Whether working on a small construction project at home or taking on a landscaping task, you can rest assured that you will have to move some dirt and yard waste around at some point. So can you haul dirt in a U-Haul trailer? Let’s find out and see what type of trailer you need and who would provide the equipment.
You can haul dirt in a U-Haul utility trailer. U-Haul offers different sizes, the largest measuring 6 x 12 feet (1.83 x 3.66 meters). This trailer can haul approximately 144 cubic feet (5.33 cubic yards) of dirt. To move large amounts of soil, you’d need a dump truck.
In the rest of this article, we’ll discuss whether you can use U-Haul for yard waste, additional details about hauling dirt, some safety tips, and what options you have when it comes to trailer types. We’ll also discuss which trailer type would be appropriate for different project sizes.
Can You Use U-Haul for Yard Waste?
You can use U-Haul for yard waste by renting an appropriate-sized utility trailer based on your project. Yard waste typically consists of grass clippings, leaves, bushes, and shrubs. U-Haul utility trailers can easily handle such material.
U-Haul’s usefulness is not only limited to hauling dirt and yard waste. You can haul pretty much anything you’d need moving, including tree branches and debris. Different size utility trailers make it easier to pick the right equipment for the job.
Things To Consider While Hauling Dirt in a U-Haul
Acquiring a U-Haul utility trailer is relatively easy, but you need to consider a few crucial things before undertaking this project. Following these guidelines will keep you and the equipment you have rented safe.
Don’t Overload a U-Haul Trailer
The first thing to consider while hauling dirt in a U-Haul is never overloading the trailer. Make sure you know the utility trailer’s weight limit before you rent it. If you cannot figure this out, ask a U-Haul representative, and they will provide you with this information. Knowing this will prevent unnecessary damage to the rented trailer and avoid penalties from U-Haul.
Furthermore, overloading the equipment with too much dirt will also risk some of the material falling off on the road while you’re en route to your destination. Ditches and potholes will cause the trailer to jerk and lose some of its load. This can also result in you getting a ticket or citation for littering.
While loading, it’s a good practice to load 6% of the material in the front end of the trailer and 40% in the back end. This keeps the trailer stable and avoids any accidents. Additionally, ensure that the material is evenly distributed from right to left to account for proper weight distribution.
Select the Right Type of Vehicle
Second, you should ensure that you have the correct type of vehicle and equipment to use the utility trailer. You would typically need an SUV to pull large utility trailers. This information can also be provided by the U-Haul representative working with you. Moreover, you also need special equipment to attach the trailer to your vehicles.
Select the Right Type of Equipment
Usually, you would need a trailer hitch to tow a trailer with your vehicles. This metal device connects to the frame of your car or SUV. Once you have installed the correct trailer hitch, you can attach your trailer to the vehicle.
Safety Tips
Now that you have loaded your trailer and attached it to the right type of vehicle with the correct equipment, it’s time to consider some safety measures. The tips below will help you get to your destination safely.
Brake Lights
When you are ready to get on the road, check to see if your trailer’s brake lights work correctly. This is important because when you have a trailer attached to your vehicle, the rear brake lights of your vehicle might not be visible to the traffic behind you, who would not know when you apply your brakes.
Don’t Drive Fast
I think this is self-explanatory since you have a trailer attached to the back end of your vehicle, but I’m putting this in just to be safe. Do not drive fast when carrying a loaded trailer, as this could bring about several unexpected outcomes. The trailer could go out of control and hit a car driving next to you, or you could cause the trailer to lose some of its load.
Take Wide Turns
Since you have a trailer hooked up to your vehicles, you will need to make wide turns when you approach corners. This will avoid your trailer wheels riding up to the curbs. It will also prevent any sudden weight shift in the trailer due to your trailer wheels hitting the curb.
Always check your side and rear view mirrors before turning, and wear a calm and collected attitude when you’re out on the road.
Other Trailer Types
Although dirt and yard waste can be hauled using U-Haul for small projects around the house. But, if you are working on a more significant project, for instance, ground leveling, where you add or remove dirt from a section of land to make it level. You would have to use either a dump truck or a dump trailer.
Dump trucks or trailers are a more practical solution for more significant projects since a utility trailer would require you to make endless trips.
Final Thoughts
It’s always a good idea to do your research before taking on a project of any type. I hope this article gives you everything you need to know when hauling dirt and yard waste. Follow the tips in this article to successfully complete your project without any unforeseen circumstances. Also, pay close attention to the safety tips mentioned above since they will keep you and others on the road safe.
With that, have a great and safe experience with your moving project, and stay safe on the road!
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