Auto Transporter User Instructions

U-HAUL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Get help at myuhaul.com
or call 1-800-528-0355
24 HOURS - 7 DAYS A WEEK

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Safety alert symbol - This safety alert symbol precedes all the safety messages in these instructions. Safety messages alert you to possible hazards and instruct you on how to avoid or reduce the risk of injury.

WARNING

READ and FOLLOW all of these instructions and safety messages before operating the auto transport trailer. DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT or SERIOUS INJURY to you, your passengers, and others on the road may result if you do not follow these instructions. Make sure all drivers read and understand all these instructions.

See the Connecting Your Trailer section for auto transport trailer hook up instructions. A U-Haul representative can assist if you require assistance. Or, for a video go to:youtube.com/UhaulOfficialVideos

Important towing information

PREVENT WHIPPING by properly loading the auto transport trailer. The vehicle-in-tow must be loaded facing forward on the auto transport (AT) trailer. Loading the vehicle-in-tow backwards can cause the tow vehicle and auto transport trailer “combination” to begin WHIPPING, which is violent and uncontrollable sway.

SIDE to SIDE MOTION (SWAY) THAT BEGINS as you reach a certain speed, will likely become WHIPPING at higher speeds. If you notice sway beginning SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY by letting off the gas pedal. Then stop to reload the vehicle-in- tow facing forward as soon as possible, and remove any cargo from the vehicle-in-tow (vehicle carried on trailer).

IF WHIPPING or SWAY OCCURS, DO NOT steer, DO NOT apply your brakes, and NEVER speed up. Let off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position.

A “combination disturbance” is improper handling, whipping, sway, over-steering or other deviation of the tow vehicle or auto transport trailer from their intended path, due to one or more causes (improper loading, steering inputs, excessive speed, cross winds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc). IF A COMBINATION DISTURBANCE OCCURS, DO NOT steer or brake. Steering or braking during a disturbance can cause a loss of control or crash.

If a WHEEL GOES OFF THE PAVED ROADWAY, DO NOT steer sharply and DO NOT brake. Let off the gas pedal and slow down below 25 mph. Then steer gradually back onto the roadway. Proceed with caution entering traffic.

Loading your Combination

The MAXIMUM weight the vehicle-in-tow can be is determined by your specific tow vehicle and which model auto transport you rented. This is done during the rental process, so DO NOT place a vehicle-in-tow on the auto transport that is different than listed on your rental contract, unless U-Haul validates the new vehicle-in-tow for you.

NEVER load cargo inside the vehicle-in-tow or on the auto transport trailer. Cargo inside the vehicle-in-tow can cause sway or WHIPPING.

NEVER overload your tow vehicle. Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), which are posted on a label inside the driver’s door opening.

Make sure the auto transport trailer is securely attached to the tow vehicle hitch before loading and unloading.

Keep children and others at least 25 feet away during loading and unloading.

Slow down when towing

AVOID CRASHES by slowing down. Reduce your speed from what you would normally drive without a trailer under similar road conditions. The maximum speed is 55 mph when towing a U-Haul auto transport trailer. Do not exceed any posted speed limit.

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY – anticipate stops, brake early, and never follow closely.

BEFORE going downhill, slow down and shift the transmission into a lower gear. DO NOT RIDE BRAKES on downgrades.

Slow down for curves, adverse weather, hazardous road conditions, road construction and expressway exits.

Before towing and on the road

Use the checklist at the end of these instructions before towing and while on the road.

Make sure your tow vehicle is properly equipped and maintained. Be sure all tires are inflated properly.

ALWAYS wear your seat belt. Be sure children are properly restrained.

DO NOT drive when you are fatigued, sleepy or distracted. Avoid driving at night.

NEVER use a cell phone when driving. If you need to use a cell phone find a safe place to exit the roadway.

NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or any substance that might impair your vision, judgment, or ability to control the vehicle.

NEVER tow without properly installed tire straps and vehicle-in-tow security chains.

DO NOT tow the auto transport trailer unless the tongue jack is fully raised off the ground.

NEVER allow passengers to ride inside the vehicle-in-tow or on the auto transport trailer.

