide x 8′ long
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,800 lbs
- Ideal For: General-purpose hauling, motorcycles, lawn equipment, or medium-sized DIY project materials.
- Benefits: Versatile and provides more space than the 4×7 without being overly cumbersome.
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5×9 Utility Trailer with Ramp:
- Dimensions (Open Bed): Approximately 5′ wide x 9′ long
- Max Load Weight: Up to 1,650 lbs
- Ideal For: The built-in ramp makes this trailer excellent for loading motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, or small lawnmowers. It’s also great for general hauling.
- Benefits: The ramp is a game-changer for wheeled items, significantly simplifying the loading process.
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6×12 Utility Trailer with Ramp:
- Dimensions (Open Bed): Approximately 6′ wide x 12′ long
- Max Load Weight: Up to 2,150 lbs
- Ideal For: Large, bulky items, vehicle transport (small cars, golf carts), large equipment, or substantial landscaping and construction materials.
- Benefits: Largest utility trailer, offering maximum flexibility for oversized and heavy loads, with the convenience of a ramp.
Crucial Considerations Before Renting Your U-Haul Trailer
Choosing the right trailer goes beyond just guessing. Several critical factors must be carefully considered to ensure a safe and successful towing experience:
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What Are You Moving?
- Dimensions: Measure your largest items (furniture, appliances, vehicles). Ensure they will fit through the trailer door and lie flat.
- Quantity: Estimate the total volume of your belongings. U-Haul provides helpful guides on their website relating trailer sizes to typical home sizes.
- Weight: This is paramount. Estimate the total weight of your items. Overloading is extremely dangerous and illegal.
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Towing Vehicle Capacity:
- Tow Rating: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will specify its maximum towing capacity. This is the absolute maximum weight your vehicle can safely pull.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) & Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Understand these ratings. GCWR is the maximum allowed weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle and the fully loaded trailer combined.
- Tongue Weight: This is the downward force exerted by the trailer’s tongue on the hitch ball. It should typically be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Too little or too much tongue weight can lead to instability.
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Hitch Requirements:
- Hitch Class: Your vehicle must have a properly installed hitch receiver. U-Haul trailers generally require a Class I, II, or III hitch.
- Hitch Ball Size: U-Haul trailers typically use a 1-7/8" or 2" diameter hitch ball. Ensure your hitch ball matches the trailer’s coupler size.
- Electrical Connection: Your vehicle needs a working 4-pin flat electrical connector to power the trailer’s brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. U-Haul locations can often assist with installation if needed.
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Your Driving Experience:
- Towing a trailer significantly changes how your vehicle handles. Braking distances increase, turning radius expands, and reversing becomes more challenging. If you’re new to towing, start with a smaller trailer and practice in an open area.
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Distance and Route:
- Local vs. One-Way: U-Haul offers both local (return to same location) and one-way (return to different location) rentals. One-way availability can be limited for certain trailer sizes.
- Terrain: Consider hills, winding roads, and traffic. Heavier loads and larger trailers will be more demanding.
Practical Advice and Tips for a Smooth Rental
- Estimate Accurately: It’s almost always better to slightly overestimate your space needs than to underestimate. An extra trip or having items left behind is far more costly and frustrating than a slightly larger trailer.
- Use U-Haul’s Online Tools: Their website offers excellent resources, including a "Trailer Hitch Guide" to determine if your vehicle can tow specific trailers and a "Trailer Size Selector" to help you choose.
- Reserve in Advance: Especially during peak moving seasons (summer, end of month), popular trailer sizes can be in high demand. Reserve your trailer as early as possible.
- Inspect Before You Leave: Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the trailer. Check tires for proper inflation and damage, ensure all lights (brake, turn, running) are working, and verify the hitch connection is secure.
- Load Correctly: Distribute weight evenly, placing heavier items over the trailer’s axle. Secure all items using tie-downs, ropes, or moving blankets to prevent shifting during transit. This is crucial for stability and safety.
- Practice Driving: If you’re not experienced with towing, practice driving, turning, and especially backing up in a safe, open area before hitting busy roads.
- Drive Cautiously: Reduce your speed, allow extra braking distance, and make wider turns. Be aware of increased wind resistance.
- Return On Time: Return the trailer on or before your scheduled return time to avoid potential late fees.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
- Overloading:
- Challenge: Exceeding the trailer’s maximum load weight or your vehicle’s towing capacity is dangerous and can lead to tire blowouts, loss of control, or damage to your vehicle.
- Solution: Be realistic about your load. If in doubt, rent a larger trailer or make multiple trips. Use a bathroom scale for smaller items or estimate using online resources.
- Incorrect Hitch/Wiring:
- Challenge: Arriving to pick up your trailer only to find your vehicle lacks the proper hitch or electrical connection.
- Solution: Verify all requirements before reserving. U-Haul locations often offer hitch installation services and sell wiring kits.
