What size hitch for a U-Haul motorcycle trailer?
Check your vehicle against this trailer
U-Haul motorcycle trailer specs
| Empty weight | 870 lbs |
| Max load | 1,530 lbs |
| Max combined weight (trailer + load) | 2,400 lbs |
| Ramp capacity | 1,530 lbs |
| Deck | About 29 sq ft, 8'9" x 4' inside |
| Brakes | None listed |
| Hitch ball | 1-7/8" or 2" (2,000 lbs minimum) |
| Max hitch ball height | 25" |
| Max towing speed | 55 mph |
Source: U-Haul motorcycle 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 2
A loaded motorcycle trailer is 870 + 1,530 = 2,400 lbs. Class 1 hitches stop at 2,000 lbs, so a full load is past them. Class 2 is rated to 3,500 lbs and covers it with room left over. The 3,000 lb trailer page lands in the same class.
Either ball size works here, as long as it is rated for at least 2,000 lbs. If you already have a 2 in. ball from a utility trailer, it fits. No brakes are listed, and U-Haul's page says the vehicle's curb weight must exceed the loaded trailer, so plan on at least 2,400 lbs of tow vehicle with a full load. CURT puts tongue weight at about 10 to 15% of gross trailer weight; see the tongue weight guide.
The U-Haul 5x8 cargo trailer is a close match at 2,700 lbs loaded. Hauling a car instead? See the U-Haul car trailer page.
All U-Haul rentals in one place: what size hitch for a U-Haul trailer.