How do I UHaul?
December 10, 2022 6:57 PM Subscribe
I was going to hire movers but it's a fortune. I'm looking at hooking up a Uhaul 8' x 4'8" x 5'4" trailer to the back of my car instead. I have inane questions.
1) How does the part happen where I hook up a hitch to the car? Do they do that at UHaul? Is attaching the trailer simple after that?
2) Should I hire people to put my stuff in? I'm afraid I'd do it wrong and things would fall on each other.
3) Should I be worried about staying at the halfway point in a hotel? Is there anything to do that is more constructive than worrying about it?
I think that's it. Thanks!
1) How does the part happen where I hook up a hitch to the car? Do they do that at UHaul? Is attaching the trailer simple after that?
2) Should I hire people to put my stuff in? I'm afraid I'd do it wrong and things would fall on each other.
3) Should I be worried about staying at the halfway point in a hotel? Is there anything to do that is more constructive than worrying about it?
I think that's it. Thanks!
1) A mechanic does this for you. Welding may be involved.
2) Depends on the specifics of your stuff. You're already thinking about how to do this. Load heavier objects first, so falling things won't do damage; but you may have so much stuff it'll be packed in such that nothing can move.
3) Any big-name motel just off the interstate will be hosting people like you (moving, with valuable loads; not just traveling) on any given night. Security should be monitoring the parking lot, so no need to worry.
posted by Rash at 7:08 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
2) Depends on the specifics of your stuff. You're already thinking about how to do this. Load heavier objects first, so falling things won't do damage; but you may have so much stuff it'll be packed in such that nothing can move.
3) Any big-name motel just off the interstate will be hosting people like you (moving, with valuable loads; not just traveling) on any given night. Security should be monitoring the parking lot, so no need to worry.
posted by Rash at 7:08 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
You can buy a padlock for the back of your trailer. I used UHaul once about 20 years ago (a truck rather than a trailer) and the door on the back of the truck did not lock on its own, as I learned to my dismay. I'm guessing nothing has changed in the intervening time, but you can ask.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 7:12 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 7:12 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
1) How does the part happen where I hook up a hitch to the car? Do they do that at UHaul? Is attaching the trailer simple after that?
The very first step is to confirm that your car can safely tow that trailer's weight (including both the trailer and the contents). Your owner's manual should tell you what the manufacturer considers a safe towing limit. Looking at the Uhaul website, that trailer empty weighs 900 pounds, so that plus your stuff is what your car would need to be able to tow safely.
Assuming the answer is yes, then you can get your hitch installed at Uhaul or anywhere else that advertises this. Once the hitch is bolted on the car, then yes, hooking up the trailer is easy. (Backing up a trailer is not so easy, though; I hate it.)
2) Should I hire people to put my stuff in? I'm afraid I'd do it wrong and things would fall on each other.
Either way, but do be sure to keep the weight slightly towards the front of the trailer (i.e., you don't want the tail end of the trailer to be loaded heaviest). Here is a video from Uhaul that demonstrates this clearly. And if you hire people to do the loading, keep an eye on what they do since you don't want to be repacking the trailer on the side of the freeway five miles out of town.
3) Should I be worried about staying at the halfway point in a hotel? Is there anything to do that is more constructive than worrying about it?
Put a good padlock on the trailer, and try to pick a hotel that isn't in the sketchy part of town, then try not to worry about it. The only other real option is sleeping in your car at a rest stop, which isn't awesome either.
Lastly, as a person who dislikes backing up trailers especially when there is an audience, I would suggest that you will be happiest if you can scout out large, freeway or truckstop type gas stations where there is lots of space for turning and you can pull through easily.
posted by Dip Flash at 7:18 PM on December 10, 2022 [9 favorites]
The very first step is to confirm that your car can safely tow that trailer's weight (including both the trailer and the contents). Your owner's manual should tell you what the manufacturer considers a safe towing limit. Looking at the Uhaul website, that trailer empty weighs 900 pounds, so that plus your stuff is what your car would need to be able to tow safely.
