Hauling a trailer can be a challenging task; you have to factor in the weight of the trailer, your vehicle, cargo, and passengers. Not to mention, you have to drive the darn thing.
It’s essential to choose a trailer with enough capacity to store your goods as well as one that’s light enough to tow. Here’s what you need to know about U-Haul trailer weight.
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How Heavy Are U-Haul Trailers?
Choosing the right rental trailer weight is vital to your moving process. The smallest U-Haul cargo trailer weighs 850 pounds, and the largest cargo trailer weighs 1,920 pounds. These measurements are approximate and based on an empty trailer. Let’s take a deeper look into the specifics.
Why Trailer Weight Matters
Choosing the correct trailer comes down to more than just its size. It’s necessary to know your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the total weight it can carry. Your vehicle’s GVWR is the complete combined weight limit it can carry, including passengers, fluids, and goods.
You’ll also need to consider the trailer’s tongue weight. The tongue weight is the amount of force a trailer places on a hauling hitch. The tongue weight is calculated as part of your movables. This means you can’t load the total weight capacity of a trailer.
For example, a 7,000-pound rental vehicle with an 8,500-pound GVWR can carry 1,500 pounds. A trailer that has a 400 lb tongue weight reduces what you could carry to 1,100 pounds. Knowing the weight of your furniture and vehicle allows you to accurately choose a trailer size.
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How Much Does a 4×8 Cargo Trailer Weigh?
The 4×8 U-Haul Cargo Trailer is the smallest rental trailer they offer. This rental trailer has a 1,600lb load capacity and a total of 142 cubic feet. Compact and narrow furniture pieces work best in this trailer. Here are the specific measurements:
- Volume: up to 142 cubic ft.
- Maximum load: 1,650 pounds
- Total vehicle weight: 2,500 pounds maximum
- Empty weight: 850 pounds.
The 4×8 Cargo Trailer works well for moving small pieces of furniture, household items, kid’s beds, etc. This trailer also works well for moving college dorm pieces like small desks and nightstands.
How Much Does a 5×8 Cargo Trailer Weigh?
The 5×8 U-Haul Cargo Trailer is their most popular offering. This mid-size trailer has a max load capacity of 1,800pounds and a total of 208 cubic feet. You can fit quite a bit of furniture in the 5×8 trailer. Here are the specific measurements:
- Volume: up to 208 cubic ft.
- Maximum load: 1,800 pounds.
- Total vehicle weight: 2,700 pounds maximum
- Empty weight: 900 pounds.
The 5×8 Cargo Trailer is much larger than it seems. You could easily fit furniture from a few different rooms around your house. U-Haul claims this trailer size is a popular choice for small businesses, offices, or trade show exhibits.
How Much Does a 6×12 Cargo Trailer Weigh?
The 6×12 U-Haul Cargo Trailer is their largest offering. The 6×12 Cargo Trailer can hold up to 2,500pounds and has a total of 396 cubic feet. You can have some of the largest moving capacity if you pair this trailer with the 26′ moving truck. Here are a few of the specific measurements:
- Volume: up to 396 cubic ft.
- Maximum load: 2,480 pounds.
- Total vehicle weight: 4,400 pounds maximum
- Empty weight: 1,920 pounds.
The 6×12 Cargo Trailer is an excellent choice for large moving operations, sectional couches, odd-shaped pieces, and rare pieces of furniture. This trailer doubles as an enclosed motorcycle trailer and can protect your ride from weather damage. This trailer is another popular choice for businesses that frequently tow or transport goods and equipment.
Utility Trailers
U-Haul Utility Trailers work well for moving large cargo and outdoor materials. Utility trailers differ from cargo trailers as they have an open-top. This open design allows you to quickly move tall and odd-shaped pieces. Keep in mind that the measurements provided are approximate, and your rental trailer may vary.
How Much Does a 4×7 Utility Trailer Weigh?
The 4×7 U-Haul Utility Trailer is their smallest option available. This trailer size works well for landscaping projects, home improvements, and hauling appliances. Here are the approximate measurements.
- Maximum load: 1,770 pounds
- Total vehicle weight: 2,400 pounds maximum
- Empty weight: 630 pounds
- 26 sq. ft.
How Much Does a 5×8 Utility Trailer Weigh?
The 5×8 U-Haul Utility Trailer is their mid-size offering. This mid-size trailer is one of their most popular and affordable options. This trailer is ideal for transporting business goods, building supplies, plants, furniture, camping gear, and even some vehicles. Here are the specific measurements:
- Maximum cargo: 1,890 pounds
- Total trailer weight: 2,890 pounds
- Empty tonnage: 1,000 pounds
How Much Does a 5×9 Utility Trailer with Ramp Weigh?
The 5×9 Utility Trailer With Ramp is another popular choice. These trailers work well for moving motorcycles, golf carts, ATVs, and other pieces that need easy unloading. Here are the specific measurements:
- Empty vehicle mass: 1,240 pounds
- Maximum cargo: 1,650 pounds
- Ramp Limit: 1,810 pounds
- Maximum Total Weight (trailer with cargo): 2,890 pounds
How Much Does a 6×12 Utility Trailer Weigh?
U-Hauls 6×12 Utility Trailer is currently their largest option. This trailer is best suited for large-scale jobs and projects. Opt for this trailer If you need to take excess materials to the dump or haul farm supplies. Here are the specific measurements:
- Maximum load: 2,670 pounds
- Total vehicle weight: 4,400 pounds maximum
- Empty weight: 1,730 pounds
- 74 sq. ft.
How Much Does a 6×12 Utility Trailer with Ramp Weigh?
The U-Haul 6×12 Utility Trailer With Ramp is one of their largest options available. Many customers use these trailers for moving motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and landscaping supplies. Here are the measurements provided by U-Haul:
- Maximum load: 3,710 pounds
- Ramp Capacity: 1,810 pounds
- Total vehicle weight: 6,000 pounds. maximum
- Empty weight: 2,290 pounds
- 74 sq. ft.
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Are U-Haul Trailers Heavy?
Choosing the correct trailer weight will allow you to move your belongings without any hiccups. U-Haul trailers vary in weight depending on the model. The smallest cargo trailer weighs 850 pounds, and the largest cargo trailer weighs 1,920 pounds. The heaviest utility trailer weighs 2,290 pounds, while the lightest weighs 630 pounds.
Keep in mind that these measurements are approximate. Your rental trailer might be slightly different and will depend on your dealership. To find your local U-Haul dealer, use the official location finder. From there, you can speak with a crew member to determine which trailer suits your needs best.
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