While we cover a host of adventure trailers for off-road use, sometimes you may want or need to tow your adventure vehicle itself to a destination on a flat deck trailer.
Now you’ll now have a more readily available option to do that from U-Haul. The well-known trailer rental company is adding a new trailer to its fleet. The Toy Hauler is the company’s first new trailer in 23 years, and it’s specifically designed to carry large-capacity vehicles.
Versatile, Multi-Use Trailer
Different than anything else in the fleet, the Toy Hauler is two feet wider and four feet longer than the U-Haul Auto Transport trailer. It has a maximum load of 6,834 lbs.—a 30% increase over the Auto Transporter’s 5,290 lb. capacity.
This trailer has retractable ramps, drive-over fenders, and hundreds of heavy-duty tie-down points to make the Toy Hauler ideal for pulling side-by-sides, SUVs, pickups, and a variety of other vehicles and loads.
“Customer response has been fantastic,” said Jasmine Spencer, U-Haul Towing Program manager. “With more people needing to move large items like side-by-sides, tractors, building supplies and even hot tubs, the Toy Hauler is a game-changer. Looking at the number of SUVs and trucks that families own, we saw a clear need for trailers that can handle these bigger loads.”
Specs and Uses
The Toy Hauler’s deck is 16 feet, 1¼ inches long and 8 feet, 2½ inches wide. The overall trailer length is 23 feet, 8 inches including the tongue, and spans nearly 31 feet with its back ramps extended for vehicle loading and unloading. Deck height is just over two feet off the ground.
With an unladen weight of 3,165 pounds and a max load of 6,834 pounds, Toy Hauler’s gross vehicle max weight is 9,999 pounds.
Jeff Korman, director of the U-Haul Technical Center in Tempe, noted the size and carry capacity of the Toy Hauler make it applicable for any number of uses, including loading up toys for off-roading excursions and track days, or even hauling lumber or hot tubs.
“It started out as a trailer to haul vehicles that wouldn’t fit our current offers,” Korman said. “As the design evolved, we saw the possibilities and needs beyond larger SUVs and longer-wheelbase trucks. A third ramp was added for three-wheeled motorcycles and other items that need a center loading ramp.
“The Toy Hauler is great for track days, car shows and side-by-side weekends. Not everyone owns a trailer for their toys. Renting a trailer is a perfect option.”
Will Your SUV or Truck Fit?
With certain limitations and exceptions, here is a sampling of the vehicles that can be accommodated by the U-Haul Toy Hauler that would not fit on its Auto Transport: BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Avalanche, Chevy Silverado 1500-3500, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, Dodge Durango, Ford F150-F350, GMC Sierra 1500-3500, GMC Yukon, Jeep Gladiator, Lamborghini Urus, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Range Rover, Mercury Park Lane, Nissan Armada, Pontiac Star Chief, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche Macan, Rolls Royce Phantom, Tesla Model X, Tesla Cybertruck, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, and Vinfast VF9. For additional towing information, visit uhaul.com/Towing.
From personal experience, I’ve towed a Jeep Wrangler JKU on 37s on an older U-Haul trailer. The vehicle barely fit and was right at the weight limit. The addition of drive-over fenders, tie-down points, and larger size should make moving bigger 4x4s and UTVs easier than before.
Now Available at Multiple Locations
Initial production runs are happening now in Tempe, AZ; Pomona, CA; Novi, MI; and Warrington, PA. The first 1,000 trailers will be manufactured by mid-summer. Plans call for 5,000 to be ready by the end of 2025.
Toy Haulers are already available for rent at some U-Haul locations for in-town and one-way use, with one-way rentals fueling distribution across the U.S. and Canada. In-town rentals start at $89.95 a day. Their introductions won’t affect existing U-Haul fleets, as every trailer previously available will remain for rent.
Just In Time for U-Haul’s Anniversary
The Toy Hauler Trailer is debuting for the brand’s 80th anniversary. U-Haul was founded by a U.S. Navy veteran, Leonard Shoen, and his wife, Anna Mary Carty Shoen in Ridgefield, WA in the summer of 1945 as WWII was ending. Joe Shoen, son of the founders, has served as U-Haul Chairman since 1986.
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