No open or soft-top sport utility vehicle is allowed to tow a auto transport trailer, because in the event of a crash, these vehicles offer less collision and ejection protection.

Equipment

Your tow vehicle

For occasional towing, your vehicle can tow an auto transport trailer, provided the curb weight of your tow vehicle is at least 80% of the combined weight of your vehicle-in-tow and your auto transport trailer. Never use a tow vehicle different than listed on your rental contract.

Maintenance

Maintenance and condition of your tow vehicle’s engine, transmission, steering, suspension, front- end alignment and tires may affect your vehicle’s ability to tow the auto transport trailer. Have an authorized repair facility inspect and repair your vehicle BEFORE towing.

To find the towing capabilities of the engine, transmission and axles of your vehicle, refer to the owner’s manual, or check with an authorized dealer.

Towing equipment requirements

Hitches

Hitches must be able to tow the weight of your auto transport trailer and your vehicle-in-tow. A U-Haul representative can advise you on the type of hitch required for your intended use.

Hitch Balls

Hitch-ball sizes of 1-7/8 and 2 inches are acceptable with an auto transport trailer coupler. A U-Haul representative can advise you on the correct ball size and weight rating for the auto transport trailer.

Other Hitch Systems

Weight distributing or sway control devices ARE NOT USED for towing an auto transport trailer. Towing a properly loaded auto transport trailer does not require these devices. These devices may have a negative effect on vehicle handling and braking and may restrict the operation of the trailer coupling mechanism.

Lights and Mirrors

When towing an auto transport trailer, all lights must be operational. Your tow vehicle may require external mirrors on both sides. A U-Haul representative can advise you of the systems available if your vehicle is not properly equipped.

Loading your tow vehicle

To find how much weight you are allowed to put in your tow vehicle:

Step 1: Find your tow vehicle’s GVWR on the label inside the driver’s door.

Step 2: Subtract the curb (empty) weight of your tow vehicle from the GVWR. Contact a U-Haul representative for help in finding the curb weight of your tow vehicle.

Step 3: Subtract 750 pounds from the answer in Step 2. This accounts for trailer tongue weight.

The answer in Step 3 is the amount of weight you can put in your tow vehicle. This weight includes driver, passengers, cargo and any additional equipment. If the rear of your tow vehicle seems low, reduce the load in the rear seat, trunk or cargo bed areas. Too much load in the rear can affect handling.

Tire pressure

Set all tires to the proper pressure. Find the recommended COLD pressure on the tire sidewall, owner’s manual, your vehicle’s door decal or on the auto transport trailer decal. DO NOT put more pressure in the tire than is indicated on the tire sidewall. Tire pressures go up during driving. DO NOT let off this extra pressure.

Air pressure in the rear tires of some tow vehicles may be increased to accommodate the additional weight of the trailer. Inflate rear tires approximately 6 psi above normal, but do not exceed the pressure limit stamped on tire.

Your vehicle-in-tow

The MAXIMUM weight of the vehicle-in-tow is can be is determined by your specific tow vehicle and which model auto transport you rented. Thia is done during the rental process, so DO NOT place a vehicle-in-tow on the auto transport that is different than listed on your rental contract. If you need to change your tow vehicle or vehicle-in-tow, contact U-Haul to validate the new vehicle(s) and update your contract. Exceeding these limits may cause a disturbance or damage to your tow vehicle, auto transport or vehicle-in-tow.

The vehicle-in-tow tires MUST fit on the auto transort trailer platform and ramps without hanging over the sides. Tires on some narrow track width vehicles may extend slightly past the inside edge of the ramps, be sure the vehicle is centered carefully to stay on the ramps and platform.over the sides.

If you have an auto transport trailer with a galvanized silver colored platform, DO NOT load a vehicle-in-tow that is more than 79 inches between the outside of the left tire and the outside of the right tire.

If you have an auto transport trailer with a orange colored platform, DO NOT load a vehicle-in-tow that is more than 75 inches between the outside of the left tire and the outside of the right tire.

