How Much Does A Uhaul Car Trailer Weigh

Knowing the weight of a U-Haul car trailer is essential for ensuring your tow vehicle can handle the load safely and legally. If you’re asking “how much does a uhaul car trailer weigh,” you’re already on the right track for a successful move. This guide provides the exact numbers, explains why they matter, and walks you through the critical steps for safe towing.

We’ll cover everything from trailer specifications to calculating your total weight. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and stay compliant with road laws. Let’s get started with the most important details first.

The weight of an empty U-Haul car trailer, known as its curb weight or tare weight, varies by model. U-Haul primarily offers two types of car trailers: the auto transport and the car tow dolly. Their empty weights are quite different, which significantly impacts your towing plans.

Here are the standard weights for U-Haul’s most common car trailers:

U-Haul Auto Transport (Flatbed Trailer): This is a full-size, four-wheel trailer where your entire vehicle rests on a flat deck. Its average empty weight is approximately 2,210 pounds.
U-Haul Car Tow Dolly: This two-wheel dolly lifts only the front wheels of your towed vehicle off the ground, while the rear wheels roll on the road. Its average empty weight is about 850 pounds.

It is crucial to remember that these are base weights. The final weight at the rental center can vary slightly based on the specific model year and any additional equipment attached, like spare tires or upgraded lighting. Always verify the exact weight on the trailer’s VIN label or with the U-Haul representative before hitching up.

Detailed Specifications For U-Haul Car Trailers

Understanding the full specifications beyond just weight helps you make an informed choice. Here is a breakdown of the key specs for each trailer type.

U-Haul Auto Transport Trailer Specifications

The auto transport is the heavier but more versatile option. It’s designed for all-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive, and low-clearance vehicles, as all wheels are off the ground.

Empty Trailer Weight (Tare Weight): ~2,210 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 5,290 lbs
Payload Capacity (Max Load): ~3,080 lbs (This is the GVWR minus the tare weight)
Deck Length & Width: Typically 12 feet long and 6.5 feet wide.
Ramp Type: Integrated metal ramps for loading.

U-Haul Tow Dolly Specifications

The tow dolly is lighter and often easier to maneuver but is only suitable for front-wheel-drive vehicles or rear-wheel-drive vehicles that can be safely towed with the drive wheels down.

Empty Dolly Weight (Tare Weight): ~850 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 3,450 lbs
Payload Capacity (Max Load): ~2,600 lbs
Dolly Deck Size: Designed to hold two vehicle tires.
Tire Type: Equiped with highway-rated tires.

Why Trailer Weight Matters For Safe Towing

The weight of the trailer is not just a number on a spec sheet. It is the foundational data point for several critical safety and legal calculations. Ignoring it can lead to dangerous situations, vehicle damage, or fines.

First, the trailer weight directly affects your vehicle’s performance. A heavy load requires more power to accelerate, more distance to stop, and more care to steer. Exceeding your vehicle’s capacity strains the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.

Second, it determines your legal compliance. Every U.S. state has laws regarding trailer weights and required equipment like brakes. Your tow vehicle’s ratings, which we’ll discuss next, are legal limits set by the manufacturer. Going over them can void your warranty and make you liable in an accident.

How To Calculate Your Total Towing Weight

To tow safely, you need to know your total gross combined weight. This is the weight of everything: your tow vehicle, the trailer, the car on the trailer, and all cargo and passengers. Here is a step-by-step process to calculate it.

Find Your Tow Vehicle’s Ratings: Locate your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb sticker. The GCWR is the absolute maximum weight of vehicle, trailer, and everything in them combined.
Weigh Your Loaded Tow Vehicle: Visit a truck stop or public scale. Drive your tow vehicle onto the scale with a full tank of gas and all passengers and cargo that will be inside for the trip. This gives you your tow vehicle’s actual loaded weight.
Calculate Available Trailer Capacity: Subtract your loaded tow vehicle weight from the GCWR. The result is the maximum weight your trailer (and its load) can be. For example, if your GCWR is 12,000 lbs and your loaded vehicle weighs 6,500 lbs, your trailer and its load must not exceed 5,500 lbs.
Account for the Trailer and Car: Add the empty weight of the U-Haul trailer (2,210 lbs or 850 lbs) to the weight of the car you are towing. You can find your car’s curb weight in its manual or online. Don’t forget to include any extra items stored in the towed car.

If the total from step 4 is less than the available capacity from step 3, you are within a safe limit. If it’s over, you need a different tow vehicle or a lighter load.

Understanding Tow Vehicle Ratings And Capacities

Your vehicle’s towing capacity is not a single number. You must understand three key ratings to ensure compatibility with a U-Haul car trailer.

