The U-Haul motorcycle trailer, specifically the U-Haul Motorcycle Trailer, has a tare weight (empty weight) of 850 pounds. This weight is crucial for planning your move, ensuring you have a vehicle capable of towing it safely and legally.
Understanding U-Haul Motorcycle Trailer Weight
The weight of a trailer is a critical factor in safe towing. Overestimating your vehicle’s towing capacity or underestimating the trailer’s weight can lead to accidents and damage. Understanding the intricacies of the U-Haul motorcycle trailer weight will help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and secure transportation experience.
Tare Weight vs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
It’s vital to distinguish between the tare weight and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). As mentioned, the tare weight is the weight of the trailer itself when empty. The GVWR, on the other hand, is the maximum permissible weight of the trailer including the cargo (your motorcycle in this case). For the U-Haul motorcycle trailer, the GVWR is 1,950 pounds. This means that the maximum weight of your motorcycle and any additional cargo within the trailer cannot exceed 1,100 pounds (1950 lbs – 850 lbs = 1100 lbs).
Why Weight Matters for Towing
Exceeding the GVWR or your vehicle’s towing capacity can have serious consequences:
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Overloaded trailers can sway, become unstable, and even cause loss of control, especially at higher speeds or in challenging weather conditions.
- Damage to Your Vehicle: Overloading puts excessive strain on your vehicle’s engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension, leading to premature wear and potentially costly repairs.
- Legal Penalties: Many jurisdictions have laws regarding trailer weight and towing capacity. Exceeding these limits can result in fines and other legal consequences.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Towing a heavy load, especially when overloaded, significantly reduces your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Towing Vehicle Requirements
Choosing the right towing vehicle is just as important as understanding the trailer’s weight. You need a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity and the necessary equipment.
Determining Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Your vehicle’s towing capacity is typically listed in the owner’s manual or on a sticker located inside the driver’s side door. It’s crucial to consult these sources and not rely solely on general information found online, as specific models and trim levels can have different towing capacities. When calculating your vehicle’s remaining towing capacity, remember to factor in the weight of passengers and any cargo already in your vehicle.
Required Towing Equipment
Besides the right towing capacity, you also need the proper towing equipment:
- Hitch: You’ll need a Class I or Class II hitch to connect the U-Haul motorcycle trailer to your vehicle. The correct hitch class depends on your vehicle and the GVWR of the trailer. Consult a professional to ensure you have the appropriate hitch.
- Wiring Harness: A wiring harness is essential to connect the trailer’s lights (brake lights, turn signals, and running lights) to your vehicle’s electrical system. This ensures that the trailer is visible and safe on the road.
- Safety Chains: Safety chains are a crucial safety feature that provides a backup connection between the trailer and the vehicle in case the hitch fails. They should be properly secured and crossed underneath the trailer tongue.
- Mirrors: Depending on the width of your trailer and your vehicle’s mirrors, you may need extended mirrors to provide adequate visibility behind the trailer. This is particularly important when changing lanes or merging onto highways.
FAQs: U-Haul Motorcycle Trailer Weight and Towing
Here are frequently asked questions regarding U-Haul motorcycle trailer weight and towing:
FAQ 1: Can I tow the U-Haul motorcycle trailer with a small car?
It depends. You must check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or door sticker to determine the specific towing capacity for your vehicle. Many smaller cars lack the necessary towing capacity to safely tow the U-Haul motorcycle trailer, especially with a motorcycle loaded. Consider alternatives if your car’s towing capacity is insufficient.
FAQ 2: What is the tongue weight of the U-Haul motorcycle trailer?
The tongue weight, which is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball, is approximately 125 pounds when the trailer is properly loaded. It is crucial to ensure the tongue weight falls within the recommended range for your towing vehicle.
FAQ 3: How do I properly load a motorcycle onto the U-Haul motorcycle trailer?
Proper loading is critical for stability. Center the motorcycle on the trailer bed and secure it using multiple tie-down straps, ensuring the front wheel is securely against the trailer’s front stop. Distribute the weight evenly to maintain balance. U-Haul also provides specific instructions on loading and securing a motorcycle on their trailer; consult these instructions carefully.
FAQ 4: Does U-Haul offer motorcycle tie-down straps?
Yes, U-Haul typically offers tie-down straps for rent or purchase along with the trailer. These are specifically designed for securing motorcycles and are a worthwhile investment for a safe and secure transportation.
FAQ 5: What if my motorcycle weighs more than the remaining GVWR allows?
If your motorcycle’s weight exceeds the remaining GVWR (1100 lbs), you cannot safely or legally use the U-Haul motorcycle trailer. Consider alternative transportation methods, such as hiring a professional motorcycle transport company or using a different type of trailer with a higher GVWR.
FAQ 6: Are there any speed restrictions when towing the U-Haul motorcycle trailer?
While specific speed limits may vary by location, it’s generally recommended to drive at a slower speed than you normally would without a trailer. This allows for greater control and stopping distance. Always adhere to posted speed limits and drive cautiously.
FAQ 7: Do I need special insurance to tow a U-Haul motorcycle trailer?
Your existing auto insurance policy may provide some coverage, but it’s essential to confirm with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage for towing a trailer. You may need to purchase additional coverage to protect against potential accidents or damages. U-Haul also offers optional insurance coverage when renting their trailers.
FAQ 8: Where can I find the weight information on the U-Haul motorcycle trailer itself?
The tare weight and GVWR are typically displayed on a sticker or plate affixed to the trailer. Look for it near the tongue or on the side of the trailer. This information is crucial for ensuring you are towing within safe and legal limits.
FAQ 9: Can I add additional items to the trailer besides the motorcycle?
Yes, you can add additional items, but remember that the total weight of your motorcycle and other items cannot exceed the GVWR of 1,950 pounds. Careful planning and weighing of all items are necessary to avoid overloading the trailer.
FAQ 10: Is the U-Haul motorcycle trailer equipped with brakes?
No, the U-Haul motorcycle trailer is not equipped with brakes. This is another reason why it’s so important to ensure your towing vehicle has adequate braking capacity and that you drive cautiously.
FAQ 11: What are the dimensions of the U-Haul motorcycle trailer bed?
The U-Haul motorcycle trailer bed is approximately 7 feet 8 inches long and 4 feet 8 inches wide. This should accommodate most standard motorcycles, but it’s wise to measure your motorcycle’s length and width to ensure it fits comfortably.
FAQ 12: What is the rental cost of a U-Haul motorcycle trailer?
The rental cost varies depending on the distance you are traveling and the duration of the rental. It’s best to check the U-Haul website or contact your local U-Haul rental location for specific pricing information. They often have online calculators to help you estimate the cost.
By understanding these key factors and following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and successful experience when towing a motorcycle with a U-Haul motorcycle trailer. Always prioritize safety and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.