U-Haul Trailer

[nanci2539]

We plan on driving to TV with a small UHaul trailer (closed) hitched to the back of our SUV (Highlander). It's a twp day trip for us. In the back of the SUV will be our cats so we're going to put clothes, computers and necessities that we will need for two months (we're renting for June and July). Hopefully, we'll be able to find our home and close within the two months we're renting.

The question is has anyone traveled to TV this way? We're hearing horror stories about hitching a UHaul and driving this far. From losing control because trucks pass and make the car and Uhaul swerve to not being able to go faster than 40 mph on a highway and then how unsafe it all is. And of course. the don't drive at night because it's not safe!

Anyone want to share their experience. I'm about to tell my husband that we better come up with option B (but we don't have an option B).

[graciegirl]

No, we have never used this method before, but we are planning to come the first week of June with a U Haul trailer to set up housekeeping in our new house in Hadley. It is a 13 hour trip for us and we will drive straight through. I wasn't worried until I read your post.

Fingers crossed we both get there safely.

[nONIE]

Nanci,& Gracie,

We pulled a U Haul with tandum wheels with a fairly heavy load ,had no problem maintaining the speed limit and had no problem with trucks passing and making us swerve.

Most important thing for safe towing is low distribution. at least 60% of the weight should be forward of the trailer axels. As long as you follow the directions for load distribution that they give you , there really should be no problem.

Remember, the place that you return the U-Haul will affect the price significantly,so we returned it in Orlando. Good luck!

[dklassen]

We just pulled a 6x10 single axle (no trailer breaks) enclosed trailer with our Jeep Liberty 2100 miles from CA to TN in three days and it was no problem. In some spots we ran 70mph usually around 60-65mph. The big trucks do move you around a bit when they pass but nothing to worry about. I decided to purchase the trailer as opposed to renting but that was a personal choice. The trailer dry was about 1200lbs and I had my motorcycle, computers, clothes, etc which added another 1300lbs or so. Main thing is to load it correctly. Like Nonie said, 60% up front and 40% towards the back. If you keep the hitch weight where it should be you won't have any trouble with sway. Check the condition of the rental, tires, lights, hitch, etc. Make sure it has a good spare and keep some basic tools with you for the trip. AAA road side assistance package will also give you some peace of mind. I bought it just for our trip.

[l2ridehd]

Nancy, I have used U Haul trucks and trailers and have never had any of the problems you noted. Always forward weight load as others have said, have a good hitch and make sure all lights work, brakes and directionals. Drive the speed limits and give yourself a little extra stopping distance between cars.

I also bought a 6 X 10 trailer single axle as I seemed to use one more then renting was worth. I have loaded it quite heavy and use a small pickup to tow with no problems. The biggest challenge you will encounter is backing up a two wheel trailer unless you have done it a lot.

Safe travels.

[Indy-Guy]

Check your owners manual for towing capacities. In many cases it is not the pulling that is a concern it is the stopping ability that can be a problem.

[JohnN]

there are UHaul trailers all over the road, never seen one in a ditch yet.
Just check your towing capacity, as someone had mentioned. Best of luck.

[graciegirl]

Thank you for all of your help. Sweetie has decided to strap me to the top to balance the load.

Will see you all as soon as I pick the bugs out of my teeth.

Hugs,

GracieGirl

[JohnN]

strapping you to the top? great idea! LOLOLOLOL

and you can provide scouting reports on what's ahead,

either via walkie talkie or hand signals,

hold on tight through the turns LOL

[F16 1UB]

Thank you for all of your help. Sweetie has decided to strap me to the top to balance the load.

Will see you all as soon as I pick the bugs out of my teeth.

Hugs,

GracieGirl


crap You aint right girl. LOL

[captain1202]

We've used U-Hauls on numerous occasions with various vehicles. No problems to report. Again, th trick is weight distribution. If you must err, make it toward the front. If there is too much weight in the back the trailer will swing from side to side.

There's a U-Haul station in Belleview at the intersection of 301 and 441...a lot closer than Orlando. Not aware of any difference in the rental fee if you return there.