U-Haul Trailer Sizes And Lengths: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hauling Solution

U-Haul Trailer Sizes And Lengths: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hauling Solution cars.truckstrend.com

Moving, transporting goods, or hauling equipment can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, it becomes significantly more manageable. For millions, U-Haul trailers have long been the go-to solution, offering a flexible and cost-effective way to move possessions of all shapes and sizes. However, the sheer variety of U-Haul trailers can be overwhelming. Choosing the wrong size can lead to multiple trips, wasted time, damaged goods, or even safety hazards.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify U-Haul trailer sizes and lengths, providing you with all the essential information needed to select the perfect trailer for your specific needs. From compact enclosed cargo trailers to robust open utility trailers and specialized car haulers, understanding the dimensions, capacities, and best uses for each will ensure a smooth, efficient, and safe hauling experience. Let’s embark on this journey to become a U-Haul trailer expert.

U-Haul Trailer Sizes And Lengths: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hauling Solution

Understanding the U-Haul Trailer Ecosystem

U-Haul offers a diverse fleet of trailers designed to cater to various hauling demands. These can broadly be categorized into three main types:

1. Cargo Trailers (Enclosed): Ideal for protecting your belongings from weather, road debris, and theft. They come with solid walls, roofs, and floors.
2. Utility Trailers (Open): Perfect for transporting bulky items, landscaping materials, or anything that doesn’t require weather protection. Many come with loading ramps.
3. Car Transport Trailers: Specifically designed for moving vehicles, either fully loaded onto a platform or with two wheels on a dolly.

Each category boasts a range of sizes, each with its unique specifications and best-use scenarios.

Detailed Breakdown of U-Haul Cargo Trailer Sizes

U-Haul’s enclosed cargo trailers are the workhorses for household moves, offering security and weather protection.

• 4’x8′ Cargo Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Interior): 7’11" L x 3’11" W x 4’5" H
  • Cubic Feet: 160 cu. ft.
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,600 lbs
  • Common Uses: Small studio apartments, dorm rooms, moving a few pieces of furniture, transporting small appliances, boxes, or personal belongings.
  • Key Features: Lightweight, easy to maneuver, low loading deck.
  • Best For: Minimal moves, local errands, or supplementing a larger move.

• 5’x8′ Cargo Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Interior): 8’1" L x 4’9" W x 5’2" H
  • Cubic Feet: 256 cu. ft.
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,800 lbs
  • Common Uses: Small 1-bedroom apartments, multiple rooms of boxes, queen-size beds, dressers, or light commercial deliveries.
  • Key Features: Most popular enclosed trailer size, easy to tow, good balance of capacity and maneuverability.
  • Best For: Mid-sized apartment moves, college students, or small business transport.

• 5’x10′ Cargo Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Interior): 9’10" L x 4’9" W x 5’2" H
  • Cubic Feet: 320 cu. ft.
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,650 lbs
  • Common Uses: 1-2 bedroom apartments, larger furniture pieces, multiple appliances, or small office moves.
  • Key Features: Offers more length for longer items like sofas, still relatively easy to tow.
  • Best For: Medium-sized apartment or small house moves.

• 6’x12′ Cargo Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Interior): 12’1" L x 5’11" W x 5’5" H
  • Cubic Feet: 450 cu. ft.
  • Max Load Capacity: 2,500 lbs
  • Common Uses: 2-3 bedroom homes, large appliances, oversized furniture, or significant commercial transport.
  • Key Features: U-Haul’s largest enclosed trailer, tandem axle for better stability, low loading deck, equipped with an EZ-Load ramp.
  • Best For: Larger household moves, transporting ATVs or motorcycles (check dimensions), or extensive inventory transport.

Detailed Breakdown of U-Haul Utility Trailer Sizes

U-Haul’s open utility trailers are designed for versatility, often featuring low sides and robust construction for heavier, bulkier items.

• 4’x7′ Utility Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Bed): 7’1" L x 4’1" W
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,670 lbs
  • Common Uses: Lawn and garden equipment, small ATVs, dirt bikes, building materials, or debris removal.
  • Key Features: Lightweight, easy to tow with smaller vehicles, open top for tall items.
  • Best For: Light-duty hauling, local errands, or yard work.