Towing Capacity: The maximum weight your vehicle can pull. This is the most commonly referenced number but is only one part of the equation.
Payload Capacity: Often overlooked, this is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry inside itself (passengers, cargo) and in the form of tongue weight. Tongue weight is the downward force the hitch ball applies to your tow vehicle.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): As mentioned, the total maximum weight of your vehicle, trailer, people, and cargo all together.

For a U-Haul auto transport, the tongue weight is typically 10-12% of the total loaded trailer weight. A 4,000-pound loaded trailer would exert 400-480 pounds of tongue weight, which counts directly against your vehicle’s payload capacity. This is why a heavy-duty truck or large SUV is often needed for an auto transport, while some larger SUVs and vans might handle a tow dolly.

Step-By-Step Guide To Renting The Right U-Haul Trailer

Follow these steps when you go to rent your trailer to ensure a smooth and safe process.

Gather Your Vehicle Information: Know your tow vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine size. Have your owner’s manual handy or know your exact towing and payload capacities.
Know Your Towed Vehicle’s Details: Have the year, make, model, and drive type (FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD) of the car you’ll be towing. Also, know its approximate weight.
Call or Visit U-Haul with This Info: A U-Haul representative will use this information to confirm which trailers are compatible with your setup. They have a proprietary system called “Tow Check” to help with this.
Perform a Visual Inspection: When you pick up the trailer, inspect the tires (including spare), lights, brakes, safety chains, and coupler. Ensure the ramp latches securely on an auto transport.
Practice Maneuvering: Before hitting the road, practice driving, turning, and backing up in a safe, empty lot. Get a feel for the wider turns and longer stopping distance required.

Legal Requirements And Safety Tips For Towing

Safety should always be your top priority. Beyond weight calculations, adhere to these legal and practical guidelines.

Trailer Brakes: Most states require trailer brakes for loads over a certain weight, often 3,000 lbs. The U-Haul auto transport has surge brakes, but you must ensure your tow vehicle’s brake controller (if needed) is properly configured.
Speed Limits: Obey posted speed limits, which are often lower for vehicles towing trailers. Reduce speed in adverse weather, wind, or on steep grades.
Secure Your Load: Use the provided tie-downs to firmly secure the vehicle to the trailer. Check them after the first few miles of driving and periodically thereafter.
Mirrors: You must have extended side mirrors to see around the trailer. U-Haul typically provides these if your vehicle does not have adequate mirrors.
Allow Extra Space: Your stopping distance is greatly increased. Leave a much larger following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Towing A Car Trailer

Even experienced drivers can make errors when towing. Be mindful of these common pitfalls.

Guessing Weights: Never estimate the weight of your vehicle or the trailer. Always use official figures or scale weights.
Ignoring Payload Capacity: Overloading your tow vehicle’s interior while also having high tongue weight is a fast track to exceeding payload, which can cause sagging, poor handling, and tire failure.
Improper Load Distribution: On an auto transport, the car should be centered and strapped down evenly. An unbalanced load can cause dangerous sway.
Forgetting to Check Lights: Always do a light check with the rental agent to confirm all trailer running lights, brake lights, and turn signals are working.
Skipping the Practice Session: Towing feels different. Not practicing basic maneuvers can lead to accidents, especially when backing up or navigating tight spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is The Weight Difference Between A U-Haul Car Dolly And Trailer?

The weight difference is significant. An empty U-Haul tow dolly weighs about 850 pounds, while an empty U-Haul auto transport trailer weighs approximately 2,210 pounds. This means the dolly is over 1,300 pounds lighter, making it suitable for vehicles with lower towing capacities.

How Much Weight Can A U-Haul Auto Transport Carry?

The U-Haul auto transport has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 5,290 pounds. Since the empty trailer weighs about 2,210 pounds, its maximum payload capacity—the weight of the car you put on it—is roughly 3,080 pounds. Always check the specific trailer’s VIN label for its exact ratings.

Do I Need A Special Hitch For A U-Haul Car Trailer?

Yes. For the auto transport, you need a Class III or Class IV receiver hitch with a 2-inch coupler opening and a minimum weight rating that exceeds your total loaded trailer weight. The tow dolly may work with a robust Class II hitch, but Class III is recommended. A U-Haul representative can confirm based on your specific tow vehicle.

How Do I Find The Towing Capacity Of My Vehicle?

The most reliable sources are your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s towing guide. You can also find a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb that lists the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which are used to calculate true towing capacity. Online searches can be inaccurate due to different configurations.

Are There Any Hidden Costs With U-Haul Trailer Weight?

While not directly a “hidden cost,” exceeding weight limits can lead to expensive consequences. These include fines for being overweight, increased fuel consumption, excessive wear on your tow vehicle, and potential liability in an accident if you are found to be over your legal ratings. It’s always cheaper to tow within the correct limits.