U-HAUL® AUTO TRANSPORT TRAILER Make sure the auto transport trailer is securely Avoid driving on a compact spare

Avoid driving on a compact spare tire any longer than

USER INSTRUCTIONS attached to the tow vehicle hitch before loading and necessary. Follow the vehicle manufacturer
unloading. instructions.
U-HAUL HOTLINE
1-800-528-0355 Keep children and others at least 25 feet away MAINTENANCE
24 HOURS - 7 DAYS A WEEK during loading and unloading. Maintenance and condition of your tow vehicle’s
engine, transmission, steering, suspension, front-end
alignment, and tires, may affect the vehicle’s ability to
Slow Down When Towing tow the auto transport trailer. Have an authorized
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
This safety alert symbol precedes all the safety repair facility inspect and repair your vehicle BEFORE
AVOID CRASHES by slowing down. Reduce your towing.
messages in these instructions. Safety messages
speed from what you would normally drive without a
alert you to possible hazards and instruct you on how
trailer under similar road conditions. The maximum To find the capabilities of the engine, transmission
to avoid or reduce the risk of injury.
speed is 55 mph when towing a U-Haul auto and axles of your vehicle for towing, refer to the
transport trailer. Do not exceed any posted speed owner’s manual, or check with an authorized dealer.
limit.
TOWING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
DRIVE DEFENSIVELY – anticipate stops, brake
READ and FOLLOW all of these instructions and early, and never follow closely. Hitches
safety messages before operating the auto transport Hitches must be able to tow the weight of your auto
trailer. DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT or SERIOUS BEFORE going downhill, slow down and shift the transport trailer and your vehicle-in-tow . A U-Haul
INJURY to you, your passengers, and others on the transmission into a lower gear. DO NOT RIDE representative can advise you on the type of hitch
road may result if you do not follow these instructions. BRAKES on downgrades. required.
Make sure all drivers read and understand all these
instructions. Hitch Balls
Slow down for curves, adverse weather,
Hitch-ball sizes of 1-7/8 and 2 inches are acceptable
See the Connecting Your Trailer section for auto hazardous road conditions, road construction and
with an auto transport trailer coupler. A U-Haul
transport trailer hook up instructions. A U-Haul expressway exits.
representative can advise you on the correct ball size
representative can assist if you require assistance. and weight rating for the auto transport trailer.
Before Towing and on the Road
Important Towing Information Other Hitch Systems
Use the checklist at the end of these instructions Weight distributing or sway control devices ARE NOT
PREVENT WHIPPING by properly loading the before towing and while on the road. USED for towing an auto transport trailer. Towing a
auto transport trailer. Load the heaviest end (engine properly loaded auto transport trailer does not require
end) of the vehicle-in-tow to the FRONT of the auto Make sure your tow vehicle is properly equipped these devices. These devices may have a negative
transport trailer. Loading heavier in the rear can and maintained. Be sure all tires are inflated properly. effect on vehicle handling and braking and may
cause the tow vehicle and auto transport trailer restrict the operation of the coupling mechanism.
“combination” to begin WHIPPING, which is violent ALWAYS wear your seat belt. Be sure children
and uncontrollable sway. See page 3. are properly restrained. Lights and Mirrors
When towing an auto transport trailer, all lights must
be operational. Also, your tow vehicle may require
SIDE to SIDE MOTION (SWAY) THAT BEGINS DO NOT drive when you are fatigued, sleepy or external mirrors on both sides. A U-Haul
as you reach a certain speed, will likely become distracted. Avoid driving at night. representative can advise you of the systems
