Can A U-Haul Tow A Car? | Safe Towing Rules And Setup

Yes, a U-Haul can tow a car when you match the right trailer, tow-capable truck, and weight limits.

Can A U-Haul Tow A Car? Safety Basics

Many drivers ask can a u-haul tow a car because they want to move everything in one trip. U-Haul trucks and certain personal vehicles can pull a car safely when the setup fits the weight ratings and equipment guidelines. The rental company designs its trailers for this task, but the driver still carries full responsibility for loading, speed, and route choices.

U-Haul offers two main options for towing a car behind a truck or eligible tow vehicle: the full auto transport trailer and the two-wheel tow dolly. Each handles weight, drive layout, and ground clearance in a different way. Picking the wrong one can lead to transmission damage, unstable handling, or a flat-out refusal at the counter once staff checks your vehicle combination.

Before you sign a contract, confirm which tow vehicles qualify, your car’s weight, and which trailer fits so the whole setup stays within safe limits.

Understanding U-Haul Towing Equipment

U-Haul car trailers differ from cargo trailers because they hold a rolling vehicle, with ramps, straps, and brakes sized for that job.

The auto transport trailer holds the entire car with all four wheels off the road. Current U-Haul specs list a maximum load around 5,290 pounds, not counting the trailer’s own weight. This option suits heavier cars and rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles, because the transmission stays still during the trip. It also tends to feel more stable at highway speed, as long as your truck has the rated towing capacity.

The tow dolly lifts only the front wheels and leaves the rear wheels on the road. U-Haul’s tow dolly handles a max load around 4,080 pounds and works best with front-wheel-drive cars. For many compact cars and sedans, this ends up as the cheaper choice, and it turns more sharply than a full trailer. For rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars, you may need the driveshaft disconnected before loading, or you risk burning the transmission during the tow.

U-Haul Trucks That Can Tow A Car

U-Haul designs nearly all of its moving trucks with towing in mind. The rental fleet includes pickup trucks, 10-foot box trucks, and larger 15-, 20-, and 26-foot trucks. Each size has its own maximum towing capacity, and you need to stay under that rating once you combine the trailer and the car riding on it.

The table below gives a simple view of common truck sizes and how they pair with car trailers. Always check the current numbers on the U-Haul site and your contract, because ratings can change over time.

Truck Type	Towing Capacity*	Typical Trailer Match
Pickup Truck	Up To 6,000 lbs	Tow Dolly Or Auto Transport
10 ft Truck	Up To 6,000 lbs	Tow Dolly Or Auto Transport
15 ft Truck	Up To 10,000 lbs	Auto Transport Or Toy Hauler
20 ft Truck	Up To 7,500 lbs	Auto Transport
26 ft Truck	Up To 10,000 lbs	Auto Transport Or Toy Hauler

*Towing capacity figures here reflect common published ratings, not the weight of the car alone. You must count the weight of the empty trailer plus the vehicle on it and stay under the number on your rental agreement.

Some renters use their own SUV or pickup instead of a truck; U-Haul staff will check that its weight, hitch, and wiring meet tow limits before approving the combination.

Weight, Size, And Ground Clearance Limits

The question can a u-haul tow a car comes down to weight and fit. If you go past the ratings, the trailer can sway, the truck can overheat, and stopping distance grows fast.

Check curb weight and wheelbase — Look up your car’s curb weight and wheelbase in the owner’s manual or on a reliable spec site. Compare this to U-Haul’s posted limits for the trailer you plan to rent. If your numbers sit close to the limit, step up to the larger trailer or a larger truck size.

Think about drive layout — Front-wheel-drive cars fit tow dollies best because the drive wheels ride off the road. Rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and four-wheel-drive cars usually belong on a full auto transport trailer instead, unless a mechanic has safely disconnected the driveshaft for the trip.

Watch ground clearance — Low sports cars, low sedans, and cars with long front overhangs may scrape on tow dolly ramps or the front edge of an auto transport. U-Haul often lists specific clearance minimums. If your car sits low, ask the counter staff whether it qualifies before you sign.

Match the hitch rating — The printed rating on the hitch and ball must meet or exceed the total trailer weight. A worn hitch or undersized ball can turn into a failure point once you hit a bump at highway speed.

How To Tow A Car With U-Haul Step By Step

Once you have the right truck, trailer, and weight match, the towing process follows a steady routine. This section outlines a typical flow, but always follow the printed U-Haul instructions that come with your trailer and your vehicle owner’s manual.

1. Inspect The Truck And Trailer — Walk around both units, check lights, tires, safety chains, and the coupler latch before loading the car.
2. Park On Level Ground — Choose a flat area with straight access so you can align the car with the trailer without sharp turns or steep angles.
3. Lower Ramps And Prepare Straps — Drop the loading ramps, unroll the tire straps, and clear any dirt or gravel from the ramp surface.
4. Drive Or Winch The Car Onto The Trailer — Move the car slowly up the ramps, aiming for centered weight over the axle with a slight front bias.
5. Secure The Tires — Wrap the wheel straps over the front tires, seat them behind the tread, and tighten the ratchets until the tires can’t move.
6. Attach Safety Chains — Cross the safety chains under the tongue, hook them to the truck frame, and snug any slack without dragging on the road.
7. Check Lights And Brakes — Test turn signals, brake lights, and running lights with someone watching the back of the trailer.

