Moving a vehicle across the state or the country can feel like a daunting task for any car owner or DIY mechanic. You might be worried about the safety of your vehicle, the complexity of the equipment, or the sheer weight of the load behind your truck.
The good news is that learning how to tow a car with a uhaul is a straightforward process when you follow the right safety protocols and technical steps. This guide will provide you with the professional insights needed to secure your vehicle and hit the road with total confidence.
We will cover everything from selecting the right trailer for your specific drivetrain to the nuanced driving techniques required for heavy loads. By the end of this article, you will have a clear, step-by-step roadmap for a successful and stress-free transport experience.
Choosing the Right Equipment: Tow Dolly vs. Auto Transport
Before you even reserve your equipment, you must understand the two primary ways to move a vehicle using U-Haul gear. The choice depends largely on your vehicle’s weight, drivetrain configuration, and your comfort level with towing.
A tow dolly is a small trailer that lifts only the front two wheels of the car off the ground, leaving the rear wheels to roll. This is generally the more affordable option and is lighter to pull, making it popular for shorter trips or smaller tow vehicles.
However, an auto transport is a full-sized trailer that carries the entire vehicle off the ground. This is the gold standard for long-distance moves because it prevents mechanical wear on the towed vehicle and provides better stability on the highway.
When to Use a Tow Dolly
Tow dollies are best suited for front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles. Since the front wheels are elevated, the transmission is not engaged while the rear wheels spin freely on the pavement.
If you try to tow a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or many all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles on a dolly, you risk catastrophic transmission damage. In these cases, you would usually need to disconnect the drive shaft, which is a task most DIYers prefer to avoid.
When to Use an Auto Transport
An auto transport is the safest choice for RWD, AWD, and 4WD vehicles. It also protects your car from road debris and uneven tire wear that can occur over hundreds of miles.
If you are towing a lowered car or a vehicle with high sentimental value, the full trailer is always the better bet. It offers more braking power because the trailer itself is equipped with its own surge brake system.
Preparing Your Tow Vehicle and the Car Being Towed
Safety starts long before you drive onto the ramps. You must ensure that your tow vehicle is actually rated to handle the combined weight of the trailer and the car.
Check your owner’s manual for the maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). This number represents the total allowable weight of your truck, the trailer, the car, and all your passengers and cargo.
Next, inspect your hitch system. U-Haul trailers typically require a 2-inch hitch ball. Ensure your hitch is a Class 3 or higher if you are using a full auto transport, as these loads can easily exceed 5,000 pounds.
Vehicle Weight Distribution Secrets
One of the most important rules in towing is the 60/40 weight distribution rule. You want about 60% of the weight to be positioned toward the front of the trailer, closer to the tow vehicle.
If the back of the trailer is too heavy, you will experience dangerous trailer sway. This can cause you to lose control at high speeds, so always pull the car as far forward on the trailer as the stops allow.
Final Pre-Tow Checklist
- Check the tire pressure on both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
- Ensure the towed vehicle’s steering wheel is locked and centered.
- Remove any loose items from the towed vehicle to prevent them from flying out.
- Confirm that your mirrors provide a clear view of the trailer’s lanes.
how to tow a car with a uhaul: A Step-by-Step Loading Guide
Now that you have the right equipment and have performed your safety checks, it is time to load the vehicle. This process is best done with a spotter to guide you, as visibility can be limited.
Start by parking the tow vehicle and trailer on a flat, level surface. Ensure the trailer is properly coupled to the hitch ball and that the safety chains are crossed in an “X” pattern under the tongue.
This “X” pattern creates a cradle that will catch the trailer tongue if it ever becomes disconnected from the ball. Once the trailer is secure, you are ready to begin the loading process.
Step 1: Prepare the Ramps
Release the latches on the trailer ramps and pull them out fully. Make sure they are seated correctly on the ground and are not resting on a curb or uneven dirt.
If your car is particularly low to the ground, you may need to place wooden planks at the base of the ramps. This reduces the approach angle and prevents the front bumper from scraping.
Step 2: Driving the Vehicle Onto the Trailer
Line the car up perfectly with the ramps. Shift into a low gear and apply steady, gentle throttle to climb the ramps without spinning the tires.
Continue driving forward until the front tires are snug against the tire stops at the front of the trailer. Once in position, put the car in “Park” and engage the emergency brake.
Step 3: Securing the Tire Straps
U-Haul trailers use heavy-duty nylon straps that go over the front tires. Center the straps over the tread and feed the ends through the ratchet spool.
Tighten the ratchets until the straps are incredibly snug. You should not be able to move them by hand. Always double-check that the ratchet handle is in the locked, flat position after tightening.
Step 4: Connecting the Safety Chains
Every vehicle on a U-Haul trailer must be secured with secondary safety chains. Attach one chain to the front frame and one to the rear frame of the car.