Assuming the answer is yes, then you can get your hitch installed at Uhaul or anywhere else that advertises this. Once the hitch is bolted on the car, then yes, hooking up the trailer is easy. (Backing up a trailer is not so easy, though; I hate it.)
2) Should I hire people to put my stuff in? I'm afraid I'd do it wrong and things would fall on each other.
Either way, but do be sure to keep the weight slightly towards the front of the trailer (i.e., you don't want the tail end of the trailer to be loaded heaviest). Here is a video from Uhaul that demonstrates this clearly. And if you hire people to do the loading, keep an eye on what they do since you don't want to be repacking the trailer on the side of the freeway five miles out of town.
3) Should I be worried about staying at the halfway point in a hotel? Is there anything to do that is more constructive than worrying about it?
Put a good padlock on the trailer, and try to pick a hotel that isn't in the sketchy part of town, then try not to worry about it. The only other real option is sleeping in your car at a rest stop, which isn't awesome either.
Lastly, as a person who dislikes backing up trailers especially when there is an audience, I would suggest that you will be happiest if you can scout out large, freeway or truckstop type gas stations where there is lots of space for turning and you can pull through easily.
posted by Dip Flash at 7:18 PM on December 10, 2022 [9 favorites]
Moving trailers can be a target for theft. One was stolen from my now-wife many years ago. And they are often stolen in my current city (Albuquerque). The best I can think of for prevention is to research the city where you think you might want to stay, to see how safe it is. Try to pick the safest city within a couple hours of driving time.
posted by NotLost at 7:18 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by NotLost at 7:18 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
You might also consider one of the "pod" options (such as PODS or U-Haul U-Pack). These are containers that you pack (or hire someone to pack). Then they are picked up and carried from your old place to your new place. So, they cost more, but you don't have to worry about moving it or theft.
posted by NotLost at 7:22 PM on December 10, 2022 [26 favorites]
posted by NotLost at 7:22 PM on December 10, 2022 [26 favorites]
FYI a UHaul "reservation" may not mean what you expect.
posted by oceano at 7:24 PM on December 10, 2022 [6 favorites]
posted by oceano at 7:24 PM on December 10, 2022 [6 favorites]
Seconding to look into a pod or similar. You pack and unpack it yourself, but someone else actually moves it. We found it easier and less stressful than the time we actually did hire movers.
posted by shadygrove at 7:56 PM on December 10, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by shadygrove at 7:56 PM on December 10, 2022 [5 favorites]
Bear in mind that if you pack a trailer wrong, so the weight is not in the right place,or connect it wrongly, or drive it wrongly, it can be very unstable and make your car snake when braking. If you decide to go the trailer route, read this: https://traileradvice.com/trailer-snaking/
Truly it's not a good experience and can be very scary!
posted by anadem at 8:51 PM on December 10, 2022 [4 favorites]
Truly it's not a good experience and can be very scary!
posted by anadem at 8:51 PM on December 10, 2022 [4 favorites]
We got screwed on a UHaul reservation earlier this year. Their reservations are more like suggestions. PODS was an absolute delight to deal with and my American Express card had a cash back deal with them too.
posted by notjustthefish at 8:54 PM on December 10, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by notjustthefish at 8:54 PM on December 10, 2022 [2 favorites]
Another option is to rent a uhaul truck and tow your car on a dolly/trailer. Could be cheaper than getting a hitch and wiring installed depending on your car and less worry about over stressing oyur car.. A box truck is much less sensitive to loading mass than a trailer as long as you spread the boxes/items out and because it would be larger than your trailer you can place more things directly on the floor preventing stacking and falling damage. Uhaul rents hitch equipped 10' box one ton singles that basically drive like a full size pickup or SUV and aren't so huge you have to be overly careful about vehicle height.
Also rather than a dolly if you have a friend with some time you might be able to get them to just drive the car or uhaul and buy them a bus/plane ticket home. Makes pretty much everything less stressful when you have a friend along and you don't have to mess around with trailer towing.
posted by Mitheral at 9:39 PM on December 10, 2022 [10 favorites]
Also rather than a dolly if you have a friend with some time you might be able to get them to just drive the car or uhaul and buy them a bus/plane ticket home. Makes pretty much everything less stressful when you have a friend along and you don't have to mess around with trailer towing.
posted by Mitheral at 9:39 PM on December 10, 2022 [10 favorites]
Have you driven with a trailer before? If not I would highly recommend getting some practice, particularly with backing up, before trying it on the road.
