What size hitch for a U-Haul tow dolly?
Your car on the dolly
Dolly plus car is 740 lbs plus your car, capped at the 4,080 lb max load. The full 4,820 is 740 + 4,080.
U-Haul tow dolly specs
| Empty weight | 740 lbs |
| Max load | 4,080 lbs |
| Dolly plus max load (derived) | about 4,820 lbs |
| Brakes | Automatic hydraulic surge brake |
| Hitch ball | 2" (3,500 lbs minimum) |
| Max hitch ball height | 25" |
| Max towing speed | 55 mph |
| Lights | 4-way flat |
Source: U-Haul tow dolly rental page, towing vehicle requirements. The page's structured data gives 750 lbs empty; the visible spec says 740, which is used here. One paragraph on the page mentions a 1-7/8 in. ball, but the requirements list says 2 in., rated 3,500 lbs.
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
A loaded dolly at about 4,820 lbs is past Class 2's 3,500 lb rating, and Class 3 runs to 8,000 lbs. A light car can bring the total under 3,500 lbs, but U-Haul still asks for a ball rated at least 3,500 lbs. The 5,000 lb trailer page lands in the same class. Carrying the whole car instead? The U-Haul car trailer is 7,500 lbs loaded.
Before you leave the lot, run through how to hook up a trailer. All U-Haul rentals side by side: what size hitch for a U-Haul trailer.