Leave just enough slack for the car’s suspension to move, but not so much that the chain drags on the ground. These chains are your last line of defense if the primary straps fail.
Essential Safety Inspections for Long Hauls
Your job isn’t finished once the car is strapped down. The vibrations of the road can cause straps to stretch or chains to loosen during the first few miles of your trip.
A professional driver always stops after the first 5 to 10 miles to perform a “walk-around” inspection. Check the tension on the tire straps and ensure the trailer lights are still functioning correctly.
You should repeat this inspection every time you stop for fuel or food. Temperature changes and road bumps can affect tire pressure and mechanical connections, so staying vigilant is key.
Checking the Surge Brakes
Most U-Haul auto transports use surge brakes. These are hydraulic brakes that activate when the trailer “pushes” against the tow vehicle during deceleration.
Check the master cylinder on the trailer tongue to ensure it has enough brake fluid. If the trailer feels like it is jerking or slamming into the truck when you brake, the surge system may need adjustment or fluid.
Monitoring Your Temperatures
Towing adds a significant load to your engine and transmission. Keep a close eye on your coolant temperature and transmission temperature gauges, especially when climbing hills.
If you see the needles climbing into the red zone, pull over safely and let the engine idle. Never turn the engine off immediately if it’s overheating, as the coolant needs to keep circulating to shed heat.
Pro Driving Tips for Navigating Traffic While Towing
Driving a truck and trailer is a completely different experience than driving a standard car. You are much longer, heavier, and less maneuverable than other vehicles on the road.
The most important rule is to increase your following distance. It takes significantly more time and distance to stop when you have several thousand pounds pushing you from behind.
When you know how to tow a car with a uhaul, you understand that speed is your enemy. Most trailer tires are only rated for a maximum speed of 55 to 60 mph; exceeding this can lead to a dangerous blowout.
Mastering Wide Turns
Trailer wheels do not follow the exact path of your truck’s wheels; they “cut” the corner. To avoid hitting curbs or signs, you must drive further into the intersection before starting your turn.
Use your side mirrors to track the trailer tires as you complete the turn. If it looks like the trailer is going to clip a curb, stop, reverse slightly, and swing wider.
Handling Trailer Sway
If the trailer starts to fish-tail or sway side-to-side, do not slam on the brakes. This is a common mistake that can lead to a jackknife situation.
Instead, keep the steering wheel straight and gradually let off the gas pedal. If your tow vehicle has a manual trailer brake controller, you can lightly tap it to slow the trailer down and pull it back into line.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced DIYers can make mistakes when they are in a hurry. One common pitfall is forgetting to disengage the parking brake on the towed vehicle after it has been strapped down.
While the straps hold the tires, the car’s suspension still needs to move. If the parking brake is on, the constant jarring of the road can put unnecessary stress on the car’s braking system.
Another error is failing to account for the height of the vehicle on the trailer. If you are towing a lifted truck or an SUV, be extremely mindful of low-clearance bridges and gas station awnings.
Dealing with Tight Spaces
Backing up a trailer is a skill that takes practice. If you find yourself in a tight parking lot, it is often better to drive through or unhook the trailer rather than risking a collision.
Remember that the trailer will move in the opposite direction of your steering wheel when backing up. Small, slow movements are always better than large, rapid corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to tow a car with a uhaul
Can I tow a car with a U-Haul truck and a dolly?
Yes, U-Haul trucks are specifically designed to pull their own rental trailers. Just ensure the hitch is secure and the light plug is fully connected before leaving the lot.
Do I need special insurance for towing?
Most standard auto insurance policies do not cover rental trailers. It is highly recommended to purchase the SafeTow protection offered by U-Haul to cover potential damage to the equipment and your vehicle.
What should I do if a trailer tire blows out?
Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and do not brake suddenly. Pull over to a level spot on the shoulder and call U-Haul roadside assistance; they provide 24/7 support for equipment failures.
Can I tow an AWD car on a tow dolly?
Generally, no. Most AWD systems require all four wheels to be off the ground to prevent damage to the center differential. Always consult your vehicle’s manual before using a dolly.
Is it hard to learn how to tow a car with a uhaul?
It requires focus and patience, but it is a skill any driver can master. By following the weight limits and speed recommendations, you can safely transport almost any vehicle.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of vehicle transport is a vital skill for any DIY mechanic or adventurer. Knowing how to tow a car with a uhaul allows you to move projects, rescue broken-down rigs, or relocate your life without paying for expensive professional hauling services.
Always prioritize safety over speed. Take the time to double-check your straps, monitor your gauges, and drive with a defensive mindset. The extra ten minutes you spend inspecting your chains could save you from a major accident on the highway.
Whether you are moving a classic car or your daily driver, the right preparation makes all the difference. Stay focused, respect the weight of your load, and enjoy the journey to your next destination. Stay safe and stay comfortable!
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