Is to Use Trailer of Uhaul Easy to Drive

10-24-2013, 12:55 PM

I am making a move 1400 miles next month. I am not taking any big items, so I have reserved a 4x8 trailer from UHaul. I will have them install a hitch on my car. And I am a little nervous.

I have never driven a vehicle pulling a trailer. I have read UHaul's instructions and warnings about the trailer swaying, etc. I know to keep my speed to 55mph. I know to load it with the heaviest stuff to the front. But what I don't know is, how HARD is it to manuever?

I am concerned about having to back out of a parking space with it (should that be my ony option.) At my house, I have a one car width driveway. I am thinking I will pull the car and trailer in the driveway, then pull into the backyard (all flat) and turning the car around so it is facing out of the driveway with trailer on the back, making for an easy exit on moving day. is this doable? (I know, you don't know what my yard looks like, but it's fairly big and flat. I have pulled my car into it before and turned around that way sans trailer. I have parked in the back yard to wash the car, etc)

Any experiences on pulling a trailer? Oh, I drive a Beetle.

I will have someone riding with me for the move, and also looked into renting an SUV or van hand having my travel companion drive that instead of a trailer, but factoring in the rental and gas for 2 vehicles, that would cost at least another $600.

Thoughts?

10-24-2013, 01:28 PM

1) Practice ahead of time.
2) Practice some more and **especially* using mirrors

Once on the road do all you can to avoid using reverse.
Be mindful of ice/water and hills.

10-24-2013, 02:08 PM

I came here with the same questions before hauling a 12 ft UHaul through the mountains. I drive a large SUV.

The only time I had issues with swaying was when I went well over the 55 mph limit (closer to 70+), and driving along semi trucks getting hit by cross winds being pushed out from their trailers.

Only park along curbs where you can pull ahead to get out, if backing is an issue. Backing was not an issue after about the 4th try.

10-24-2013, 02:16 PM

I agree with parking along curbs.

I have driven UHaul box trucks towing car trailers over many states multiple times. Definitely learn to use your mirrors and fortunately, you have a small trailer and you have someone who can watch your blind spots on the other side.

Remember that you're adding weight so stopping distances will increase; don't test out how good your brakes work with such a small car.

When turning, you have to turn in later to factor in the extra length from the trailer. Keep an eye on your gauges and make sure your car is in good condition before making the trip. Your mileage will decrease as well so don't take chances on trying to stretch a tank.

Take your time and keep other other awake and alive.

10-24-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army_Guy View Post

I agree with parking along curbs.

I have driven UHaul box trucks towing car trailers over many states multiple times. Definitely learn to use your mirrors and fortunately, you have a small trailer and you have someone who can watch your blind spots on the other side.

Remember that you're adding weight so stopping distances will increase; don't test out how good your brakes work with such a small car.

When turning, you have to turn in later to factor in the extra length from the trailer. Keep an eye on your gauges and make sure your car is in good condition before making the trip. Your mileage will decrease as well so don't take chances on trying to stretch a tank.

Take your time and keep other other awake and alive.

Thank you! Exactly the kind of advice I was looking for.

I am having stuff fixed on my car before the trip and getting a coolant flush/other maintenance done beforehand, so I hope to be in good shape.

I plan to take it sllloooowwwwww. I am also used to blind spots; my Beetle is a convertible and I have lots of them due to less side windows because of the 'vert top.

Thanks everyone!

10-24-2013, 10:50 PM

Elle,

Watch the sway, especially if it is windy and pay close attention to those around you.
I'm sure you will do fine but others can tend to not be cautious.
If you do sway don't jerk the wheel hard and over correct, that will cause even more trouble.
Make sure you have plenty of room to stop and don't slam on the brakes unless you absolutely have no other choice.
Check the trailer before you leave the UHaul lot to make sure ALL your lights are working, turn signals, tail lights, brake lights, headlights........on your vehicle AND on the trailer.
Don't overload the trailer with weight and keep your items balanced as you are loading the trailer so the weight will be distributed as evenly as possible.
Take all ramps slower than the posted speed.
Make sure you have gone forward far enough before you turn to ensure the trailer turns with you.
Before you leave the UHaul lot have them show you exactly how to attach and detach the trailer from the ball on your vehicle and how to secure it properly.
Make sure there are no wires or chains dragging on the ground as well.
If (and I hope you don't) but if you happen to blow a tire, do not slam on the brakes, put on your flashers and ease to the shoulder slowing as you move to the shoulder then apply your brakes but easy on those so you can come to a nice slow stop.
It is best not to "back out" of a parking place, what you want to do is park as far out in the lot as you can and take two spots with your vehicle and the trailer. It is more walking to get to the building but easier when you leave.

Have a safe trip, a great and uneventful move and let us know how it goes.

**can you tell we have moved 8 times in 5 years?**

10-25-2013, 06:44 AM

If it's not too much information, where are you coming from and where are you going?

Reason I ask is because I'm sure we have a lot of travelers here who have driven that route and can give you some route information such as places to stop and eat at, places to avoid, etc...

I assume you will be using a GPS? I know a lot of people say their phone has GPS but I'm not a believer in the phone GPS because your phone is used to make phone calls, not navigate.

I recommend Garmin if you don't already have one. I would also pick up a road atlas, you can get them from Wal Mart/Target type stores for less than $20. Learn how to use a paper map in case your GPS takes a dump.

Learn the interstates if you don't already know. Even number interstates are generally west/east route, odd number are generally north/south and 3 digit numbers are usually a loop, toll or some short cut of some sort. Exit numbers start on the western and southern entrances into a state and they're mile markers.

10-25-2013, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army_Guy View Post

If it's not too much information, where are you coming from and where are you going?

Reason I ask is because I'm sure we have a lot of travelers here who have driven that route and can give you some route information such as places to stop and eat at, places to avoid, etc...

I assume you will be using a GPS? I know a lot of people say their phone has GPS but I'm not a believer in the phone GPS because your phone is used to make phone calls, not navigate.

I recommend Garmin if you don't already have one. I would also pick up a road atlas, you can get them from Wal Mart/Target type stores for less than $20. Learn how to use a paper map in case your GPS takes a dump.

Learn the interstates if you don't already know. Even number interstates are generally west/east route, odd number are generally north/south and 3 digit numbers are usually a loop, toll or some short cut of some sort. Exit numbers start on the western and southern entrances into a state and they're mile markers.

I am travelling from Des Moines to Phoenix. I do not have a GPS (other than phone in a pinch), but already have a nice atlas of all 50 states. I prefer a paper map, really. I will also print out any additional maps I need before the trip from the internet. My travelling companion (AKA boyfriend) is also an avid map reader, so I think between the 2 of us we can do it I am also going to get a good list of Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn on the route (travelling with pets and those are the most pet friendly) to be prepared for our overnight stop. The trip is just about 1400 miles, and we are hoping to do it in 2 days sharing the driving. We can stretch it to 3 if needed.

I did know that about interstates and the numbers of the exits. My family took lots of long road trip vacations when I was a kid, and my dad taught me all of that long ago.

The route is pretty straightforward, all interstate. I am planning to head south on I35 to I70 to I40, keeping an eye on the weather (especially near Flagstaff) and making adjustments as needed.

10-25-2013, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElleTea View Post

The route is pretty straightforward, all interstate.
I am planning to head south on I35 to I70 to I40 to I17 to Phoenix
keeping an eye on the weather and making adjustments as needed.

Be prepared to get down to I-10 sooner.

I-35 South to Dallas (and I-20) then west onto I-10 is 300 miles longer.

Schaw Noweli

Is to Use Trailer of Uhaul Easy to Drive

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