WHIPPING at higher speeds. If you notice sway available if your vehicle is not properly equipped.
beginning SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY by letting off NEVER use a cell phone when driving. If you
the gas pedal. Then stop to reload the vehicle-in-tow need to use a cell phone find a safe place to exit the LOADING YOUR TOW VEHICLE
heaviest end forward as soon as possible, and roadway. To find how much weight you are allowed to put in
remove any cargo from the vehicle-in-tow (vehicle your tow vehicle:
carried on trailer). NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or any
substance that might impair your vision, judgment, or Step 1: Find your tow vehicle GVWR on the label
IF WHIPPING or SWAY OCCURS, DO NOT ability to control the vehicle. inside the driver's door.
steer. DO NOT apply your brakes and NEVER speed
up. Let off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel NEVER tow without properly installed tire straps Step 2: Subtract the curb (empty) weight of your tow
in a straight-ahead position. and vehicle-in-tow security chains. vehicle from the GVWR. Contact U-Haul for help in
finding the curb weight of your tow vehicle.
A “combination disturbance” is improper
DO NOT tow the auto transport trailer unless the
handling, whipping, sway, over-steering or other Step 3: Subtract 750 pounds from the answer in Step
tongue jack is fully raised off the ground
deviation of the tow vehicle or auto transport trailer 2. This accounts for trailer tongue weight.
from their intended path, due to one or more causes
(improper loading, steering inputs, excessive speed, NEVER allow passengers to ride inside the The answer in Step 3 is the amount of weight you can
cross winds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc). IF A vehicle-in-tow or on the auto transport trailer. put in your tow vehicle. This weight includes driver,
COMBINATION DISTURBANCE OCCURS, DO NOT passengers, cargo and any additional equipment. If
steer or brake. Steering or braking during a No open or soft-top sport utility vehicle is allowed the rear of your tow vehicle seems low, reduce the
disturbance can cause a loss of control or crash. to tow an auto transport trailer, because in the event load in the rear seat, trunk or cargo bed areas. Too
of a crash, these vehicles offer less collision and much load in the rear can affect handling. If the rear
If a WHEEL GOES OFF THE PAVED ejection protection. of your tow vehicle still seems low ask your U-Haul
ROADWAY, DO NOT steer sharply and DO NOT representative if your vehicle combination is approved
brake. Let off the gas pedal and slow down below 25 EQUIPMENT for alternative load position of the vehicle-in-tow, then
mph. Then steer gradually back onto the roadway. if approved, follow the special instructions provided on
Proceed with caution entering traffic. YOUR TOW VEHICLE [Link] or ask a U-Haul representative for these
For occasional towing, your vehicle can tow an auto instructions.
Loading your Combination transport trailer, provided the curb weight of your tow
vehicle is at least 80% of the combined weight of your TIRE PRESSURE
vehicle-in-tow and your auto transport trailer. Never Set all tires to the proper pressure. Find the
The MAXIMUM weight of the vehicle-in-tow is recommended COLD pressures on the tire sidewall,
use a tow vehicle different than listed on your rental
listed on the fender decal on the auto transport. owner’s manual, your vehicle’s door decal or on the
contract.
NEVER exceed this weight. The allowed vehicle-in- auto transport trailer decal. DO NOT put more
tow weight may be less for your tow vehicle, NEVER Refer to the owner’s manual, decal instructions or an pressure in the tire than is indicated on the tire
place a vehicle-in-tow on the auto transport that is sidewall. Tire pressures go up during driving. DO
authorized automotive dealer for any specific handling
different than listed on your rental contract. characteristics of your tow vehicle. NOT let off this extra pressure.