• 5’x8′ Utility Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Bed): 8’1" L x 4’9" W
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,890 lbs
  • Common Uses: Furniture, appliances, landscaping supplies, motorcycles, or larger debris.
  • Key Features: Popular choice, slightly larger capacity than 4×7, good maneuverability.
  • Best For: General hauling, small home improvement projects.

• 5’x9′ Utility Trailer with Ramp:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Bed): 9’2" L x 4’9" W
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,600 lbs
  • Common Uses: Mowers, ATVs, motorcycles, dollies, or anything that benefits from ramp loading.
  • Key Features: Integrated EZ-Load ramp for easy loading/unloading of wheeled items, low deck.
  • Best For: Transporting recreational vehicles, power equipment, or heavy wheeled items.

• 6’x12′ Utility Trailer with Ramp:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Bed): 12’1" L x 6’2" W
  • Max Load Capacity: 2,670 lbs
  • Common Uses: Large landscaping equipment, multiple ATVs, small tractors, building materials, or bulk items.
  • Key Features: Largest single-axle utility trailer, equipped with an EZ-Load ramp, heavy-duty construction.
  • Best For: Significant hauling jobs, commercial use, or transporting multiple large items.

• 6’x12′ Tandem Axle Utility Trailer:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Bed): 12’1" L x 6’2" W
  • Max Load Capacity: 4,960 lbs
  • Common Uses: Heaviest loads, large construction materials, multiple vehicles (e.g., snowmobiles, multiple ATVs), or commercial equipment.
  • Key Features: Tandem axle provides increased stability, higher weight capacity, and improved weight distribution.
  • Best For: Professional contractors, extremely heavy loads, or long-distance hauling where stability is paramount.

Detailed Breakdown of U-Haul Car Transport Trailer Sizes

When it comes to moving vehicles, U-Haul offers two primary options:

• Auto Transport:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Bed): 14’8" L x 6’8" W (overall length 19’8")
  • Max Load Capacity: 5,290 lbs
  • Common Uses: Transporting cars, SUVs, and small trucks, especially for long distances or valuable vehicles.
  • Key Features: Four wheels of the towed vehicle are off the ground, ensuring minimal wear and tear. Equipped with ramps, tie-down straps, and surge brakes.
  • Best For: Long-distance vehicle transport, all-wheel drive vehicles, or vehicles with specific towing restrictions.

• Tow Dolly:

  • Dimensions (Approximate Overall): 12′ L x 7′ W (platform for two wheels)
  • Max Load Capacity: 3,450 lbs (vehicle weight)
  • Common Uses: Transporting front-wheel drive vehicles over shorter to medium distances.
  • Key Features: Two wheels of the towed vehicle are on the ground, making it lighter and often easier to maneuver than an auto transport. Includes a tilt bed for easy loading and safety chains.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious vehicle transport, front-wheel drive cars, or situations where full transport isn’t necessary.

Key Considerations When Choosing Your U-Haul Trailer

Selecting the right trailer goes beyond just knowing the dimensions. Here are critical factors to consider:

1. Volume and Weight of Your Items: This is paramount. Overestimating your needs is always better than underestimating. Use U-Haul’s online reservation system, which often helps suggest trailer sizes based on your home size. Don’t forget the weight of your items; always check the trailer’s maximum load capacity.
2. Towing Vehicle Compatibility: Your vehicle must be capable of safely towing the chosen trailer. This involves checking:
   • Towing Capacity: Found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Never exceed this.
   • Hitch Class: Your vehicle needs a hitch receiver and a hitch ball (usually 1 7/8" or 2" for U-Haul trailers). Ensure the hitch class is appropriate for the trailer’s gross weight.
   • Wiring: Your vehicle needs a working 4-way flat light connector for the trailer’s lights.
   • Mirrors: Extended mirrors might be necessary for visibility, especially with larger trailers.
3. Distance of Travel: For long-distance moves, enclosed cargo trailers offer superior protection. For local trips with bulky items, open utility trailers might suffice.
4. Accessibility and Loading: Consider how you’ll load and unload. Will a ramp be beneficial (e.g., for mowers, motorcycles, heavy boxes)? Can the trailer fit into your driveway or street?
5. Budget: Larger trailers and longer rental periods naturally cost more. Factor in fuel consumption, which increases when towing.
6. Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Proper loading (heavy items low and central, balanced weight), securing items with tie-downs, checking tire pressure (on both tow vehicle and trailer), and performing a pre-trip inspection are non-negotiable.

