U-Haul Car Tow: Your Complete Guide to Safe and Efficient Vehicle Transport

Moving to a new home, bringing a classic car to a show, or transporting a vehicle for repair across state lines often presents a significant logistical challenge. For many, the idea of professional auto transport can be daunting due to cost or scheduling. This is where U-Haul car tow services emerge as a highly popular and practical solution. U-Haul’s car towing options empower individuals to take control of their vehicle transport needs, offering a blend of convenience, affordability, and flexibility. Whether you’re towing a compact sedan behind a moving truck or relocating an SUV with your own capable tow vehicle, understanding the ins and outs of U-Haul’s car towing equipment and best practices is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about U-Haul car tow, from selecting the right equipment to ensuring a safe arrival.

Understanding U-Haul’s Car Towing Equipment

U-Haul offers two primary types of equipment for towing a personal vehicle, each designed for different needs and vehicle types. Choosing the correct equipment is the first and most critical step in your car towing journey.

1. U-Haul Auto Transports (Car Carriers)

An Auto Transport, often referred to as a car carrier, is a full trailer designed to carry your entire vehicle with all four wheels off the ground.

Best For: Long-distance moves, delicate or classic vehicles, vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), vehicles that are not drivable, or situations where you want maximum protection for your towed car.
Benefits: Provides the most secure form of transport as the vehicle is fully elevated, minimizing wear and tear on its tires and drivetrain. It eliminates the need to disconnect driveshafts or take other preventative measures for specific vehicle types.
Requirements: Requires a towing vehicle with sufficient towing capacity (check U-Haul’s compatibility tool) and typically a 2-inch hitch ball.

2. U-Haul Tow Dollies

A Tow Dolly is a two-wheel trailer that lifts the front two wheels of your vehicle off the ground, while the rear two wheels remain on the road.

Best For: Shorter distances, 2-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles (front-wheel drive being ideal), and those seeking a more economical towing solution.
Benefits: Generally lighter and easier to maneuver than an auto transport, and typically less expensive to rent.
Considerations: Not suitable for most 4WD/AWD vehicles unless specific precautions (like driveshaft disconnection) are taken, which U-Haul generally advises against. For rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles towed front-first, you may need to disconnect the driveshaft or take other measures to prevent transmission damage. U-Haul’s website will guide you on specific vehicle compatibility.
Requirements: Also requires a towing vehicle with adequate capacity and a 2-inch hitch ball.

Benefits of Choosing U-Haul for Car Towing

Opting for U-Haul’s car tow services comes with a range of advantages that make it a popular choice for DIY movers and vehicle owners:

Convenience: With thousands of locations across North America, picking up and dropping off equipment is usually straightforward. Online reservations at https://www.uhaul.com/ make planning easy.
Cost-Effectiveness: Renting U-Haul equipment is often significantly cheaper than hiring a professional auto transport company, especially for shorter distances or when you’re already renting a U-Haul truck.
Control and Flexibility: You’re in charge of your vehicle’s transport schedule and route. You can choose the rental duration that perfectly fits your needs.
Reliable Equipment: U-Haul’s towing equipment is designed for safe and secure transport, featuring robust construction, safety chains, and easy-to-use strapping systems.
Empowerment: It gives you the satisfaction and confidence of knowing you’ve successfully transported your own vehicle.

How to Rent U-Haul Car Towing Equipment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renting U-Haul car tow equipment is a systematic process that prioritizes safety and compatibility.

Step 1: Assess Your Vehicle and Towing Needs

Before anything else, gather crucial information about the vehicle you intend to tow:

Make, Model, and Year: This helps U-Haul determine compatibility.
Curb Weight: Essential for calculating total towing weight.
Drive Type: Is it 2WD (Front-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD, or AWD? This heavily influences equipment choice.
Dimensions: Especially important for clearance on auto transports.

Step 2: Choose the Right Equipment

Based on your vehicle’s specifications and your towing distance, use U-Haul’s online reservation system to input your vehicle’s details. The system will recommend the appropriate equipment (Auto Transport or Tow Dolly) and confirm compatibility. Remember, 4WD/AWD vehicles almost always require an Auto Transport.