Low hanging equipment on your vehicle-in-tow, such as spoilers, air dams, ground effects, etc., may be damaged by contact with your auto transport trailer during loading and unloading. Make sure there is enough clearance for these items. If there is not enough clearance for these items, they must be removed or do not load the vehicle-in-tow. Special instructions are offered on uhaul.com for loading vehicles with low ground clearance, by using wood boards or other means and some extra effort.

The auto transport is designed for carrying vehicles with standard, factory-installed suspensions. Modified or lowered suspension vehicles may not fit on the auto transport trailer, damage may occur to the vehicles during loading or transport. U-Haul is not responsible for damage to vehicles with modified suspensions.

Connecting your auto transport trailer

Follow the instructions in this section while hooking up the U-Haul auto transport trailer. A U-Haul representative can assist you if you require assistance. Or, for a video go to: youtube.com/uhaulofficialvideos.

Lower the coupler onto the hitch-ball and follow the instructions below to properly fasten the coupler to the hitch-ball. Do not allow yourself to become distracted. Ensure that the coupler is properly fastened to the hitch-ball before moving to the next step.

Coupler

Push down on the latch (C) and fully loosen the hand-wheel (D) by turning counterclockwise.

Lower the coupler (B) onto the hitch-ball (A) as shown.

Check that the ball clamp (E) is positioned below the coupler (B). The coupler should completely cover and enclose the hitch-ball (A).

Hand tighten the coupler by pushing down on the latch (C) while turning the handwheel (D) clockwise. At least 10 complete revolutions of the handwheel are necessary.

When the handwheel becomes tight, move the tow vehicle forward slightly, or push rearward on the trailer to ensure that the hitch-ball is properly seated inside the coupler. Recheck that the handwheel is tight.

Check all connections at each stop. Make sure the hitch and hitch-ball are securely attached to your tow vehicle and that the trailer coupler is properly connected to the hitch-ball. Use the checklist at the end of these instructions. If you suspect or detect that something is wrong, contact the nearest U-Haul representative.

Safety chains

The purpose of the safety chains is to keep the auto transport trailer connected to your tow vehicle in the unlikely event the coupler comes off the ball or the ball comes off the hitch. Safety chains are attached to the auto transport trailer tongue and are equipped with “S”-hooks on their free ends. DO NOT tow the auto transport trailer without the safety chains securely attached to the towing vehicle. DO NOT attempt to pull the auto transport trailer by the safety chains alone, unless this is necessary to get the combination off the roadway to a safe place.

The left chain (A) crosses underneath the trailer tongue (B) and hooks to the right side of the tow vehicle permanent hitch (C), frame or structure, or to the tow vehicle bumper brackets. Do not attach chains to the ball or to a ball mount that is removable. The right chain hooks to the left side in the same manner. The “S”-hooks (D) can be placed through a link in the chain. Crossing the chains under the tongue allows the minimum amount of slack for turning. Control slack by hooking the chain back to itself or by twisting the links to shorten chain. Be sure the “S”-hooks are secured with a rubber retainer. (D).

The chains need slack to allow your vehicle to make turns. Make sure these chains attach securely to your tow vehicle and do not drag on the roadway.

Emergency brake chain

Trailers with brakes have a third chain, called the emergency brake chain (E). This chain applies the brakes automatically in the unlikely event of a separation of the trailer from the tow vehicle. Attach this chain as close to the vehicle center as possible; to the tow vehicle permanent hitch, frame or structure, or to the bumper brackets. Twist chain to take up most of the slack and secure “S”-hook with rubber retainer. Some slack is necessary to prevent the emergency brake from activating on turns or inclined driveways.

Lighting connections

Make sure all tow vehicle and trailer lights function properly. The connecting wires need slack to allow your tow vehicle to make turns. Do not allow wires to drag on the roadway.

4-Way Flat

If your tow vehicle has a 4-way flat lighting system, connect the auto transport trailer lights by plugging into the tow vehicle connection plug. If your tow vehicle does not have a 4-way flat lighting connection system, your U-Haul representative will be able to instruct you on the connection steps and products available for your vehicle.

Loading

The vehicle-in-tow MUST be loaded facing forward on the auto transport. Failure to load facing forward may result in sway or WHIPPING and lead to total loss of control.