Practical Advice and Actionable Insights

• Plan Ahead: Reserve your trailer in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (end of month, summer).
• Utilize U-Haul’s Resources: Their website has excellent tools, including size estimators and vehicle towing guides.
• Pack Smartly: Distribute weight evenly, placing heavier items over the trailer’s axle(s) and lower to the floor. Secure everything to prevent shifting during transit.
• Practice Towing: If you’re new to towing, find an empty parking lot and practice turning, braking, and especially backing up. Remember trailers turn in the opposite direction of your steering wheel when backing.
• Inspect Before You Go: Before leaving the U-Haul lot, check tires (pressure and condition), lights (turn signals, brake lights, running lights), and the hitch connection.
• Consider Coverage: U-Haul offers optional SafeTow® (for trailers) and SafeMove® (for trucks) coverage. Understand what they cover and decide if it’s right for you.
• Drive Cautiously: Allow extra braking distance, take wider turns, and reduce your speed, especially on highways and in adverse weather conditions.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

• Underestimating Size: Many people opt for a trailer that’s too small.
  • Solution: When in doubt, go one size up. It’s better to have extra space than not enough. Use U-Haul’s online tools to estimate cubic feet needed.
• Overloading the Trailer: Exceeding the maximum load capacity is dangerous and illegal.
  • Solution: Know your trailer’s capacity and your items’ approximate weight. If unsure, split the load or rent a larger trailer.
• Towing Difficulties: Unfamiliarity with towing can lead to stress or accidents.
  • Solution: Practice, watch online tutorials, and always drive slower and more deliberately than usual.
• Hitch Issues: Incorrect hitch ball size or improper connection.
  • Solution: Double-check the hitch ball size required for your U-Haul trailer (usually 1 7/8" or 2") and ensure the coupler is fully latched and secured with the safety pin. Always cross the safety chains.

U-Haul Trailer Sizes & Lengths: Estimated Local Daily Rental Rates

It’s crucial to understand that U-Haul prices are dynamic and vary significantly based on location, availability, demand, time of year, and whether it’s a local or one-way rental. The prices below are estimated starting daily rates for local moves and should be used as a general guide only. Always check U-Haul’s official website or contact a local dealer for current, accurate pricing.

Trailer Type	Size (Approx. Interior/Bed)	Cubic Feet (Cargo)	Max Load Capacity (lbs)	Estimated Local Daily Starting Price (USD)	Common Use Case
Cargo Trailers
4’x8′	7’11" L x 3’11" W x 4’5" H	160 cu. ft.	1,600	$14.95 – $19.95	Small moves, dorm rooms, few boxes
5’x8′	8’1" L x 4’9" W x 5’2" H	256 cu. ft.	1,800	$19.95 – $24.95	1-bedroom apartment, multiple rooms of boxes
5’x10′	9’10" L x 4’9" W x 5’2" H	320 cu. ft.	1,650	$24.95 – $29.95	1-2 bedroom apartment, longer furniture
6’x12′	12’1" L x 5’11" W x 5’5" H	450 cu. ft.	2,500	$29.95 – $34.95	2-3 bedroom home, large appliances, ATVs
Utility Trailers
4’x7′	7’1" L x 4’1" W	N/A	1,670	$14.95 – $19.95	Light hauling, lawn equipment, debris
5’x8′	8’1" L x 4’9" W	N/A	1,890	$19.95 – $24.95	General hauling, appliances, motorcycles
5’x9′ w/ Ramp	9’2" L x 4’9" W	N/A	1,600	$24.95 – $29.95	Mowers, ATVs, easy loading wheeled items
6’x12′ w/ Ramp	12’1" L x 6’2" W	N/A	2,670	$29.95 – $34.95	Large equipment, multiple ATVs, building materials
6’x12′ Tandem Axle	12’1" L x 6’2" W	N/A	4,960	$34.95 – $39.95	Heaviest loads, commercial equipment, stability
Car Transport Trailers
Tow Dolly	12′ L x 7′ W (overall)	N/A	3,450 (vehicle weight)	$44.95 – $54.95	FWD vehicles, short to medium distance
Auto Transport	19’8" L x 6’8" W (overall)	N/A	5,290 (vehicle weight)	$54.95 – $69.95	All vehicles, long distance, maximum protection

