U-haul Brakes?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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U-haul Brakes?
Are the brakes on a U-haul car carrier used while towing or are they only for safety puposes? Like if the trailer disconnects.
Here is the reason I ask.
I have to tow my wifes car through the Rockies and I want to put as little strain on my truck brakes as possible. I was thinking of using a tow dolly but the car weighs more than the max FWD of 3400lbs for the U-haul and the tires are too big for using the Penske tow dolly max is 16" and I have 17". So I have to use the trailer that weighs 2k and the car weighs 3600 for a total of 5600.
I have a '04 F250 CC V-10 with 3.73's so I know I can get up the mountains just fine but the coming down part is what I question. I sure would like it if the brakes on the trailer were active to help with the normal braking.
It sure would be nice if U-haul had a trailer with electric brakes.
Here is the reason I ask.
I have to tow my wifes car through the Rockies and I want to put as little strain on my truck brakes as possible. I was thinking of using a tow dolly but the car weighs more than the max FWD of 3400lbs for the U-haul and the tires are too big for using the Penske tow dolly max is 16" and I have 17". So I have to use the trailer that weighs 2k and the car weighs 3600 for a total of 5600.
I have a '04 F250 CC V-10 with 3.73's so I know I can get up the mountains just fine but the coming down part is what I question. I sure would like it if the brakes on the trailer were active to help with the normal braking.
It sure would be nice if U-haul had a trailer with electric brakes.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
U-Haul uses surge brakes on their trailers that have brakes. I believe the open car haulers have brakes. Surge brakes actually work pretty well in normal conditions but do not give you the option to use trailer brakes only in a sway situation. They also need "locked out" to back up.
They work by using the force of the trailer tongue pushing against the hitch (and therefore the back of the tow vehicle) to apply hydraulic brakes. I have towed many times with no problems.
They should work fine for you in the situation you describe.
Dave / Believer45
They work by using the force of the trailer tongue pushing against the hitch (and therefore the back of the tow vehicle) to apply hydraulic brakes. I have towed many times with no problems.
They should work fine for you in the situation you describe.
Dave / Believer45
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 855
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From: Ocean Park WA
Only the early surge brake systems needed to be LOCKED OUT. A properly adjusted surge brake uses momentum and the weight of the towed load to apply hydraulic pressure to the brakes. Hence you can back up as long as it's not up hill or to fast. As far as renting a trailer for pulling a vehicle cross country they're fine but take a good look at things like safety the coupler, chains, the wheel straps, and latches for the ramps. I used to work for them and did a lot of road calls because some one rented one that should have been sent in for repair.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
The only problem you might have is on long, steep downgrades; you could end up at the bottom with fried trailer brakes from the trailer pushing the tow vehicle. Don't know if U-Haul will tell you, but it wouldn't hurt to ask when the trailer's brakes were serviced/adjusted. Good luck on your trip!
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
Originally Posted by Eric C.
As far as renting a trailer for pulling a vehicle cross country they're fine but take a good look at things like safety the coupler, chains, the wheel straps, and latches for the ramps. I used to work for them and did a lot of road calls because some one rented one that should have been sent in for repair.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
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From: SW Ontario
Sorry to stray off topic.
But how do you "lock-out" the surge brakes? I rented a U-haul trailer (8'X12") and it had surge brakes. The dealer was a 900 Year old woman, who knew nothing. I had to back up a hill, and the brakes just locked right up.
But how do you "lock-out" the surge brakes? I rented a U-haul trailer (8'X12") and it had surge brakes. The dealer was a 900 Year old woman, who knew nothing. I had to back up a hill, and the brakes just locked right up.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
Originally Posted by tsc
Sorry to stray off topic.
But how do you "lock-out" the surge brakes? I rented a U-haul trailer (8'X12") and it had surge brakes. The dealer was a 900 Year old woman, who knew nothing. I had to back up a hill, and the brakes just locked right up.
But how do you "lock-out" the surge brakes? I rented a U-haul trailer (8'X12") and it had surge brakes. The dealer was a 900 Year old woman, who knew nothing. I had to back up a hill, and the brakes just locked right up.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 450
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From: TEXAS
I used a 8 x 12 uhaul to move cross country and pulled it with a 96 S-10, 4x4 v-6, manual trans. Gross weight was 9000 lbs and I know it was WAY over what I should have towed with that little truck, but I had to move and didn't have the money to make choices. Bottom line: I came across the High Rockies through Wyoming, Idaho, and Colorado. I used the same gear going down that I used going up, usually 3rd sadly and did not have any problems with smoking brakes, never even got them to stinkin. The two trailer use the same brake systems, so you'll be fine, just be smart. Mat
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 855
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From: Ocean Park WA
That's the sum of all of it. Especialy watch your speed. They don't post the reduced speeds for trucks and vehicles pulling trailers for nothing. I do a lot of towing with my truck due to work and I see a lot of people overdriving (to heavy or just way to fast) hence a lot of wrecks out there, especially during snow and cold weather. If it starts to feel lose just slow down about 5 mph and just be carefull.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
You could also check with Budget truck rental I think they have car trailers too . Make your reservation early then follow up with a phone call the day before you pick it up to make sure they have one . We sometimes had trouble getting car trailers ( popular ) and it's not a pretty site when you have to tell the customer you don't have the trailer they reserved !!! Oh , one more thing .... Go on line and see where the best deal is , U Haul dealers are told to match or beat anybodys written quote ( within reason ) , so may save a few $$$
Last edited by blackf3504dr; Jan 18, 2005 at 05:07 AM.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, NV
I've rented a few U-Haul trailers. The car hauler and the Enclosed 6X12. Some of them were better than others. One of them had AWSOME brakes another I think had none. They are disc brakes so if they are in order they're very effective. You do have to make sure that everything is working before you leave the renter's yard. Always check the lights, coupler, and tire pressure. I was rented a trailer with a flat tire and had to wait a few hours for the U-Hual service truck to replace it at the renter's yard because the rental agent didn't want to be bothered. One time I rented a car hauler, the dealer hooked up the hitch while I checked the lights. After driving about 10 miles the trailer got much noisier and the ride changed. I stopped to check things out and discovered that the coupler had openned and the trailer was dragging on the ground by the safety chains!! The UHual trailers are handy and a bargain, BUT be careful and make sure they're not giving you junk!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
Originally Posted by SAlexander
I've rented a few U-Haul trailers. The car hauler and the Enclosed 6X12. Some of them were better than others. One of them had AWSOME brakes another I think had none. They are disc brakes so if they are in order they're very effective. You do have to make sure that everything is working before you leave the renter's yard. Always check the lights, coupler, and tire pressure. I was rented a trailer with a flat tire and had to wait a few hours for the U-Hual service truck to replace it at the renter's yard because the rental agent didn't want to be bothered. One time I rented a car hauler, the dealer hooked up the hitch while I checked the lights. After driving about 10 miles the trailer got much noisier and the ride changed. I stopped to check things out and discovered that the coupler had openned and the trailer was dragging on the ground by the safety chains!! The UHual trailers are handy and a bargain, BUT be careful and make sure they're not giving you junk!
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