DO NOT load cargo in your vehicle-in-tow or on your auto transport trailer. Loading cargo in your vehicle-in-tow or on your auto transport trailer may result in sway or WHIPPING.

The auto transport trailer may be used to carry certain large items when a vehicle-in-tow is NOT installed. U-Haul will validate your intended use and provide special instructions if you intend to do this. Be sure to load trailer heavier in front and to secure the load.

Before loading your vehicle-in-tow, make sure the auto transport trailer is securely attached to your tow vehicle. Turn the coupler handwheel clockwise. Make sure the safety chains are properly connected. During the loading process, keep children and others at least 25 feet away.

Be sure to follow these instructions.

Park the properly hitched auto transport trailer on level ground, in a straight line with the tow vehicle, in park, motor off, and parking brake set.
Fully extend the loading ramps located at the rear of the auto transport trailer.
Unlatch the left fender, and rotate it down.
Free the tire strap from the ratchet. Pull on the ratchet release and raise the handle as far up as you can. Pull the tire strap out of the ratchet spool. Lay the strap over the outside of the auto transport trailer. Free the strap on the other side in the same manner.

Loading the vehicle-in-tow

During the loading process, keep children, bystanders and pets at least 25 feet away.
Position the vehicle-in-tow behind the auto transport trailer, centered as well as possible.

The front end of the vehicle-in-tow MUST be loaded to the front of the auto transport trailer. Failure to load facing forward may result in sway or WHIPPING.

Make sure that the entire width of the tires will be on the ramps before driving on the ramps.
Approach ramps slowly. Make sure there is enough clearance for spoilers, air dams, etc. If more clearance is needed, lift the front of the auto transport trailer using the tongue jack. DO NOT unhook the auto transport trailer from the tow vehicle if the tongue jack is needed.
Drive slowly up the ramps, keeping all doors closed on the vehicle being loaded. Drive slowly toward the front of the auto transport trailer. Keep driving forward until the tires contact the tire stops. DO NOT brake quickly or ram the tire stops at the front of the auto transport trailer. Set the PARKING BRAKE.

The fenders are not to be used as steps at any time. The fenders are not designed to carry the weight of a person. Loss of balance or the fenders breaking may result in serious injury.

Exit the vehicle-in-tow. Carefully step off the auto transport trailer, using the step provided if necessary. Rotate the left fender up and latch both ends.

Securing the vehicle-in-tow

Failure to properly install the tire straps and security chains may result in the vehicle-in-tow separating from the auto transport trailer. This may result in a combination disturbance, a vehicle crash or damage to your vehicle-in-tow.

Center the tire straps behind the tires and center the tire strap ratchets in the front of the tires. Place the tire straps over the tires.
Put the tire strap through the slot in the ratchet spool. Pull about 6 inches of the tire strap through the ratchet spool. Keeping the strap evenly over the tire, operate the ratchet until the tire strap is tight. Your vehicle-in-tow tires are too big if 6 inches of the tire strap will not pull through the ratchet spool. If the tires are too big, a U-Haul outlet can provide you with special automotive tie down straps. Special instructions are offered on uhaul.com for securing the vehicle-in-tow when the tire straps are not used, or ask a U-Haul representative for these instructions, or follow instructions provided with the automotive tie down straps. DO NOT tow without vehicle-in-tow properly secured.

Make sure that the part of the strap that was placed through the slot is secure between the ratchet shaft and the tire strap. After tightening the straps, push the handles down and completely rearward.

Perform the same procedure for the tire on the other side.

Connect the front security chain, found on a cross-member at the front of the auto transport trailer, to the vehicle-in tow’s frame or other structural member. Keep the security chain away from brake and fuel lines and other items that may be damaged by the chain. DO NOT place the chain hook on the vehicle’s frame member or other structural member. Loop the chain around the member and place the hook through the hole in one of the chain links. Leave a few inches of slack in the security chain. Be sure the “S”-hook is secured with a rubber retainer.

If the tongue jack was used to add clearance, make sure the jack is fully raised off the ground before towing the auto transport trailer.

Failure to fully raise the tongue jack off the ground before towing can cause the auto transport trailer to become detached from the tow vehicle, or cause a combination disturbance.