NEVER load cargo inside the vehicle-in-tow or on Changes to your tow vehicle from how it was Air pressure in the rear tires of some tow vehicles
the auto transport trailer. Cargo inside the vehicle-in- manufactured can affect its ability to tow. These may be increased to accommodate the additional
tow can cause sway or WHIPPING. changes can include different tires, suspension weight of the trailer. Inflate rear tires approximately 6
changes, etc. Check your owner’s manual or with an psi above normal, but do not exceed the pressure
NEVER overload your tow vehicle. Do not exceed authorized automotive dealer to make sure any limit stamped on tire.
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the changes to your tow vehicle are approved. DO NOT
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), which are tow the auto transport trailer if your tow vehicle has
posted on a label inside the driver's door opening. changes that are not approved.
69461134(P) 6/09 1
YOUR VEHICLE-IN-TOW Hand tighten the LIGHTING CONNECTIONS
The MAXIMUM weight of the vehicle-in-tow is coupler by pushing Make sure all tow vehicle and auto transport trailer
listed on the fender decal on the auto transport. down on the latch (C) lights function properly. The connecting wires need
NEVER exceed this weight. The allowed vehicle-in- while turning the slack to allow your tow vehicle to make turns. Do not
tow weight may be less for your tow vehicle, NEVER handwheel (D) allow wires to drag on the roadway.
place a vehicle-in-tow on the auto transport that is clockwise. At least 10
different than listed on your rental contract. Exceeding complete revolutions There are two types of lighting connectors on auto
these limits may cause a disturbance or damage to of the handwheel are transport trailers, the 4-Way Flat connector or the
your tow vehicle, auto transport or vehicle-in-tow. If necessary. bullet connector. Identify which type your auto
you do not know the weight of your vehicle-in-tow, a transport trailer has and follow the appropriate
U-Haul representative can tell you the approximate When the handwheel becomes tight, move the tow instructions below.
empty weight. If this cannot be done, have your vehicle forward slightly, or push rearward on the
vehicle-in-tow weighed at a commercial scale (see the trailer to ensure that the hitch-ball is properly seated 4-Way Flat
Yellow Pages under “Scales, Public”). inside the coupler. Recheck that the handwheel is If your tow vehicle has a 4-way flat lighting system,
tight. connect the auto transport trailer lights by plugging
The vehicle-in-tow tires MUST fit on the auto transport into the tow vehicle connection plug. If your tow
trailer platform and ramps without hanging over the Check all connections at each stop. Make sure the vehicle does not have a 4-way flat lighting connection
sides. hitch and hitch-ball are securely attached to your tow system your U-Haul representative will be able to
vehicle and the trailer coupler is properly connected to instruct you on the connection steps for your vehicle.
If you have an auto transport trailer with a galvanized the hitch-ball. Use the checklist at the end of these
silver colored platform, DO NOT load a vehicle-in-tow instructions. If you suspect or detect something is Bullet Connector
that is more than 79 inches between the outside of wrong, contact the nearest U-Haul representative. If your tow vehicle is equipped to accept a Bullet
the left tire and the outside of the right tire. connector system, follow the instructions listed below.
SAFETY CHAINS (Figure 4) If your tow vehicle does not have a Bullet connector
If you have an auto transport trailer with a orange The purpose of the safety chains is to keep the auto system, your U-Haul representative will be able to
colored platform, DO NOT load a vehicle-in-tow that is transport trailer connected to your tow vehicle in the instruct you on the connection steps for your vehicle.
more than 75 inches between the outside of the left unlikely event the coupler comes off the ball or the
tire and the outside of the right tire. ball comes off the hitch. Safety chains are attached to The auto transport trailer has a separate lighting wire
the auto transport trailer tongue and are equipped for the left and right sides. Check that the left auto
Low hanging equipment on your vehicle-in-tow, such with “S”-hooks on their free ends. DO NOT tow the transport trailer wire is attached to the left side vehicle
as spoilers, air dams, ground effects, etc., may be auto transport trailer without the safety chains connector. The right auto transport trailer wire must
damaged by contact with your auto transport trailer securely attached to the towing vehicle. DO NOT connect to the right side vehicle connector.
