Trailer Auto Transport is a practical solution for moving vehicles, whether you’re relocating, buying or selling a car across states, or taking your prized possession to a car show. Among the various options available, U-Haul auto transport trailers stand out as a readily accessible and user-friendly choice. This guide delves into the experience of using a U-Haul car carrier, drawing from real-world usage and offering insights to ensure a smooth and safe towing journey.
Choosing trailer auto transport offers several advantages. Firstly, it’s often more cost-effective than hiring professional car shipping services, especially for shorter distances or when you prefer to be in control of the transport process. Secondly, it provides flexibility – you can move your vehicle on your own schedule and at your own pace. Lastly, using a trailer protects your vehicle from mileage accumulation, wear and tear from long drives, and potential road debris damage. For car enthusiasts and owners of classic or sports cars, this protection is invaluable.
However, navigating the world of trailer auto transport can seem daunting, especially for first-timers. Understanding the process, from reservation to safe driving practices, is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview, focusing on the popular U-Haul Auto Transport trailer, to equip you with the knowledge needed for a successful vehicle transport.
U-Haul Auto Transport: Is It the Right Choice for You?
U-Haul is widely recognized for its moving services, and their auto transport trailers are a common sight on roads across North America. They offer a readily available solution for individuals needing to tow a vehicle. But is it the right choice for everyone and every vehicle?
One of the initial steps when considering U-Haul trailer auto transport is to check compatibility. U-Haul’s website provides a user-friendly system to determine if your tow vehicle and the vehicle you intend to tow are compatible with their equipment. This system is designed for safety and compliance, preventing potentially hazardous towing situations. It’s imperative to use this tool honestly and accurately. Attempting to bypass the system by providing false information about your vehicles can lead to serious consequences, including accidents and liability issues. U-Haul’s compatibility guidelines are based on extensive research and testing to ensure safe towing practices.
For those new to towing, it’s highly recommended to seek guidance and familiarize yourself with the fundamentals. Numerous online resources and videos demonstrate the proper procedures for loading, securing, and towing a vehicle. If possible, learning from someone with prior towing experience can be incredibly beneficial. Remember, towing significantly alters your vehicle’s handling and braking capabilities. Increased stopping distances, especially in wet conditions, are a critical factor to consider for safe driving.
Reserving Your Trailer and Location Considerations
Booking your U-Haul trailer auto transport is typically done online. While the website interface is generally straightforward for basic reservations, more complex requests, such as extending rental periods beyond the standard limit, might require direct communication. The original article mentions difficulties reaching a representative via phone, suggesting that in-person visits to the rental location might be more efficient for handling reservation adjustments or specific inquiries.
It’s also worth noting that U-Haul locations can vary in service quality and trailer availability. Dedicated U-Haul centers, as opposed to those integrated with other businesses like storage facilities, often maintain a larger inventory of car carriers and may offer better-equipped facilities. Online reviews, while available on platforms like Yelp, should be interpreted cautiously, as experiences can be subjective and location-dependent.
Trailer maintenance is another aspect to be mindful of. The original experience highlights inconsistencies in trailer condition, particularly concerning tire inflation and condition. Before accepting a trailer, a thorough inspection is advisable. Checking tire pressure, tread depth, and overall trailer condition can prevent potential issues during your transport. It’s a proactive step towards ensuring a safer and more reliable towing experience.
Trailer Quality and Vehicle Loading
U-Haul auto transport trailers are constructed from galvanized steel, offering durability and resistance to corrosion. Their design is generally shorter than many privately owned car trailers, which can be advantageous for maneuverability, particularly in tighter spaces. A key difference from some traditional trailers is the vehicle securing system. U-Haul trailers utilize tire straps at the front wheels as the primary securing method, unlike trailers that use straps connected to multiple points on the vehicle’s chassis.
Loading a car onto a U-Haul auto transport trailer.
Loading your vehicle onto the trailer requires careful execution. For vehicles with standard ride height, like the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 mentioned in the original article, the ramps of the U-Haul trailer are typically sufficient without needing additional aids. However, for vehicles with lower ground clearance, such as sports cars or cars with aftermarket lowering modifications, using wooden planks (like 2x8s) to extend the ramps and reduce the approach angle is often necessary to prevent scraping the vehicle’s undercarriage.
Driving the car onto the trailer involves positioning it precisely over the integrated tire straps. These straps are designed to wrap around the front tires and securely anchor the vehicle to the trailer bed.
Securing a car on a U-Haul auto transport trailer using tire straps.
In addition to the tire straps, U-Haul trailers are equipped with safety chains. These chains should be connected to the tow vehicle’s safety chain attachment points as a secondary safety measure. While some car owners debate the optimal vehicle orientation on the trailer – forward versus backward – for shorter trailers like U-Haul’s, the direction typically has less impact on tongue weight and towing stability compared to longer trailers.
The electrical connection for U-Haul trailers is commonly a four-prong connector.
![Porsche Club of America-Towing your Porsche with a U-Haul Auto Transport trailer [w/video] | PCA Tech Tips](https://worldtransport.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image008.jpg)
Porsche Club of America-Towing your Porsche with a U-Haul Auto Transport trailer [w/video] | PCA Tech Tips
A four-prong trailer electrical connector.
If your tow vehicle uses a different connector type, adapters are readily available at U-Haul locations and automotive supply stores. U-Haul trailers utilize surge brakes, which are hydraulically activated by the momentum of the trailer pushing against the tow vehicle during deceleration. Unlike electric brakes, surge brakes do not require a brake controller in the tow vehicle, simplifying the setup. The original account attests to the effectiveness of U-Haul’s surge brakes in providing adequate stopping power and trailer stability, even in emergency braking situations.
Driving and Maintenance Tips for Trailer Auto Transport
The driving experience when towing a vehicle with a U-Haul auto transport trailer is generally reported as stable and manageable. The original author noted a surprisingly smooth tow, often having to actively check the rearview mirror to confirm the trailer was still attached, indicating minimal sway or instability.
However, maintaining vigilance and performing regular checks throughout your journey is crucial for safety.
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Checking tire condition on a U-Haul auto transport trailer.
Before setting off, ensure tires are properly inflated and possess sufficient tread depth, paying close attention to inner sidewall wear. Regular stops to inspect wheel hub temperature are essential. Overheating hubs are a primary indicator of potential wheel bearing issues. During stops, also visually inspect for grease leaks around the wheels, another sign of bearing problems, and check the tightness of the tire straps, as they can loosen slightly during travel.
In the event of trailer malfunctions during your trip, U-Haul provides roadside assistance. The original account describes a positive experience with U-Haul’s roadside service when a wheel bearing failed, highlighting their responsiveness in locating a replacement trailer and facilitating a transfer. However, it’s important to note that on-site repairs might be limited due to the proprietary nature of U-Haul trailer components, potentially leading to trailer swaps as the primary solution for breakdowns.
Final Thoughts on Trailer Auto Transport with U-Haul
U-Haul auto transport trailers offer a convenient and generally reliable option for transporting vehicles. They present a cost-effective alternative to professional shipping services and provide users with control over their vehicle’s transport. While U-Haul trailers are widely accessible and designed for ease of use, it’s important to approach trailer auto transport with diligence and preparation. Thorough pre-trip inspections, adherence to safety guidelines for loading and towing, and proactive maintenance checks during travel are crucial for a safe and successful experience. While driving your Porsche or any cherished vehicle is often the preferred option, trailer auto transport with U-Haul provides a viable and practical solution when driving isn’t feasible.