- Trailer Availability:
- Challenge: The specific trailer size you need might not be available at your preferred location or on your desired date.
- Solution: Reserve early, be flexible with your pickup date or location, or consider alternative sizes if your primary choice isn’t available.
- Fuel Economy:
- Challenge: Towing a trailer significantly increases fuel consumption.
- Solution: Factor increased fuel costs into your budget. Drive at a steady, moderate speed to optimize fuel efficiency.
U-Haul Trailer Sizes & Estimated Local Rental Prices
Please note: U-Haul rental prices are highly dynamic and vary based on location, availability, duration, and whether it’s a local or one-way rental. The prices below are estimated typical starting points for local daily rentals and should only be used as a general guide. Always check U-Haul’s official website for current, accurate pricing for your specific needs.
| Trailer Type | Interior Dimensions (Approx. WxLxH) | Cubic Feet (Approx.) | Max Load Weight (Approx.) | Est. Daily Local Price (USD) * | Hitch Ball Size Required | Electrical Connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Trailers | ||||||
| 4×8 Cargo | 4′ x 8′ x 4′ | 160 cu. ft. | 1,600 lbs | $14.95 – $19.95 | 1-7/8" or 2" | 4-pin flat |
| 5×8 Cargo | 5′ x 8′ x 4.5′ | 200 cu. ft. | 1,800 lbs | $19.95 – $24.95 | 1-7/8" or 2" | 4-pin flat |
| 5×10 Cargo | 5′ x 10′ x 5′ | 250 cu. ft. | 1,800 lbs | $24.95 – $29.95 | 1-7/8" or 2" | 4-pin flat |
| 6×12 Cargo | 6′ x 12′ x 5.5′ | 340 cu. ft. | 2,500 lbs | $29.95 – $39.95 | 1-7/8" or 2" | 4-pin flat |
| Utility Trailers | ||||||
| 4×7 Utility | 4′ x 7′ (open bed) | N/A | 1,600 lbs | $14.95 – $19.95 | 1-7/8" or 2" | 4-pin flat |
| 5×8 Utility | 5′ x 8′ (open bed) | N/A | 1,800 lbs | $19.95 – $24.95 | 1-7/8" or 2" | 4-pin flat |
| 5×9 Utility w/ Ramp | 5′ x 9′ (open bed) | N/A | 1,650 lbs | $24.95 – $29.95 | 1-7/8" or 2" | 4-pin flat |
| 6×12 Utility w/ Ramp | 6′ x 12′ (open bed) | N/A | 2,150 lbs | $29.95 – $39.95 | 1-7/8" or 2" | 4-pin flat |
* Prices are highly variable and subject to change based on location, demand, and duration. These are general estimates for local daily rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of hitch do I need to tow a U-Haul trailer?
A1: You’ll need a properly installed hitch receiver on your vehicle, typically Class I, II, or III, depending on the trailer size and your vehicle’s towing capacity. You’ll also need a hitch ball that matches the trailer’s coupler size (usually 1-7/8" or 2").
Q2: Can I tow a U-Haul trailer with my sedan or small SUV?
A2: It depends on your specific vehicle’s towing capacity and the weight of the loaded trailer. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its maximum tow rating. U-Haul’s website also has a helpful tool to check vehicle compatibility. Many smaller vehicles can tow the 4×8 or 5×8 cargo trailers, but larger trailers require more robust towing vehicles.
Q3: Do I need special insurance to rent a U-Haul trailer?
A3: Your personal auto insurance policy might cover towing a rental trailer, but coverage can vary. U-Haul offers optional SafeTow® coverage for purchase, which provides damage waivers and supplemental liability protection. It’s advisable to check with your personal insurance provider and consider U-Haul’s options for peace of mind.
Q4: How fast can I drive with a U-Haul trailer?
A4: U-Haul recommends a maximum speed of 55 MPH when towing their trailers. This limit is crucial for safety, as towing increases stopping distances and reduces vehicle stability, especially at higher speeds. Always adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed for road conditions.
Q5: Can I rent a U-Haul trailer for a one-way trip?
A5: Yes, U-Haul offers one-way rentals for many of its trailers, though availability can be more limited than for local rentals, especially for specific sizes. It’s best to reserve well in advance for one-way moves.
Q6: What if I need to extend my U-Haul trailer rental?
A6: If you need to keep your trailer longer than planned, contact U-Haul as soon as possible. Extensions are often possible, but depend on availability and may incur additional daily charges.
Conclusion
Choosing the right U-Haul trailer size and length is a critical step in ensuring a successful and stress-free move or hauling project. By carefully assessing your needs, understanding the different trailer types, and paying close attention to crucial factors like towing capacity and weight, you can confidently select the perfect trailer. Remember, safety should always be your top priority. With the information provided in this guide, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision, hitch up, and hit the road with confidence, knowing your belongings are transported securely and efficiently.