Step 3: Determine Your Towing Vehicle

If you’re not renting a U-Haul moving truck, ensure your personal vehicle meets U-Haul’s requirements for towing their equipment.

Towing Capacity: Your tow vehicle must have a sufficient towing capacity to handle the combined weight of the U-Haul equipment and your towed vehicle.
Hitch: A 2-inch hitch ball is typically required.
Braking System: Ensure your tow vehicle’s brakes are in excellent condition.
Compatibility: U-Haul often has restrictions on which vehicles can tow their equipment (e.g., specific wheelbase requirements, no soft-top vehicles). Use their online tool to verify.

Step 4: Reserve Online or In-Store

Once you’ve confirmed your equipment and towing vehicle, make a reservation through the U-Haul website (https://www.uhaul.com/) or by visiting a U-Haul location. Be prepared to provide your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and vehicle information.

Step 5: Pick Up and Inspection

Upon arrival at the U-Haul center, a representative will guide you through the hook-up process.

Inspect Equipment: Thoroughly inspect the U-Haul equipment for any pre-existing damage and ensure all straps, safety chains, and lights are in working order. Report any issues immediately.
Hook-Up Assistance: U-Haul staff will assist with connecting the equipment to your towing vehicle, ensuring the hitch is properly secured, safety chains are crossed, and electrical connections for lights are functional.

Step 6: Loading Your Vehicle

This is a critical step for safety. Follow U-Haul’s instructions meticulously:

Auto Transport: Drive your vehicle slowly onto the ramps until it’s centered and the front tires are against the stops. Secure all four wheels with the provided ratcheting straps. Ensure the straps are tight and re-check them after driving a short distance.
Tow Dolly: Drive your vehicle slowly onto the dolly’s ramps until the front wheels are securely in the wheel cradles. Secure the front wheels with the over-the-tire straps, ensuring they are extremely tight. Attach safety chains from the towed vehicle’s frame to the dolly. For RWD vehicles, remember to address driveshaft concerns if recommended.

Step 7: Pre-Trip Safety Check

Before hitting the road, perform a final safety check:

Lights: Verify brake lights, turn signals, and running lights on the U-Haul equipment are working.
Connections: Double-check all hitch, safety chain, and strap connections.
Tire Pressure: Ensure the tires on the U-Haul equipment are properly inflated.
Clearance: Confirm adequate ground clearance for your towed vehicle.

Important Considerations and Safety Tips

Towing a vehicle requires heightened awareness and adherence to safety protocols.

Never Exceed Weight Limits: This is paramount. Overloading can lead to loss of control, equipment failure, and accidents. U-Haul’s compatibility tools are designed to prevent this.
Towing Vehicle Compatibility: Always verify your towing vehicle meets U-Haul’s specific requirements, especially concerning its wheelbase, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and curb weight.
Loading and Securing: Always follow U-Haul’s loading instructions precisely. Incorrect loading or loose straps are a major cause of towing incidents. Re-check straps after the first 10-20 miles of driving and at every stop.
Driving Habits:
- Reduce Speed: U-Haul recommends a maximum speed of 55 mph when towing.
- Increase Braking Distance: Your stopping distance will be significantly longer. Allow ample space between your vehicle and others.
- Wider Turns: Take wider turns to avoid clipping curbs or other vehicles with the towed equipment.
- Lane Changes: Plan lane changes well in advance and use your mirrors frequently.
- Hills: Downshift on inclines and declines to use engine braking and reduce strain on your vehicle’s brakes.
Insurance: Check with your personal auto insurance provider to understand your coverage when towing. U-Haul also offers optional coverage plans like SafeTow (for damage to U-Haul equipment) and SafeTrip (which includes roadside assistance and limited coverage for your towed vehicle and medical payments). It’s wise to consider these for added peace of mind.
Check Fluids and Tires: Ensure your towing vehicle has adequate fluid levels and properly inflated tires before embarking on your trip.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

While U-Haul car tow is generally straightforward, challenges can arise.