Should I be worried about staying at the halfway point in a hotel? Is there anything to do that is more constructive than worrying about it?
A lot of locks are trivial to pick. Lockpicking Lawyer's recommendations are generally pretty good.
Also think in terms of fastening the trailer to your vehicle with chains and locks at night. Thieves will sometimes steal the entire trailer and take it someplace they can get into it at their leisure.
If possible, park backed up against a barrier that would make it difficult to get stuff out of it without a hassle. If possible, park within eye sight of hotel staff.
Double check that your insurance will cover the trip. If you have anything expensive like musical instruments, cameras, computers, etc., they will likely have minimal coverage and you should add riders that explicitly cover them in-transit.
posted by Candleman at 10:21 PM on December 10, 2022 [3 favorites]
Should I be worried about staying at the halfway point in a hotel? Is there anything to do that is more constructive than worrying about it?
A lot of locks are trivial to pick. Lockpicking Lawyer's recommendations are generally pretty good.
Also think in terms of fastening the trailer to your vehicle with chains and locks at night. Thieves will sometimes steal the entire trailer and take it someplace they can get into it at their leisure.
If possible, park backed up against a barrier that would make it difficult to get stuff out of it without a hassle. If possible, park within eye sight of hotel staff.
Double check that your insurance will cover the trip. If you have anything expensive like musical instruments, cameras, computers, etc., they will likely have minimal coverage and you should add riders that explicitly cover them in-transit.
posted by Candleman at 10:21 PM on December 10, 2022 [3 favorites]
If you rent a truck (or probably trailer) a major cost is insurance. I see uhaul trucks with $19.99 per day on the side, but the cost of insurance will shock you. But without insurance you could be on the hook for the cost of the truck.
Something to consider when comparing to a pod.
Also, see if you are covered by your car insurance or by a credit card.
posted by H21 at 10:29 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
Something to consider when comparing to a pod.
Also, see if you are covered by your car insurance or by a credit card.
posted by H21 at 10:29 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
My experience is with boats on trailers. The hitch is a sort of ball and socket affair, but it's ALWAYS accompanied by safety chains.
Cars these days are not trailer friendly.
I don't know how pods work for, say, apartment dwellers, but I think it's the best idea.
posted by SemiSalt at 5:31 AM on December 11, 2022
Cars these days are not trailer friendly.
I don't know how pods work for, say, apartment dwellers, but I think it's the best idea.
posted by SemiSalt at 5:31 AM on December 11, 2022
I have never used a UHaul with a hitch for the car, so I can't comment on that part of your question.
UHauls + insurance will still be cheaper than a pod, plus you don't have to wait for your stuff. Pods are also not an option for all locations (if you live on a busy street).
2) I have in my last two moves, and I think it's worth it - you can do this directly via UHaul, it adds on a little over $100 + tip.
3) Because my partner handled the UHaul reservation, I forget whether our lock came with the UHaul automatically or if this was an extra we added on to our reservation. But yes, as people have mentioned, get a lock. I would place anything really valuable (electronics, etc.) somewhere accessible (i.e. the passenger's seat, etc.) and bring it in with you to the motel.
posted by coffeecat at 7:49 AM on December 11, 2022
UHauls + insurance will still be cheaper than a pod, plus you don't have to wait for your stuff. Pods are also not an option for all locations (if you live on a busy street).
2) I have in my last two moves, and I think it's worth it - you can do this directly via UHaul, it adds on a little over $100 + tip.