Slide the ramps into the storage compartments. Make sure the latches hold the ramps securely in place.
Attach the rear security chain in the same manner as the front security chain was attached.

Towing

Reduce speed

Slow down for curves, adverse weather, hazardous road conditions, road construction and expressway exits. Do not feel secure because your auto transport trailer tows easily at higher speeds. A road hazard that could be avoided at 55 mph, may become unavoidable at a higher speed.

When driving at a lower speed you are less likely to lose control of any vehicle, than when driving at a higher speed. Excessive speed is a major cause of accidents.

U-Haul does not recommend using cruise control or overdrive when towing a trailer.

Stopping and following distance

Your combination is heavier and longer than your vehicle alone. This means it will take you longer to stop.

Allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. Start counting when the back of the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object, such as a line or crack in the road. If the front of your vehicle reaches the object before the end of the 4 seconds, increase your distance.

If you are driving in adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, use at least a 5 second gap.

Whipping

Whipping is violent and uncontrollable sway caused by loading a trailer heavier in the rear half. Persistent side to side sway motion is not normal. If this occurs at a certain speed, it is a signal that WHIPPING will likely occur if speed is increased by a small amount. If you notice this behavior immediately slow down and maintain at least 10 mph below the speed this sway was first noticed. Then stop at the first opportunity and reload the vehicle-in-tow facing forward and remove any cargo from the vehicle-in-tow.

Combination disturbances

A “combination disturbance” is improper handling, whipping, sway, over-steering or other deviation of the tow vehicle or auto transport trailer from their intended path, due to one or more causes (improper loading, steering inputs, excessive speed, cross winds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.).

If a combination disturbance occurs:

Let off the gas pedal. NEVER speed up to try to control a combination disturbance.

DO NOT apply your brakes.

HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL in a straight- ahead position. DO NOT try to control the combination disturbance by turning the steering wheel.

After a combination disturbance has stopped:

Pull a safe distance off the roadway and stop. Get all occupants out of the vehicle and away from the roadway.

Check the vehicle-in-tow to make sure the tire straps are properly attached. Also make sure there is no cargo in the vehicle-in-tow and the front end is loaded to the FRONT of the auto transport trailer.

Check that all the tires are properly inflated and all lug nuts are tight.

Check the trunk or rear cargo area of the towing vehicle to make sure it is not overloaded.

REDUCE SPEED to 55 mph or LESS. Combination disturbances happen most often at higher speeds.

If the combination disturbance persists, contact the nearest U-Haul representative and have them inspect or exchange the auto transport trailer. If the combination disturbance still occurs, something is wrong with your tow vehicle.

Passing

Your combination is heavier and longer than your tow vehicle alone and you will require more time and distance to pass.

Passing by another vehicle in the same or opposite direction can result in a combination disturbance. See the combination disturbances section on what to do if a combination disturbance happens.

Hills

SLOW DOWN BEFORE starting down hill. Shift into lower gear and let off the gas pedal, this allows the engine to help you control your speed. Combination disturbances happen more frequently going downhill and at higher speeds.

DO NOT ride the brake pedal going downhill. Prolonged use of your brakes results in overheating and possible loss of braking. When you need to slow down, apply the brake pedal and slow down below the intended speed. Then let off the brake pedal completely. Repeat as needed.

Shift into lower gear to prevent your tow vehicle from jerking due to engine lugging when traveling up hills. This will improve gas mileage and reduce engine overheating.

Road shoulders

If a wheel goes off the paved roadway:

DO NOT turn the steering wheel sharply.

DO NOT apply your brakes.

Let off the gas pedal and slow down below 25 mph. Then steer gradually back on the roadway. Proceed with caution entering traffic.

The auto transport trailer is wider than the tow vehicle. Allow for this by driving in the center of your lane.

Sharp corners

Avoid turning too sharp on corners, in gas stations or parking lots. Because the combination is longer the trailer will track inside the turn and may sideswipe a vehicle or object. Drive slightly past the corner before turning or turn wider than you would with a car to avoid this. Or simply plan ahead and avoid sharp turns where you can.

