If you are planning to move with your camper to go on a long road trip or vacation in your own country, it requires a specific type of vehicle to tow it. You might be wondering if U-Haul trucks can tow a travel trailer or if you can use a u-haul truck to tow a camper. After all, a U-Haul is ideal for moving your belongings from one location to another.
U-Haul trucks can tow a camper, yet not all of them. You can comfortably tow a small to a mid-size camper with a U-Haul truck. The truck must meet the average towing requirement of 600 pounds (272.16 kg) of tongue weight and 5,500 pounds (2,494.76 kg) of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
While it may not be necessary for all situations, renting a U-Haul truck can make traveling with your camper much easier. However, there are several things to consider when determining whether can a U-Haul truck tow a trailer. Let’s get right to it!
What You Need To Know About Towing a Camper to a U-Haul
It’s essential to understand how you should fit your camper to the truck for towing. While there are many different ways to do it, if you’re going to use a U-Haul truck to pull it, there are a few key things to remember.
The Total Weight of a Camper Includes All the Utilities Attached to It
The weight of a camper can vary depending on the size and type of trailer. The weight is most important when towing a trailer with a U-Haul truck.
Be sure to get an estimate of the total weight of your campervan. The empty van will weigh less than when fully loaded with propane tanks, freshwater tanks, and other utilities. Therefore, choosing a U-Haul truck with a permissible capacity of towing at least 10% of the loaded camper is ideal.
The most important thing you should know is whether or not your camper is light enough for a U-Haul truck. The maximum weight for any given U-Haul truck depends on both the truck’s size and the towing capacity. You can find these weights listed on the U-Haul website.
U-Haul Trucks Have 3-Point Hitch To Tow Easily
A U-Haul truck has a three-point hitch, not the standard five-point hitch that many RVs use. Keep this in mind, as you will need to attach your camper to the truck with a three-point hitch. You can find directions for doing this online or by asking your U-Haul representative when you make your reservation.
A travel trailer is heavy and can weigh over 3,000 pounds (1,360.78 kg). The trailer’s weight needs to be distributed evenly across the two axles for it to tow properly.
Having said that, if you are using a 2-axle U-Haul truck, you will need the help of at least one other person when attaching the trailer hitch.
Moreover, U-Haul takes good care of its customers. So if you have any doubts about the quality of the towing equipment in the truck, you can always give a call to their guides to help you out.
Taking Precautions Before Starting Helps To Avoid Accidents
Before heading out to the route, check the tires, fluid levels, brakes, wheels, and engines, and refill the tanks for a safe drive.
Besides taking initial precautions, you should remain careful before entering a descent or a curvy road. The track won’t always be visible clearly from the driving seat. So you need to ensure that both vehicles’ signal lights and mirrors are working perfectly.
You should also make sure that your camper is secured properly to the truck. While the U-Haul truck has a weight distribution system with extra chains, you must ensure your trailer is appropriately attached. This can help reduce the risk of having it loose while driving.
Always Check the Towing Capacity of the Truck for Hasslefree Journey
You should check how much weight can the rental truck tow. If the camper is heavier than the towing vehicle’s upper limit, there are chances of getting derailed. The truck has a gross weight limit which includes the hitch and the overall weight capacity of the passengers sitting inside.
Generally, the maximum weight for a travel trailer is about 7,500 lbs (3,401.94 kg). While this is a general guideline and may vary depending on the camper model, the towing capacity of U-Haul trucks varies between 6,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs (2,721.55 to 5,443.11 kg).
For instance, a U-Haul truck can tow up to 10,000 pounds (4,535.92 kg) if the trailer has a gross vehicle weight of 25,000 pounds (11,339.81 kg) or less.
Determining the correct weight will help in driving the truck comfortably and risk-free.
How To Tow a Camper With a U-Haul Truck
If you’re looking to pull a camper with your U-Haul truck, you must ensure that:
- It is a U-Haul truck and camper combo.
- The weight of your U-Haul truck and your camper will not exceed the maximum towed weight for your truck and camper.
- You have enough room for your camper and that it doesn’t extend too far beyond the back of your trailer.
If you meet the above criteria, you can easily and successfully tow a camper with a U-Haul truck. This is all the simpler as the company provides a DIY tow dolly that lets you safely and securely move the trailer to the rack attached to the towing vehicle.
To get a better idea of how to use a U-Haul tow dolly, you can watch this YouTube video provided by the company itself:
Is It Worth Renting a U-Haul Truck To Tow Your Camper
While it can depend on your situation, renting a U-Haul truck can be a good option when you want to travel with your camper but don’t own a large enough vehicle to tow it. You also have the flexibility to pick it up and drop it off at any location.
U-Haul offers moving trucks to rent by the day, week, and month. These trucks at U-Haul are a convenient and efficient way to drive across town or the country. They offer both short-term and long-term rentals, with many locations offering pickup and drop-off services.
While they provide various options, there are also some downsides to keep in mind, including additional fees for fuel and mileage coverage charges.
Speaking of charges, depending on the truck size, you will pay around $20 – $40 plus an additional $0.79 fee for each mile covered for a one-day rental. However, the charges vary if you move inter-state or intra-state.
Final Words
While it is possible to tow a camper with a U-Haul truck, you should always check the maximum towing weight for and the correct size of your specific model of U-Haul truck before you hook up your camper. You can also consult with the professionals at U-Haul to avoid any mishaps beforehand.
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