3) Because my partner handled the UHaul reservation, I forget whether our lock came with the UHaul automatically or if this was an extra we added on to our reservation. But yes, as people have mentioned, get a lock. I would place anything really valuable (electronics, etc.) somewhere accessible (i.e. the passenger's seat, etc.) and bring it in with you to the motel.
posted by coffeecat at 7:49 AM on December 11, 2022
If you have never pulled a trailer before, I would suggest considering other options. Moving is stressful enough as it is, without the additional stress of learning to drive with a trailer. With the trailer attached, your car will likely be twice as long as you're used to, and especially if you are not used to pulling a trailer, this fact can easily be forgotten. Drivers develop a "feel" for the space their car occupies on the road, making everyday operations like lane changes, merges, etc. second nature. You know which pockets your car can fit into. You must un-learn this, and factor the extra length of the trailer as you are trying to merge with traffic. You'll need to take turns a little wider, especially right-hand turns. You're limited to 55mph for the u-haul trailer, and honestly that's pushing it.
posted by xedrik at 8:37 AM on December 11, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by xedrik at 8:37 AM on December 11, 2022 [5 favorites]
Because my partner handled the UHaul reservation, I forget whether our lock came with the UHaul automatically or if this was an extra we added on to our reservation.
It is not included but they will happily sell you a lock if you don't have your own.
posted by Dip Flash at 8:39 AM on December 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
It is not included but they will happily sell you a lock if you don't have your own.
posted by Dip Flash at 8:39 AM on December 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
When planning on how long the drive will be, plan for extra time. We did the trailer + truck thing when moving my wife from TX to NC, and anytime we got above the recommended 55 mph, there was alarming shimmeying.
On the plus side, our miles to the gallon was gorgeous.
If we had to do it again, I'd pod it.
(On preview, xedrik has it and driving those things is no fun. My wife drove trucks in Iraq, which cut off the learning curve).
posted by joycehealy at 9:29 AM on December 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
On the plus side, our miles to the gallon was gorgeous.
If we had to do it again, I'd pod it.
(On preview, xedrik has it and driving those things is no fun. My wife drove trucks in Iraq, which cut off the learning curve).
posted by joycehealy at 9:29 AM on December 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
If you haul a trailer, spend some time watching youtube videos about how to do it. I've towed a trailer a few times, and it's hard to over-emphasze safety. I have had the trailer snake because it wasn't balanced well. This can roll your vehicle. But it's a thing you can do, driving not-fast and cautiously. Plan an extra day for travel, you don't make good time while towing.
If you decide on an alternate plan: Books and cds can be shipped Media Mail. Pare down clothing and household stuff; it's often cheaper kitchen stuff to replace at a thrift store (craigslist, fb mktplace) than to ship it. Get rid of furniture you don't absolutely love.
Put valuables in the car, well-obscured(in a box marked bedding or whatever) and always locked well. Buy a very sturdy padlock for the u-haul. Put air-tags in some boxes, laptop bag, camera bag. If someone steals the whole trailer, you may be able to track it.
posted by theora55 at 9:51 AM on December 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
If you decide on an alternate plan: Books and cds can be shipped Media Mail. Pare down clothing and household stuff; it's often cheaper kitchen stuff to replace at a thrift store (craigslist, fb mktplace) than to ship it. Get rid of furniture you don't absolutely love.
Put valuables in the car, well-obscured(in a box marked bedding or whatever) and always locked well. Buy a very sturdy padlock for the u-haul. Put air-tags in some boxes, laptop bag, camera bag. If someone steals the whole trailer, you may be able to track it.
posted by theora55 at 9:51 AM on December 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
Does your car already have a trailer hitch? It probably doesn’t, and it’ll be another couple hundred dollars at least to get one installed
posted by O9scar at 3:05 PM on December 11, 2022
posted by O9scar at 3:05 PM on December 11, 2022
1) If you need a trailer hitch, you could also go to a local company that specialises in this and they may be cheaper. Attaching a trailer is simple enough - towball, chains, lights. When you pick up the trailer, get them to show you and pay attention or video the demonstration.
The size of trailer you can tow will depend on the rating of both your car and the trailer hitch. Not sure about the US, but light-duty trailer hitches here are limited to 750kg (1653 lb) and over that, you need a trailer with brakes.