Backing up

Keep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To move the auto transport trailer left, move your hand left. To move the auto transport trailer right, move your hand right. If your combination starts to jackknife, or isn’t headed where you want it, STOP. Pull forward to straighten out, then start again.

Get help to watch as you are backing. If you cannot get help, exit your vehicle and make sure there are no people or obstructions in the way.

Unloading

Before unloading your vehicle-in-tow make sure the auto transport trailer is securely attached to your tow vehicle. Turn the coupler handwheel clockwise. Make sure the safety chains are properly connected. Place the combination on level ground. Make sure the auto transport trailer is directly behind the tow vehicle, in a straight line. Set the tow vehicle’s PARKING BRAKE firmly and turn the motor off. Allow room behind the auto transport trailer to back the vehicle-in-tow clear of the auto transport trailer.

NEVER unhook the auto transport trailer or loosen the coupler before unloading.

During the unloading process, keep children and others at least 25 feet away.

Be sure to follow these instructions

Fully extend the loading ramps.
If more clearance for the vehicle-in-tow was needed in the loading process, lift the front of the auto transport trailer using the tongue jack. DO NOT unhook the auto transport trailer from the tow vehicle if use of the tongue jack is needed.
Unlatch the left fender and rotate it down fully.
Disconnect the security chains from the vehicle-intow. Free the tire straps from the ratchets and lay them over the sides of the auto transport trailer.
Enter the vehicle-in-tow. Release the parking brake on the vehicle-in-tow. Leave all doors closed during the unloading process.
SLOWLY drive the vehicle-in-tow off the auto transport trailer.
Slide the ramps into the storage compartments. Make sure the latches hold the ramps securely in place..
Rotate the left fender up and latch both ends.
If the tongue jack was used to add clearance, make sure the jack is fully raised off the ground before towing the auto transport trailer.

Failure to fully raise the tongue jack off the ground before towing can cause the auto transport trailer to become detached from the tow vehicle, or cause a combination disturbance.

Route the security chains through the “D” rings located on the frame, then attach the hook through a hole in the chain. Remove as much slack as possible.
Place the end of the tire straps through the slots in the ratchet spools, then tighten the tire straps as far as the ratchet allows.

Breakdowns

Immediately park your combination in a safe place, completely off the roadway. Turn on your emergency flashers. Get all occupants out of the vehicle and away from the roadway.

If you must continue on the roadway to reach a safe place off the road, turn on your emergency flashers and proceed with caution.

If necessary, drive on a flat tire to reach a safe place completely off the roadway. Drive slowly.

If the auto transport trailer’s mechanical problem is minor and the combination can be safely driven, proceed to the nearest U-Haul location, get help at myuhaul.com or call Roadside Assistance at 1-800-528-0355.

If the mechanical problem is major or if the auto transport trailer is inoperable or cannot be driven safely, get help at myuhaul.com or call Roadside Assistance at 1-800-528-0355. Be prepared to give your exact location and a callback telephone number. Have your contract with you when you call. They will have a U-Haul representative contact you and do whatever is necessary.

Accidents

In case of an accident, get everyone out of the vehicle and completely off the roadway. Call an ambulance if anyone is injured. Notify the police as soon as possible and then report the accident at myuhaul.com or call Roadside Assistance at 1-800-528-0355.

Towing checklist

(Use at each stop)

Before towing

Towing hitch and hitch-ball are tight.
Coupler handwheel is tight.
Safety chains tire straps and security chains are properly attached and secure.
All lights are connected and working.
Check all tires for correct pressure.
Vehicle-in-tow is facing forward on the auto transport.
Ramps securely stored and latched.
Tongue jack is fully raised.

Before driving

Fasten seat belts.
Properly adjust mirrors.

On the road

Reduce speed to 55 mph or below.
Stop often for rest.
Inspect your vehicles and auto transport trailer connections at each stop.
Anticipate stops, brake early.

Remember - crashes are caused by

Driver error or Inattention.
Excessive speed.
Failure to load a vehicle-in-tow facing forward.

You should always

Load trailer heavier in front.
Reduce your normal driving speed.
Wear your seat belt.

Auto Transporter User Instructions | U-Haul (2024)