during loading and unloading. Make sure there is attempt to pull the auto transport trailer by the safety
enough clearance for these items. If there is not chains alone, unless this is necessary to get the The wire on each side of the tongue is made of two or
enough clearance for these items, they must be combination off the roadway to a safe place. three separate colored wires. On a auto transport
removed or do not load the vehicle-in-tow. Special trailer with two wires, the black wire (brake and turn
instructions are offered on [Link] for loading The left chain (A) crosses underneath the trailer signals) is plugged into the black connector. The
vehicles with low ground clearance, by using wood tongue (B) and hooks to the right side of the tow white wire (running lights) is plugged into the white
boards or other means and some extra effort. vehicle permanent hitch (C), frame or structure, or to connector.
the tow vehicle bumper brackets. Do not attach
The auto transport is designed for carrying vehicles chains to the ball or to a ball mount that is removable. For an auto transport trailer that has three separate
with standard, factory-installed suspensions. The right chain (D) hooks to the left side in the same colored wires on each side, the black wire (brake
Modified or lowered suspension vehicles may not fit manner. The “S”-hooks can be placed through a link lights) is plugged into the black connector. The white
on the auto transport trailer, damage may occur to the in the chain. Crossing the chains under the tongue wire (running lights) is plugged into the white wire
vehicles during loading or transport. U-Haul is not allows the minimum amount of slack for turning. connector. The green wire (turn signal) is plugged into
responsible for damage to vehicles with modified Control slack by hooking the chain back to itself or by the green connector.
suspensions. twisting the links to shorten chain. Be sure the “S”-
hooks are secured with a rubber retainer When the auto transport trailer has three wires per
side and the tow vehicle only has two connectors per
CONNECTING YOUR TRAILER The chains (A and D) need slack to allow your vehicle side, do not attach the green (turn signal) wire. The
to make turns. Make sure these chains attach turn signals will work through the black wires.
Follow the instructions in this section while securely to your tow vehicle and do not drag on the
hooking up the U-Haul auto transport trailer. roadway.
A U-Haul representative can assist you if you
LOADING
require assistance.
Load the heaviest end (engine end) of the vehicle-
Lower the coupler onto the hitch-ball and follow the in-tow to the FRONT of the auto transport trailer.
instructions below to properly fasten the coupler to the Failure to load facing forward may result in sway or
hitch-ball. Do not allow your self to become distracted. WHIPPING and lead to total loss of control.
Ensure that the coupler is properly fastened to the
hitch-ball before moving to the next step. DO NOT load cargo in your vehicle-in-tow or on
your auto transport trailer. Loading cargo in your
COUPLER vehicle-in-tow or on your auto transport trailer may
Push down on the latch result in sway or WHIPPING.
(C) and fully loosen the Figure 4
hand-wheel (D) by The auto transport trailer may be used to carry certain
turning EMERGENCY BRAKE CHAIN large items when a vehicle-in-tow is NOT installed.
counterclockwise. Trailers with brakes have a third chain, called the Special instructions are offered on [Link] or ask a
Lower the coupler (B) emergency brake chain (E). This chain applies the U-Haul representative for these instructions if you
onto the hitch-ball (A) brakes automatically in the unlikely event of a intend to do this. Be sure to load trailer heavier in
as shown. separation of the trailer from the tow vehicle. Attach front and to secure the load.
this chain as close to the vehicle center as possible;
to the tow vehicle permanent hitch, frame or structure, Before loading your vehicle-in-tow, make sure the
or to the bumper brackets. Twist chain to take up auto transport trailer is securely attached to your tow
most of the slack and secure “S”-hook with rubber vehicle hitch. Turn the coupler handwheel clockwise.
retainer. Some slack is necessary to prevent the Make sure the safety chains are properly connected.
emergency brake from activating on turns or inclined During the loading process, keep children and others
Check that the ball
driveways at least 25 feet away.
clamp (E) is positioned
below the coupler (B).
The coupler should Check the boxes on the left side after completing the
completely cover and instruction.
enclose the hitch-ball
(A).  Park the properly hitched auto transport trailer on
level ground in a straight line with the tow vehicle, in
park, motor off, and parking brake set.