2) Loading a trailer correctly is simple - put the heavy stuff as low as possible and towards the front - the main thing is to make sure the front of the trailer is heavier than the back, but don't go overboard. Fragile stuff toward the top, obviously and use things like blankets to stop important bits rubbing anything. Treat it like a game of tetris - the less gaps there are, the less things will move. If you don't think you'll fill the entire trailer, don't pack so tight, but make sure nothing can move around.
3) Ideally, you should find a spot where you can back the trailer hard up against a wall and leave it attached to the car. This stops the doors opening as well as stopping the trailer from being unhitched and towed away. You should be able to padlock the doors and you can buy a lock that uses a padlock to lock the trailer to the car - don't spend a fortune on padlocks because they only stop casual theft anyway. Park in the best-lighted place you can and ask about the safest parking spots when you check-in. That's about all you can do.
posted by dg at 3:07 PM on December 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
The size of trailer you can tow will depend on the rating of both your car and the trailer hitch. Not sure about the US, but light-duty trailer hitches here are limited to 750kg (1653 lb) and over that, you need a trailer with brakes.
2) Loading a trailer correctly is simple - put the heavy stuff as low as possible and towards the front - the main thing is to make sure the front of the trailer is heavier than the back, but don't go overboard. Fragile stuff toward the top, obviously and use things like blankets to stop important bits rubbing anything. Treat it like a game of tetris - the less gaps there are, the less things will move. If you don't think you'll fill the entire trailer, don't pack so tight, but make sure nothing can move around.
3) Ideally, you should find a spot where you can back the trailer hard up against a wall and leave it attached to the car. This stops the doors opening as well as stopping the trailer from being unhitched and towed away. You should be able to padlock the doors and you can buy a lock that uses a padlock to lock the trailer to the car - don't spend a fortune on padlocks because they only stop casual theft anyway. Park in the best-lighted place you can and ask about the safest parking spots when you check-in. That's about all you can do.
posted by dg at 3:07 PM on December 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I'd really encourage you to really evaluate any and all other options besides UHaul rentals for this. But if you are going to do this, a couple watch outs:
1) Their trucks and trailers are not waterproof. It sounds like you're planning a multiple day drive with possible outdoor parking. If it happens to rain during that time, water will absolutely get into the trailer and your stuff will get wet (speaking from experience). And UHaul will not cover any damages--they have a lot of small type that disclaimers this.
2) Unfortunately people do target these types of rentals for theft. Agree with and have done the tips already mentioned (get a sturdy lock, back up against a wall, park in a visible/well lit/well trafficked area), but I have also made sure to keep the more expensive items in the cabin with me and brought them into my motel/hotel overnight (computers, instruments and the like).
3) UHaul's customer service is nonexistent and their online/phone services constantly fail. Try to do pickups/returns during their weekday business hours so you can speak with someone at the physical locations (and they even won't be the most helpful); corporate support is absolutely horrible.
I've lived in 6 different states and moved between many apartments within those states and have done everything from selling/donating everything and flying to new destination with extra checked luggage to full service moves where I didn't lift a finger. I've used UHaul rentals at least 4-5 times (though never a trailer), including their Ubox service (their version of PODS -- please use PODS instead of UHaul).
All in all--I'd advise you to do anything you can to avoid using UHaul in any capacity. They are completely unreliable, have absolutely terrible customer service, are wholly disorganized, and will make your move 5x more stressful than it already is. Every time I have used them I tell myself "never again!" Then the next move comes up and I get sucked in again because of their lower prices. And I regret it every time. The *only* time I think it might be okay to use a UHaul rental is if you're doing a simple, in-town studio/1bed move where you can pick up and return the same day at the same location.
I don't think those trailers actually hold very much--I'd take stock of your stuff and ask yourself if you really need it. Can you sell and rebuy furniture (craigslist and FB marketplace are your friends)? Can you ship boxes via USPS ground (I've done this with several large boxes and even shipped pots/pans/kitchenware and was impressed with how much actually survived). If logistically feasible, PODS are a great option (don't, don't, don't use UHaul's cheaper UBox version of this). Can you pay extra fees for overweight bags/extra bags and take a flight and have a friend drive the car?
posted by dede at 7:14 PM on December 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
1) Their trucks and trailers are not waterproof. It sounds like you're planning a multiple day drive with possible outdoor parking. If it happens to rain during that time, water will absolutely get into the trailer and your stuff will get wet (speaking from experience). And UHaul will not cover any damages--they have a lot of small type that disclaimers this.
