U-Haul Tow Dolly: Your Comprehensive Guide to Easy Vehicle Transport

3 hours ago

Moving across town or across the country often involves more than just your household goods; it frequently means transporting your vehicle as well. For many, the idea of driving a second car behind a moving truck can be daunting, or simply impractical. This is where the U-Haul Tow Dolly comes into its own – a convenient, cost-effective, and widely accessible solution for vehicle transport. Designed to make moving your car straightforward, the U-Haul Tow Dolly allows you to tow your front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle behind your moving truck or even another capable tow vehicle, saving you time, money, and the hassle of finding alternative transport.

This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of the U-Haul Tow Dolly, from understanding its mechanics to practical usage tips, ensuring you have all the information needed for a safe and successful vehicle relocation.

Understanding the U-Haul Tow Dolly

A U-Haul Tow Dolly is a two-wheel trailer designed to lift the front two wheels of a vehicle off the ground, allowing the rear two wheels to remain on the road. This makes it an ideal solution for towing most front-wheel-drive vehicles. The dolly typically features a sturdy frame, integrated ramps for easy loading, adjustable wheel straps to secure your vehicle, and safety chains to provide an additional layer of security. Some U-Haul dollies are also equipped with surge brakes, which automatically apply braking force to the dolly when the tow vehicle slows down, enhancing safety and control.

The fundamental principle behind the tow dolly is to minimize wear and tear on the towed vehicle’s drivetrain. By lifting the drive wheels off the ground, components like the transmission and axles are not engaged during transit, which is particularly beneficial for FWD vehicles. For other drivetrain types, special precautions or alternative towing methods are usually required, a point we will explore in detail.

The Benefits of Using a U-Haul Tow Dolly

Opting for a U-Haul Tow Dolly offers a compelling set of advantages for those needing to transport a vehicle:

Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to hiring a professional car transport service or renting a full car carrier (which lifts all four wheels off the ground), a tow dolly is significantly more affordable. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Ease of Use: While it requires careful attention to detail, the process of loading and securing a vehicle onto a tow dolly is relatively straightforward. U-Haul provides clear instructions, and the design prioritizes user-friendliness.
Reduced Wear and Tear: For compatible vehicles (primarily FWD), towing with a dolly prevents the drive wheels from rotating, thus eliminating mileage accumulation and reducing stress on the transmission, tires, and other drivetrain components.
Availability and Convenience: U-Haul locations are ubiquitous, making it easy to rent a tow dolly almost anywhere in North America. This widespread availability simplifies the logistics of one-way moves or last-minute transport needs.
Maneuverability (Compared to Car Carriers): A tow dolly is generally shorter and lighter than a full car carrier, potentially making it slightly easier to maneuver, especially in tighter spaces, though the overall length of your rig will still be considerable.

How to Rent a U-Haul Tow Dolly

Renting a U-Haul Tow Dolly is a simple process, typically completed online or at a U-Haul location:

Online Reservation: Visit the U-Haul website and enter your pickup and drop-off locations, dates, and the details of both your tow vehicle (e.g., your U-Haul moving truck or personal truck/SUV) and the vehicle you intend to tow. The system will guide you through selecting the appropriate dolly.
Vehicle Compatibility Check: U-Haul’s online system will automatically check if your vehicles meet the weight and size requirements for the tow dolly. It’s crucial to be accurate with your vehicle information.
In-Store Pickup: On your scheduled pickup day, head to the U-Haul center. Staff will verify your reservation, inspect the dolly with you, and ensure all components (straps, chains, lights) are in working order. They can also provide a quick tutorial on hitching and loading.
Required Information: Be prepared to provide your driver’s license, contact information, and details about both the tow vehicle (make, model, year, VIN) and the vehicle being towed.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a U-Haul Tow Dolly

Proper preparation and execution are key to a safe towing experience. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Preparation and Inspection

Check Tow Vehicle Capacity: Ensure your tow vehicle (e.g., U-Haul truck or personal vehicle) has a sufficient towing capacity for the combined weight of the tow dolly and the vehicle being towed. This information is typically found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Inspect the Dolly: Before hitching, thoroughly inspect the tow dolly for any damage, ensuring the tires are properly inflated, and the ramps, straps, and safety chains are present and in good condition.
Gather Tools: You may need a wrench for the hitch ball, a tire pressure gauge, and potentially a flashlight for nighttime checks.

2. Connecting the Dolly to the Tow Vehicle

Hitch Ball: Ensure your tow vehicle has a 2-inch hitch ball.
Hitching: Lower the dolly’s coupler onto the hitch ball. Secure the coupler latch and insert the safety pin or lock.
Safety Chains: Cross the dolly’s safety chains under the hitch and attach them to the tow vehicle’s frame or hitch receiver. This acts as a backup if the coupler detaches.
Light Connection: Plug the dolly’s wiring harness into your tow vehicle’s electrical connector. Test the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights to ensure they are all functioning correctly.