Figure 5

69461134(P) 6/09 2
 Fully extend the loading ramps (Figure 6-A) located If you are driving in adverse weather, such as rain,
at the rear of the auto transport trailer. snow, or fog, use at least a 5 second gap.

 Unlatch the left fender (Figure 6-B), and rotate it WHIPPING

down. Whipping is violent and uncontrollable sway
caused by loading a trailer heavier in the rear half.
Figure 8
Persistent side to side sway motion is not normal. If
 Put the tire strap through the slot in the ratchet
this occurs at a certain speed, it is a signal that
spool. Pull about 6 inches of the tire strap through the
WHIPPING will likely occur if speed is increased by a
ratchet spool. Keeping the strap evenly over the tire,
small amount. If you notice this behavior immediately
operate the ratchet until the tire strap is tight. Your
slow down and maintain at least 10 mph below the
vehicle-in-tow tires are too big if 6 inches of the tire
speed this sway was first noticed. Then stop at the
strap will not pull through the ratchet spool. If the tires
first opportunity and reload the vehicle-in-tow heaviest
are too big, a U-Haul outlet can provide you with
end forward and remove any cargo from the vehicle-
special automotive tie down straps. Special
in-tow. See next section.
instructions are offered on [Link] for securing the
Figure 6 vehicle-in-tow when the tire straps are not used, or
COMBINATION DISTURBANCES
ask a U-Haul representative for these instructions, or
 Free the tire strap from the ratchet (Figure 6-C). A “combination disturbance” is improper handling,
follow instructions provided with the automotive tie
Pull on the ratchet release and raise the handle as far down straps. DO NOT tow without vehicle-in-tow whipping, sway, over-steering or other deviation of the
up as you can (Figure 7). Pull the tire strap out of the tow vehicle or auto transport trailer from their intended
properly secured.
ratchet spool. Lay the strap over the outside of the path, due to one or more causes (improper loading,
auto transport trailer. Free the strap on the other side steering inputs, excessive speed, cross winds,
 Make sure that the part of the strap that was placed
in the same manner. through the slot is secure between the ratchet shaft passing vehicles, rough roads, etc).
and the tire strap. After tightening the straps, push the
handles down and completely rearward. IF A COMBINATION DISTURBANCE OCCURS:
Let off the gas pedal. NEVER speed up to try to
 Perform the same procedure for the tire on the control a combination disturbance.
other side.
DO NOT apply your brakes.
 Connect the front security chain, found on a cross-
member at the front of the auto transport trailer, to the HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL in a straight-
vehicle-in tow’s frame or other structural member. ahead position. DO NOT try to control the
Keep the security chain away from brake and fuel combination disturbance by turning the steering
Figure 7 lines and other items that may be damaged by the wheel.
chain. DO NOT place the chain hook on the vehicle’s
LOADING THE VEHICLE-IN-TOW frame member or other structural member. Loop the AFTER A COMBINATION DISTURBANCE HAS
 During the loading process, keep children, chain around the member and place the hook through STOPPED:
bystanders and pets at least 25 feet away. the hole in one of the chain links. Leave a few inches
Pull a safe distance off the roadway and stop. Get
of slack in the security chain. Be sure the “S”-hook is
all occupants out of the vehicle and away from the
 Position the vehicle-in-tow behind the auto secured with a rubber retainer.
roadway.
transport trailer, centered as well as possible.
 If the tongue jack was used to add clearance, make
sure the jack is fully raised off the ground before Check the vehicle-in-tow to make sure the tire
The heaviest end (usually the engine end) of the straps are properly attached. Also make sure there is
vehicle MUST be loaded to the front of the auto towing the auto transport trailer.
no cargo in the vehicle-in-tow and the heavier end
transport trailer. Failure to load the heaviest end in the (engine end) is loaded to the FRONT of the auto
front may result in sway or WHIPPING. Failure to fully raise the tongue jack off the ground
transport trailer.
before towing can cause the auto transport trailer to
 Make sure that the entire width of the tires will be become detached from the tow vehicle, or cause a
on the ramps before driving on the ramps. combination disturbance. Check that all the tires are properly inflated and all
lug nuts are tight.
 Approach ramps slowly. Make sure there is enough  Slide the ramps into the storage compartments.
clearance for spoilers, air dams, etc. If more Make sure the latches hold the ramps securely in Check the trunk, cargo bed or rear area of the
clearance is needed, lift the front of the auto transport place. towing vehicle to make sure it is not overloaded.
trailer using the tongue jack. DO NOT unhook the
auto transport trailer from the tow vehicle if the tongue  Attach the rear security chain in the same manner REDUCE SPEED to 55 mph or LESS.
jack is needed. as the front security chain was attached. Combination disturbances happen most often at
higher speeds.
 Drive slowly up the ramps, keeping all doors closed TOWING
on the vehicle being loaded. Drive slowly toward the If the combination disturbance persists, contact the
front of the auto transport trailer. Keep driving forward REDUCE SPEED nearest U-Haul representative and have them inspect
until the tires contact the tire stops. DO NOT brake Slow down for curves, adverse weather, or exchange the auto transport trailer. If the
quickly or ram the tire stops at the front of the auto hazardous road conditions, road construction and combination disturbance still occurs, something is
transport trailer. Set the PARKING BRAKE. expressway exits. Do not feel secure because your wrong with your tow vehicle.
auto transport trailer tows easily at higher speeds. A
The fenders are not to be used as steps at any road hazard that could be avoided at 55 mph, may PASSING
time. The fenders are not designed to carry the weight become unavoidable at a higher speed. Your combination is heavier and longer than your
of a person. Loss of balance and/or the fenders tow vehicle alone and you will require more time and
breaking may result in serious injury. When driving at a lower speed you are less likely distance to pass.
to lose control of any vehicle, than when driving at a
 Exit the vehicle-in-tow. Carefully step off the auto higher speed. Excessive speed is a major cause of Passing by another vehicle in the same or
transport trailer, using the step provided if necessary. accidents. opposite direction can result in a combination
Rotate the left fender up and latch both ends. disturbance. See the Combination Disturbances
U-Haul does not recommend using cruise control Section for what to do if this happens.
SECURING THE VEHICLE-IN-TOW (Figure 8)
or overdrive when towing a trailer.
Failure to properly install the tire straps and HILLS
security chains may result in the vehicle-in-tow STOPPING/FOLLOWING DISTANCE SLOW DOWN BEFORE starting down hill. Shift
separating from the auto transport trailer. This may Your combination is heavier and longer than your into lower gear and let off the gas pedal, this allows
result in a combination disturbance, a vehicle collision vehicle alone. This means it will take you longer to the engine to help you control your speed.
or damage to your vehicle-in-tow. stop. Combination disturbances happen more frequently
going downhill and at higher speeds.
 Center the tire straps behind the tires and center
Allow at least 4 seconds between you and the
the tire strap ratchets in the front of the tires. Place
vehicle in front of you. Start counting when the back
the tire straps over the tires.
of the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object,
such as a line or crack in the road. If the front of your
vehicle reaches the object before the end of the 4
seconds, increase your distance.