2) Unfortunately people do target these types of rentals for theft. Agree with and have done the tips already mentioned (get a sturdy lock, back up against a wall, park in a visible/well lit/well trafficked area), but I have also made sure to keep the more expensive items in the cabin with me and brought them into my motel/hotel overnight (computers, instruments and the like).
3) UHaul's customer service is nonexistent and their online/phone services constantly fail. Try to do pickups/returns during their weekday business hours so you can speak with someone at the physical locations (and they even won't be the most helpful); corporate support is absolutely horrible.
I've lived in 6 different states and moved between many apartments within those states and have done everything from selling/donating everything and flying to new destination with extra checked luggage to full service moves where I didn't lift a finger. I've used UHaul rentals at least 4-5 times (though never a trailer), including their Ubox service (their version of PODS -- please use PODS instead of UHaul).
All in all--I'd advise you to do anything you can to avoid using UHaul in any capacity. They are completely unreliable, have absolutely terrible customer service, are wholly disorganized, and will make your move 5x more stressful than it already is. Every time I have used them I tell myself "never again!" Then the next move comes up and I get sucked in again because of their lower prices. And I regret it every time. The *only* time I think it might be okay to use a UHaul rental is if you're doing a simple, in-town studio/1bed move where you can pick up and return the same day at the same location.
I don't think those trailers actually hold very much--I'd take stock of your stuff and ask yourself if you really need it. Can you sell and rebuy furniture (craigslist and FB marketplace are your friends)? Can you ship boxes via USPS ground (I've done this with several large boxes and even shipped pots/pans/kitchenware and was impressed with how much actually survived). If logistically feasible, PODS are a great option (don't, don't, don't use UHaul's cheaper UBox version of this). Can you pay extra fees for overweight bags/extra bags and take a flight and have a friend drive the car?
posted by dede at 7:14 PM on December 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
From my friends circle this year - your trailer will absolutely be broken in to unless one of you is staying up to visibly watch it at all times. This happened in multiple states, and in motels right across from the highway or in neighborhoods. They’re just theft magnets.
Strongly recommend against pulling a trailer anyway, it’s a fairly common way to crack your bumper or cause a fun sliding accident. The PODS are the way to go.
posted by Bottlecap at 1:58 AM on December 12, 2022
Strongly recommend against pulling a trailer anyway, it’s a fairly common way to crack your bumper or cause a fun sliding accident. The PODS are the way to go.
posted by Bottlecap at 1:58 AM on December 12, 2022
One other thing to consider. At this time of year, UPS, FedEx and Amazon are all renting vehicles for extra deliveries. Even if you believe the overly optimistic reservations / availability from U-Haul, there’s a very good chance one of the delivery companies will end up renting moving trucks, which trickles down to a lack of availability for trailers, too.
That said, we moved across country (1200 miles - we did 400 miles per day when towing) in August 2019, twice towing a U-Haul trailer behind my truck (movers took the vast majority of our stuff, but we had two trailer-loads of things the movers wouldn’t move and things we wanted to move ourselves). No incidents at all, but I grew up on a farm, and was comfortable driving with trailers before the move. Plus we had good locks both on the trailer, and locking the trailer to the truck. Plus I generally backed into parking spots with the trailer door against a wall if at all possible.
posted by DaveP at 5:39 AM on December 12, 2022 [2 favorites]
That said, we moved across country (1200 miles - we did 400 miles per day when towing) in August 2019, twice towing a U-Haul trailer behind my truck (movers took the vast majority of our stuff, but we had two trailer-loads of things the movers wouldn’t move and things we wanted to move ourselves). No incidents at all, but I grew up on a farm, and was comfortable driving with trailers before the move. Plus we had good locks both on the trailer, and locking the trailer to the truck. Plus I generally backed into parking spots with the trailer door against a wall if at all possible.
posted by DaveP at 5:39 AM on December 12, 2022 [2 favorites]
One other thing to consider. At this time of year, UPS, FedEx and Amazon are all renting vehicles for extra deliveries. Even if you believe the overly optimistic reservations / availability from U-Haul, there’s a very good chance one of the delivery companies will end up renting moving trucks, which trickles down to a lack of availability for trailers, too.
