What size hitch for a U-Haul car trailer?
Check your vehicle against this trailer
U-Haul auto transport trailer specs
| Empty weight | 2,210 lbs |
| Max load | 5,290 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight | 7,500 lbs |
| Brakes | Automatic hydraulic surge brake |
| Hitch ball | 2" (2,000 lbs minimum) |
| Max hitch ball height | 25" |
| Max towing speed | 55 mph |
| Lights | 4-way flat |
Source: U-Haul auto transport trailer rental page.
Hitch classes (CURT)
| Class | Gross trailer weight |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | up to 2,000 lbs |
| Class 2 | up to 3,500 lbs |
| Class 3 | up to 8,000 lbs |
| Class 4 | up to 10,000 lbs |
Source: CURT, types of trailer hitches. More: hitch class and ball ratings data.
Why Class 3 and not Class 2
The number that sets the hitch class is the loaded trailer, not the car you are hauling. 2,210 lbs of trailer plus a 5,290 lb max load is 7,500 lbs. Class 2 stops at 3,500 lbs, so even a light car on this trailer can push past it. Class 3 runs to 8,000 lbs and covers the full 7,500 lb gross. The same rating sits on the 8,000 lb trailer page.
The surge brake is built in, so there is no brake controller to wire. See does my trailer need brakes? for how surge brakes work. U-Haul's rental page also says the curb weight of the vehicle must exceed the weight of the loaded trailer, and the calculator above checks that. CURT puts tongue weight at about 10 to 15% of gross trailer weight; see the tongue weight guide.
Moving boxes instead of a car? The U-Haul 6x12 page covers the large cargo trailer.
Towing a car on two wheels? See what size hitch for a U-Haul tow dolly.
All U-Haul rentals in one place: what size hitch for a U-Haul trailer.