Disclaimer: Prices are estimated starting daily rates for local rentals and are subject to change without notice. Actual costs vary significantly based on location, availability, demand, one-way vs. local rental, and time of year. Always verify current pricing directly with U-Haul.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What documents do I need to rent a U-Haul trailer?
A1: You typically need a valid driver’s license and a major credit card.

Q2: Do I need a special license to tow a U-Haul trailer?
A2: In most US states and Canadian provinces, a standard driver’s license is sufficient for towing U-Haul trailers, as their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) usually falls within the limits for a non-commercial license. Always check local regulations.

Q3: Can I tow a U-Haul trailer with my car? How do I check compatibility?
A3: It depends on your car’s towing capacity and equipment. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its maximum towing capacity. Your vehicle will also need a proper hitch receiver, a hitch ball (usually 1 7/8" or 2"), and a working 4-way flat light connector. U-Haul’s website has a "Trailer Hitch & Towing" section where you can input your vehicle details to see compatible trailers.

Q4: What’s the difference between an auto transport and a tow dolly?
A4: An auto transport is a full trailer where all four wheels of the towed vehicle are lifted off the ground. A tow dolly only lifts the front two wheels of the towed vehicle, leaving the rear two on the ground. Auto transports are generally better for longer distances, all-wheel drive vehicles, or vehicles that cannot be flat-towed. Tow dollies are often more economical for shorter distances and front-wheel drive vehicles.

Q5: Can I pick up a trailer in one city and drop it off in another?
A5: Yes, U-Haul offers one-way rentals for trailers, allowing you to pick up in one location and drop off at a different U-Haul center. This is a common service for long-distance moves. Local rentals require pick-up and drop-off at the same location.

Q6: Are U-Haul trailers insured?
A6: U-Haul offers optional supplemental coverage plans like SafeTow® (for trailers) and SafeMove® (for trucks and their contents). Your personal auto insurance policy may offer some coverage, but it’s crucial to check with your insurance provider. U-Haul’s optional plans provide specific coverage for damage to the trailer, your vehicle, or liability.

Q7: How fast can I drive with a U-Haul trailer?
A7: U-Haul recommends a maximum speed of 55 mph when towing their equipment, regardless of the posted speed limit. This is a safety recommendation to maintain control and prevent accidents.

Q8: Do U-Haul trailers have brakes?
A8: Larger U-Haul trailers, particularly the 6’x12′ cargo trailers, 6’x12′ tandem axle utility trailers, and all auto transports, are equipped with surge brakes. These are hydraulic brakes that activate when the tow vehicle slows down, preventing the trailer from pushing the tow vehicle. Smaller trailers typically do not have their own braking systems.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of U-Haul trailer sizes and lengths doesn’t have to be a guesswork. By understanding the specific dimensions, capacities, and intended uses of each trailer type – from the compact 4’x8′ cargo trailer to the robust 6’x12′ tandem axle utility trailer and specialized car haulers – you can make an informed decision that saves you time, money, and stress.

Remember to always prioritize safety by matching the trailer to your towing vehicle’s capabilities, securing your load properly, and driving cautiously. With this comprehensive guide in hand, you’re now equipped to choose the perfect U-Haul trailer, making your next move or hauling project as smooth and efficient as possible. Happy hauling!