This is an issue with other companies that rent trucks and vans as well. I got hit by this a couple of days before my last move from a different company, not UHaul -- I had a truck reserved and then they called up and said sorry, Amazon and FedEx took all of the vehicles in the state and so my reservation was being cancelled. So wherever you reserve, have a backup plan in case it is time to get the truck/trailer and it is no longer available.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:51 AM on December 12, 2022
This is an issue with other companies that rent trucks and vans as well. I got hit by this a couple of days before my last move from a different company, not UHaul -- I had a truck reserved and then they called up and said sorry, Amazon and FedEx took all of the vehicles in the state and so my reservation was being cancelled. So wherever you reserve, have a backup plan in case it is time to get the truck/trailer and it is no longer available.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:51 AM on December 12, 2022
1) How does the part happen where I hook up a hitch to the car? Do they do that at UHaul? Is attaching the trailer simple after that?
UHaul is indeed in the business of attaching hitches to vehicles and probably has a location near you that will do the install. Generally their work is cheap, both in cost and quality. If you decide to go with a hitch install, find a local steel fabricator and do it right. (Others are right that there may be better options if you don't think you'll have use for the hitch in the future (but hitches are really useful for things like bike/luggage racks too).)
posted by Press Butt.on to Check at 6:57 AM on December 12, 2022
UHaul is indeed in the business of attaching hitches to vehicles and probably has a location near you that will do the install. Generally their work is cheap, both in cost and quality. If you decide to go with a hitch install, find a local steel fabricator and do it right. (Others are right that there may be better options if you don't think you'll have use for the hitch in the future (but hitches are really useful for things like bike/luggage racks too).)
posted by Press Butt.on to Check at 6:57 AM on December 12, 2022
UHaul is indeed in the business of attaching hitches to vehicles and probably has a location near you that will do the install. Generally their work is cheap, both in cost and quality.
Most cars have pre-drilled holes in the frame for hitch installation by brand and UHaul uses them. Welding is the old-fashioned way. Either way is fine. You could install one yourself if you have a lift (especially for a car) and the torque wrenches necessary, and are comfortable working in really tight spaces.
At UHaul, it's like $350 which IMO is worth it.
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:23 PM on December 12, 2022
Most cars have pre-drilled holes in the frame for hitch installation by brand and UHaul uses them. Welding is the old-fashioned way. Either way is fine. You could install one yourself if you have a lift (especially for a car) and the torque wrenches necessary, and are comfortable working in really tight spaces.
At UHaul, it's like $350 which IMO is worth it.
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:23 PM on December 12, 2022
Either do the Pod or rent an actual truck and get your car there some other way. It will end up costing the same after the trailer hitch install, hidden fees and gas and look, unless you have nerves of steel, hauling a trailer on the highway is terrifying. I say this as someone who literally did just that for seven months straight. It took me, I am not kidding, three months to get to a point where I was comfortable backing up the trailer. I actually have it on my resume now because I think of it as possibly the most difficult thing I have ever fully mastered. And I was doing all this with a pickup, which is designed for towing, not a regular car, which in the US is absolutely not.
My daughter and her family just moved cross country with a UHaul Pod and they did not have any issues. I am also aware of UHaul awfulness but I must say their move went quite smoothly as these things go. The pod arrived only a couple days after they did and everything was intact and fine.
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:18 PM on December 12, 2022 [2 favorites]
My daughter and her family just moved cross country with a UHaul Pod and they did not have any issues. I am also aware of UHaul awfulness but I must say their move went quite smoothly as these things go. The pod arrived only a couple days after they did and everything was intact and fine.
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:18 PM on December 12, 2022 [2 favorites]
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posted by falsedmitri at 7:03 PM on December 10, 2022 [1 favorite]