Incorrect Equipment Choice: If you realize you’ve rented the wrong equipment (e.g., a tow dolly for an AWD vehicle), contact U-Haul immediately. They may be able to swap it for an Auto Transport, though availability can vary.
Loading Difficulties: If you’re struggling to load your vehicle, don’t force it. Re-read instructions, watch U-Haul’s instructional videos, or ask a U-Haul representative for assistance.
Towing Vehicle Issues: If your tow vehicle develops problems, pull over safely. U-Haul’s optional SafeTrip coverage includes roadside assistance, or you can contact your own roadside assistance provider.
Loose Straps: It’s common for straps to loosen slightly after the initial few miles due to vehicle settling. Always re-check and re-tighten them.
Transmission Damage (Tow Dollies): For some RWD or AWD vehicles, towing with a dolly can damage the transmission if the driveshaft isn’t disconnected or other preventative measures aren’t taken. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and U-Haul’s compatibility guidance. When in doubt, opt for an Auto Transport.

U-Haul Car Towing Equipment Rental Prices

U-Haul rental prices are dynamic and can vary significantly based on location, duration, demand, and whether it’s a one-way or in-town rental. The following table provides estimated ranges for planning purposes. Always obtain a direct quote from U-Haul for precise pricing for your specific needs.

Equipment Type	Estimated Daily Rate	Estimated Weekly Rate	Estimated Monthly Rate	Notes
Auto Transport	$55 – $85	$200 – $300	$500 – $800	Best for all vehicles, 4WD/AWD, longer distances. All four wheels off the ground. Prices vary greatly by distance for one-way rentals.
Tow Dolly	$40 – $60	$150 – $250	$400 – $700	More economical, generally for 2WD vehicles. Front two wheels on the dolly, rear two on the ground.
Optional SafeTow	$10 – $20 (per rental)	(included in rental period)	(included in rental period)	Covers accidental damage to U-Haul equipment.
Optional SafeTrip	$5 – $15 (per rental)	(included in rental period)	(included in rental period)	Roadside assistance, damage to your vehicle, medical payments.
One-Way Rental	Higher than in-town. Get direct quote.	Higher than in-town. Get direct quote.	Higher than in-town. Get direct quote.	Pricing is distance-based for one-way rentals and can be significantly higher than in-town rates.

Note: These are estimates. Always check U-Haul’s official website for current pricing and availability specific to your rental dates and locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I tow a 4WD/AWD vehicle with a U-Haul tow dolly?
A: U-Haul generally advises against towing 4WD/AWD vehicles with a tow dolly as it can cause severe damage to the drivetrain. An Auto Transport (car carrier) is required for these vehicles.

Q: Do I need special insurance when using U-Haul car tow equipment?
A: Check with your personal auto insurance provider to understand your coverage when towing. U-Haul offers optional protection plans like SafeTow (for U-Haul equipment) and SafeTrip (for roadside assistance and limited coverage for your vehicle) which many customers find valuable.

Q: What is the maximum recommended speed when towing with U-Haul equipment?
A: U-Haul recommends a maximum speed of 55 mph (88 km/h) when towing their equipment. Driving slower than normal is crucial for safety and control.

Q: Can I rent just the car towing equipment without a U-Haul moving truck?
A: Yes, you can rent U-Haul car towing equipment (Auto Transport or Tow Dolly) separately, provided your personal vehicle meets U-Haul’s requirements for towing capacity and compatibility.

Q: How do I know if my personal vehicle can tow a U-Haul car carrier or dolly?
A: U-Haul has an online compatibility tool on their website where you can input your tow vehicle’s make, model, and year to determine if it meets their towing requirements. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its specific towing capacity.

Q: Do I need to disconnect anything on my towed vehicle, especially with a tow dolly?
A: For most front-wheel-drive vehicles towed with a dolly, no disconnection is needed. However, for some rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles, it may be necessary to disconnect the driveshaft or remove specific fuses to prevent transmission damage. U-Haul’s system will typically alert you to these requirements, and your vehicle’s owner’s manual is a vital resource.

Conclusion

U-Haul car tow services provide an accessible and efficient way to transport your vehicle, whether it’s part of a major move or a specialized transport need. By understanding the differences between Auto Transports and Tow Dollies, diligently following the rental and loading procedures, and prioritizing safety on the road, you can ensure a successful and secure journey for your vehicle. With careful planning and attention to detail, U-Haul empowers you to take control of your vehicle transport, offering a confident and cost-effective solution for moving your prized possession from point A to point B.