Towing a Car With U-Haul: Tow Dolly vs Auto Transport, Rules and How to Load
U-Haul offers two ways to tow a car: a tow dolly, which lifts the front wheels while the rear wheels roll on the road, and an auto transport trailer, which carries all four wheels. A tow dolly suits front-wheel-drive cars and is cheaper. An auto transport is the safer choice for all-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles and long moves. U-Haul’s recommended maximum speed for both is 55 mph. You can tow behind a U-Haul truck or your own vehicle if it has the right hitch, and U-Haul checks your exact vehicle combination when you reserve.
Moving across the country and taking a second car with you? Renting U-Haul towing equipment is one of the simplest ways to do it: you can pick up the truck and the trailer in one place, and your car arrives when you do. The key is choosing the right equipment for your car and loading it correctly.
This guide explains the difference between a U-Haul tow dolly and auto transport, the requirements for each, and how to load and drive safely.
U-Haul Tow Dolly vs Auto Transport
| Tow dolly | Auto transport | |
|---|---|---|
| How it carries the car | Front wheels up, rear wheels on the road | All four wheels on the trailer |
| Best for | Front-wheel-drive cars | AWD, 4WD, RWD, heavier vehicles, long trips |
| RWD or 4WD vehicles | Only with the driveshaft disconnected | Yes, no disconnecting needed |
| Hitch ball | 1-7/8″ or 2″ | 2″ ball rated 2,000 lbs minimum (max ball height 25″) |
| Weight rule | Tow vehicle must weigh at least 750 lbs more than the towed car | Trailer weighs about 2,210 lbs empty, carries up to 5,290 lbs |
| Recommended max speed | 55 mph | 55 mph |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Figures come from U-Haul’s equipment pages and can change. U-Haul’s reservation system confirms whether your tow vehicle and car are an approved match.
Which Vehicles Can Tow U-Haul Equipment?
- U-Haul trucks: most U-Haul pickups, cargo vans and moving trucks can tow a dolly or auto transport. This is the easiest setup during a move.
- Your own vehicle: needs a properly rated hitch, the right ball size, working trailer lights and, where required, extended mirrors on both sides. U-Haul can install hitches and wiring.
- Not every pairing is allowed. If your tow vehicle is too light for the car you want to tow, U-Haul will not rent the equipment for that combination.
Need trailer wiring? Our 7-pin trailer wiring diagram explains the plug.
How to Load a Car on a U-Haul Auto Transport
Connect the trailer to the tow vehicle, lock the coupler, cross the safety chains under the tongue and plug in the lights. Check that brake lights and turn signals work.
Pull out the loading ramps and fold down the driver’s side fender so you can open the car’s door after loading.
Use a spotter and drive forward until the front tires touch the tire stops. The car always faces forward so the weight sits toward the front of the trailer.
Put the car in Park (or in gear for a manual), set the parking brake, then fit the tire straps over the front tires and tighten them. Attach the safety chains to the car as instructed.
Slide the ramps back in, raise the fender, recheck the coupler, chains and lights, and make sure nothing is loose.
Stay at or below 55 mph, leave extra braking distance and recheck the tire straps after the first few miles and at every stop.
Using a U-Haul Tow Dolly: What Is Different
- Load the car front first so the drive wheels (front wheels on a FWD car) sit on the dolly.
- Strap both front tires and attach the safety chains.
- Release the towed car’s parking brake, because the rear wheels roll on the road.
- Make sure the steering wheel is unlocked so the rear wheels can follow turns, following U-Haul’s instructions for your car.
- Do not back up with a tow dolly. The towed car can jackknife. Plan stops where you can pull through.
Driving Tips When Towing a Car
- Keep to 55 mph or less and stay in the right lane on highways.
- Make wider turns. The trailer cuts corners tighter than the tow vehicle.
- Brake earlier and leave at least twice your usual following distance.
- Watch for low clearances at drive-throughs and gas stations.
- Check the straps, chains and lights at every fuel stop.
Does Insurance Cover Towing With U-Haul?
Your personal auto policy may not cover rented trailers or damage to the car being towed. U-Haul sells damage protection plans for its equipment. Check with your insurer before the move. More detail is in does car insurance cover U-Haul.
- Reserve online early. Auto transports sell out in peak moving season.
- Do not pack heavy boxes in the towed car. It adds weight behind the axle.
- Take photos of your car on the trailer before you leave.
- Practice turns in an empty lot before hitting the highway.
To tow a car with U-Haul, pick a tow dolly for front-wheel-drive cars or an auto transport for AWD, 4WD and RWD vehicles and long trips. Make sure your tow vehicle and hitch are approved, load the car facing forward, strap the tires tightly, keep to 55 mph and recheck everything after the first few miles.
U-Haul Towing FAQs
Yes. Most U-Haul trucks can tow a tow dolly or auto transport. The reservation system confirms the right combination for your car.
An auto transport is safer and works for any drive type because all four wheels are off the ground. A tow dolly is cheaper and fine for front-wheel-drive cars.
It is not recommended. Use an auto transport for all-wheel-drive vehicles to avoid drivetrain damage.
U-Haul recommends a maximum of 55 mph for both the tow dolly and the auto transport.
No. Backing up with a tow dolly can make the towed car jackknife. Plan pull-through stops instead.
A properly rated hitch with a 1-7/8″ or 2″ ball for the tow dolly, and a 2″ ball rated at least 2,000 lbs for the auto transport, plus working lights.
- Tow dolly for FWD, auto transport for AWD/4WD/RWD.
- Max recommended speed 55 mph.
- Load front first and strap the tires.
- Never back up with a tow dolly.
- Recheck straps after the first few miles.