3. Loading the Towed Vehicle

Positioning: Park the tow vehicle and dolly on a level surface. Position the vehicle to be towed directly in front of the dolly, aligning its front wheels with the dolly’s ramps. Ensure there’s enough clearance around the ramps.
Driving Onto Ramps: Slowly and carefully drive the front wheels of the towed vehicle up the ramps until they are centered and settled in the wheel cradles. It’s often helpful to have a spotter.
Parking Brake and Transmission: Once loaded, engage the parking brake on the towed vehicle. Place the transmission in "Park" (for automatic) or a low gear (for manual).
Securing Wheels with Straps: Feed the wheel straps over the tires and through the ratchets. Tighten the straps firmly until the tires are securely seated in the cradles and cannot move. Check for any slack and ensure the straps are not twisted.
Attaching Safety Chains: Attach the towed vehicle’s safety chains (if available, or use supplemental chains) to the dolly’s frame, providing another layer of security.
Steering Wheel: Crucially, for FWD vehicles, the steering wheel MUST be unlocked. This allows the front wheels to articulate and follow the tow vehicle, preventing damage. For vehicles with steering wheel locks, ensure it is disengaged. If your vehicle has a steering column lock, you might need to leave the key in the accessory position or consult your vehicle’s manual.

4. Pre-Trip Checklist

All Connections: Double-check the hitch, safety chains (both dolly and towed vehicle), and light connections.
Wheel Straps: Re-verify the tightness of the wheel straps.
Tire Pressure: Check the tire pressure of the tow vehicle, the towed vehicle (especially the rear wheels that will be on the ground), and the dolly.
Clearance: Ensure no part of the towed vehicle is dragging or too close to the ground.
Mirrors: Adjust your side mirrors or use extended mirrors to ensure a clear view of the towed vehicle and the road behind you.

Important Considerations and Safety Tips

Towing requires heightened awareness and adherence to safety protocols.

Vehicle Compatibility is Paramount:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Tow dollies are ideal for FWD vehicles because their drive wheels are lifted off the ground.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) / All-Wheel Drive (AWD) / 4×4: U-Haul explicitly advises against towing RWD, AWD, or 4×4 vehicles with a tow dolly unless the drive shaft(s) can be completely disconnected. Towing these vehicles with their drive wheels on the ground can cause severe and irreversible damage to the transmission and drivetrain. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and U-Haul’s guidelines.
Weight Limits: Never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your tow vehicle, the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of any axle, or the tow dolly’s maximum load capacity. Overloading is extremely dangerous.
Driving Dynamics:
- Increased Length and Weight: Your entire rig will be significantly longer and heavier. Allow extra time and distance for braking, accelerating, and changing lanes.
- Wider Turns: Make wider turns than usual to avoid hitting curbs or other obstacles with the dolly and towed vehicle.
- Speed Limits: U-Haul recommends a maximum towing speed of 55 mph. Adhere to this, and reduce speed further in adverse weather or challenging road conditions.
- Sway: If you experience sway, gently ease off the accelerator and apply the tow vehicle’s brakes gradually. Do not make sudden steering corrections.
Frequent Checks: During your trip, stop every 50-100 miles or every couple of hours to check all connections, strap tension, and tire pressures. Straps can loosen due to road vibrations.
Tire Pressure: Maintaining correct tire pressure on both the tow vehicle and the dolly is critical for stability and safety.
Blind Spots: Be aware of increased blind spots. Use your mirrors frequently and cautiously when changing lanes.
State and Local Laws: Be aware of any specific towing laws in the states you will be traveling through, such as requirements for brakes, chains, or maximum lengths.

Challenges and Solutions

Even with careful planning, challenges can arise.

Difficulty Loading: If your vehicle has low ground clearance, it might be difficult to get it onto the ramps without scraping. Solution: Use small wooden planks or leveling ramps before the dolly ramps to create a gentler incline. Always ensure the ground is level.
Straps Loosening: Vibrations can cause straps to loosen. Solution: Check them frequently (every stop!) and retighten as needed. Ensure they are threaded correctly through the ratchets.
Swaying: Often caused by improper weight distribution or excessive speed. Solution: Ensure the towed vehicle is centered on the dolly. Reduce speed. If persistent, re-evaluate loading or vehicle compatibility.
Steering Wheel Lock Engagement: If the towed vehicle’s steering wheel locks during transit (for FWD), it can cause severe damage to the dolly and the vehicle. Solution: Confirm the lock is disengaged before starting the trip. For some vehicles, this means leaving the key in the ignition in the "ACC" position, which can drain the battery, so consider disconnecting the battery if this is the case.

U-Haul Tow Dolly Pricing (Representative Table)

U-Haul pricing is dynamic and can vary based on location, availability, demand, and whether it’s an in-town or one-way rental. The table below provides representative estimates and should be used as a general guide. Always check U-Haul’s website or contact a local dealer for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for your specific needs.