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How Much Does a U-Haul Trailer Weigh? (Explained)

How Much Does a U-Haul Trailer Weigh

Key Takeaways
● U-Haul trailers can weigh anywhere from 850 to 3,500 pounds
● Make sure you know the weight of your trailer before you hit the road
● U-Haul offers a variety of trailers in different sizes and weights

U-Haul trailers are fantastic for a whole range of things. Moving house or heavy objects tends to be the reason why most people hire one, but it’s not as simple as picking a trailer and heading out. The weight (which impacts the capacity) is a vital part of the process.

The weight of a U-Haul trailer tends to vary from 850 pounds all the way to 3,500 pounds, depending on the model that you choose and the size of the trailer. Therefore, you should be able to find a trailer that perfectly suits your needs.

In this guide, we take you through everything you could ever want to know about the weight, capacity, and requirements for a U-Haul trailer. Prepare to be prepared.

What’s the Weight of a U-Haul Trailer?

What's the Weight of a U-Haul Trailer

An empty U-Haul trailer can weigh ANYWHERE from 850 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the size and model of the trailer.

U-Haul recommends that you know your trailer’s weight BEFORE hitting the road so that you can avoid any potential accidents or traffic violations.[1] 

The U-Haul website has a handy tool that lets you select your trailer and see how much it weighs. Simply choose the model AND size of your trailer, and the website will give you the weight.

U-Haul also has a MAXIMUM towing capacity that you should be aware of. This is the maximum weight your vehicle can tow, including the trailer and any cargo you’re carrying.

Pro Tip: You can find the towing capacity of your vehicle in the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the manual, you can also find it online or by contacting your local dealership.

What are the Different Types of U-Haul Trailers?

What are the Different Types of U-Haul Trailers

U-Haul has a RANGE of trailers you can choose from, each with its weight and towing capacity. Let’s take a closer look and see what each of these has to offer.

Cargo Trailers

The U-Haul cargo trailers are the most POPULAR type of trailer. They’re great for moving house or transporting large items that won’t fit in your car and can be as long as 26 feet.

Utility Trailers

Utility trailers are perfect for hauling ATVs, lawnmowers, and other outdoor equipment. U-Haul offers utility trailers in a range of sizes, from 4 feet all the way up to 7 feet.

Motorcycle Trailers

U-Haul also offers motorcycle trailers that can accommodate up to TWO motorcycles. These trailers come in two sizes, 4 feet and 5.5 feet.

What About Trailer Hitches?

What About Trailer Hitches

You’re going to need a trailer hitch to connect your U-Haul trailer to your car or truck. U-Haul offers two different types of hitches, ball mount hitches, and pintle hitches.

The U-Haul ball mount hitch is the most POPULAR type and is available in a variety of sizes, from 1-7/8 inches to 2 inches.

The U-Haul pintle hitch is typically used for HEAVIER trailers and is available in 2 inches and 2-5/16 inches.

Installing a trailer hitch is easy, but U-Haul recommends that you have it done by a professional to ensure that your utility trailer is safe and secure. A mechanic installing a trailer is sensible and will lead to LESS stress.

Pro Tip: You’ll need to remember to note the hitch’s maximum tow weight before you can use it as a tow vehicle for your cargo trailer.

What Type of Car Can Haul a U-Haul Trailer?

What Type of Car Can Haul a U-Haul Trailer

The type of car you need to haul a U-Haul trailer depends on the WEIGHT of the trailer.

For example, U-Haul‘s SMALLEST trailer (4′ x 8’) has a dry weight of 850 pounds. This means you can tow it with ANY car, provided you don’t exceed your car’s towing capacity.

On the other hand, U-Haul‘s largest trailer (26′ x 8’) has a dry weight of 3,500 pounds. This means you’ll need a car with a towing capacity of AT LEAST 3,500 pounds to tow it.

You will ALSO need to take the gross vehicle weight into consideration, as well as the maximum tow weight rating, before loading a U-Box.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular cars and their towing capacities:

  • BMW 3 Series 2,000 pounds
  • Ford F-150 8,000 pounds
  • Honda CR-V 1,500 pounds
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee 7,200 pounds
  • Subaru Outback 2,700 pounds
  • Toyota RAV4 3,500 pounds

Pro Tip: The towing capacity of your car is a VITAL part of the equation. Be sure to check your car’s towing capacity BEFORE you hit the road with a U-Haul trailer.

How Fast Can You Drive with a U-Haul Trailer?

How Fast Can You Drive with a U-Haul Trailer

The U-Haul website recommends that you drive NO MORE than 55 MPH when you’re towing a trailer.

However, U-Haul ALSO recommends that you drive according to the posted speed limit. In other words, if the speed limit is 65 MPH, U-Haul says it’s okay to drive up to 65 MPH.

Pro Tip: U-Haul also recommends that you use lower gears when going up hills. This helps to prevent your trailer from pushing your car and makes for a smoother ride overall.

What are the U-Haul Trailer Requirements?

What are the U-Haul Trailer Requirements

U-Haul trailers come in a RANGE of sizes and weights, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

When you’re picking out a U-Haul trailer, be sure to consider the following factors:

  • The weight of your trailer
  • The towing capacity of your car
  • The length of your trailer
  • The speed limit
  • The type of trailer you need

It doesn’t matter if you are solo, a couple loading a storage container, or carrying empty weight – everything needs to be CAREFULLY considered first.

Pro Tip: U-Haul also offers a number of different insurance options for your trailer. Be sure to ask about these when you’re renting your trailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Boxes Fit in a U-Haul Trailer?

This depends on the size of the U-Haul trailer you’re using. U-Haul’s smallest trailer (4′ x 8′) can hold up to three rooms worth of furniture.

On the other hand, U-Haul’s largest trailer (26′ x 8′) can hold up to 10 rooms worth of furniture.

Can You Fit a King Size Mattress in a U-Haul Trailer?

Yes, you can fit a king-size mattress in a U-Haul trailer. U-Haul’s largest trailer (26′ x 8′) can hold up to two king-size mattresses.

Is it Safe to Load a U-Box Container Alone?

U-Haul does not recommend loading a U-Box container alone. U-Haul suggests that you have at least two people to help you load and unload the container.

A couple unloading a trailer is much safer and also helps to distribute the weight of heavy objects when carrying them.

To Conclude

To Conclude

A U-Haul trailer can weigh anywhere from 850 to 3,500 pounds, DEPENDING on the size and model of the trailer. Make sure you know the weight of your trailer before you hit the road so that you can avoid any potential accidents or traffic violations.

U-Haul‘s smallest trailer (4′ x 8’) has a dry weight of 850 pounds. This means you can tow it with ANY car, provided you don’t exceed your car’s towing capacity.

On the other hand, U-Haul‘s largest trailer (26′ x 8’) has a dry weight of 3,500 pounds. This means you’ll need a car with a towing capacity of AT LEAST 3,500 pounds to tow it.

We hope this guide has been able to help answer any questions you have and given you some peace of mind before you decide to go ahead with a cargo trailer rental. Just remember – stick to being a couple loading a U-Haul.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.
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