During the trip, keep your speed near U-Haul’s recommended 55 mph limit when towing a trailer. Leave extra space for braking, avoid sudden lane changes, and slow down more than usual when wind, rain, or traffic conditions change. A calm pace does more for safety than any gadget on the truck.

Rental Rules, Insurance, And Legal Limits

Each U-Haul contract for a trailer or truck sets towing rules. You must follow loading diagrams, stay on normal roads, obey limits, and keep the setup within listed ratings.

At pickup, staff checks your license, tow vehicle, hitch, and wiring. If ratings or hardware fall short, they can change the trailer or cancel the tow plan.

U-Haul sells optional damage protection for the truck, trailer, and sometimes the towed car. Read the terms, since many auto policies treat rented gear in different ways.

State and provincial laws add another layer. Some regions set lower speed limits for any vehicle towing a trailer. Others require supplemental mirrors, breakaway brakes, or lower weight thresholds for extra equipment. When your move crosses borders, plan for the strictest rule on your route so you never sit on the wrong side of a patrol car during the trip.

Common Mistakes When Towing A Car With U-Haul

Plenty of first-time movers use U-Haul equipment without trouble, yet the same patterns show up whenever things go wrong. Knowing those patterns ahead of time saves headaches, fees, and risk on the road.

• Guessing On Vehicle Weight — Renters sometimes guess curb weight instead of checking a reliable source, then end up over the trailer rating.
• Ignoring Drive Layout — Rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars on a tow dolly can suffer transmission damage if the driveshaft stays connected.
• Loading The Car Backwards — Pointing the car the wrong way on a trailer changes weight balance and can trigger swaying at speed.
• Skipping Strap Checks — Wheel straps settle during the first miles; if you skip a recheck, a loose strap can let the car slide forward or sideways.
• Driving At Car-Only Speeds — Towing at normal highway pace shortens reaction time; slower travel keeps the rig stable and easier to handle.

Most of these mistakes trace back to rushing the setup. Plan extra time at pickup, read the instruction sheets that U-Haul provides, and use a simple checklist each time you stop for fuel or rest. A steady routine keeps your car where it belongs and helps you arrive with less stress.

Key Takeaways: Can A U-Haul Tow A Car?

➤ U-Haul trucks and some SUVs can tow a car when ratings match.

➤ Pick a tow dolly for many front-drive cars under the weight limit.

➤ Choose an auto transport when drive layout or weight demands it.

➤ Keep trailer, car, and cargo weight under the listed tow rating.

➤ Hold near 55 mph and recheck straps often during the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Tow A Car With A U-Haul Cargo Van?

Most U-Haul cargo vans are not set up for car trailers, and they mainly serve small moves instead. They usually lack the frame-mounted hitch and wiring needed for a tow dolly or auto transport.

If you need to pull a car, upgrade to a pickup or box truck that U-Haul lists as tow-capable. That path gives you rated hardware and clear towing instructions.

How Do I Know If My Car Fits A U-Haul Tow Dolly?

Start with the curb weight and drive layout. A tow dolly works best with front-wheel-drive cars under the posted load limit, often around 4,080 pounds. Wheelbase and width need to sit inside the ranges shown on the U-Haul fit guide.

Sports cars, low sedans, or heavy SUVs often exceed one of those limits. In that case, move to a full auto transport trailer instead.

Is It Better To Tow With My Own Truck Or A U-Haul Truck?

Your own truck might feel familiar, but it may not have enough towing capacity, brake strength, or cooling reserve for a long trip with a car in tow. U-Haul trucks come with factory towing gear and clear ratings printed on the contract.

If your personal truck already has a strong tow package and a rated hitch, you can compare both options on cost and comfort before you decide.

What Speed Should I Drive When Towing A Car With U-Haul?

U-Haul recommends a maximum of 55 mph when pulling any of its trailers, even in zones with higher posted limits. That speed keeps sway, heat, and stopping distance under better control.

Wind, rain, traffic, and steep grades call for an even slower pace. If the rig starts to feel light or nervous, ease off the throttle instead of pushing through.

Do I Need Extra Insurance When I Tow A Car With U-Haul?

Rental contracts often include basic protection for the truck, while trailers and the towed car may sit under different terms. Some renters add damage waivers from U-Haul; others rely on their auto policy.

Before pickup day, talk with your insurer about how they treat rental trucks, trailers, and towed cars so you can choose protection with clear expectations.

Wrapping It Up – Can A U-Haul Tow A Car?

A U-Haul setup can tow a car safely when you choose the right combination of truck, trailer, and vehicle, then respect the weight and speed limits printed in the manuals. Once you know your car’s curb weight and drive layout, matching it to a tow dolly or auto transport becomes a simple chart exercise instead of a guess at the counter.

Pick a tow-capable truck, load patiently, and give yourself more space and time on the road. That approach turns a stressful move into a controlled trip where both your moving load and your car arrive together.