69461134(P) 6/09 3
 DO NOT ride the brake pedal going downhill.  Rotate the left fender up and latch both ends. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS
Prolonged use of your brakes results in overheating
and possible loss of braking. When you need to slow  If the tongue jack was used to add clearance, make • LOAD TRAILER HEAVIER IN FRONT
down, apply the brake pedal and slow down below the sure the jack is fully raised off the ground before • REDUCE YOUR NORMAL DRIVING SPEED
intended speed. Then let off the brake pedal towing the auto transport trailer. • WEAR YOUR SEATBELT
completely. Repeat as needed.
Failure to fully raise the tongue jack off the ground
Shift into lower gear to prevent your tow vehicle from before towing can cause the auto transport trailer to
jerking due to engine lugging when traveling up hills. become detached from the tow vehicle, or cause a
This will improve gas mileage and reduce engine combination disturbance.
overheating.
 Route the security chains through the “D” rings
ROAD SHOULDERS located on the frame, then attach the hook through a
If a wheel goes off the paved roadway: hole in the chain. Remove as much slack as possible.

DO NOT turn the steering wheel sharply.  Place the end of the tire straps through the slots in
the ratchet spools, then tighten the tire straps as far
DO NOT apply your brakes. as the ratchet allows.

Let off the gas pedal and slow down below 25 BREAKDOWNS
mph. Then steer gradually back on the roadway. Immediately park your combination in a safe place,
Proceed with caution entering traffic. completely off the roadway. Turn on your emergency
flashers. Get all occupants out of the vehicle and
The auto transport trailer is wider than the tow away from the roadway.
vehicle. Allow for this by driving in the center of your
lane. If you must continue on the roadway to reach a safe
place off the road, turn on your emergency flashers
BACKING UP and proceed with caution.
Keep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel.
To move the auto transport trailer left, move your If necessary, drive on a flat tire to reach a safe place
hand left. To move the auto transport trailer right, completely off the road. Drive slowly.
move your hand right. If your combination starts to
jackknife, or isn’t headed where you want it, STOP. If the auto transport trailer's mechanical problem is
Pull forward to straighten out, then start again. minor, and the combination can be safely driven,
proceed to the nearest U-Haul or call U-Haul Hotline
Get help to watch as you are backing. If you at 1-800-528-0355.
cannot get help, exit your vehicle and make sure
there are no people or obstructions in the way.

UNLOADING If the mechanical problem is major or if the auto

transport trailer is inoperable or cannot be driven
Before unloading your vehicle-in-tow make sure the safely, call U-Haul Hotline at 1-800-528-0355. Be
auto transport trailer is securely attached to your tow prepared to give your exact location, a callback
vehicle. Turn the coupler handwheel clockwise. Make telephone number and have your contract with you
sure the safety chains are properly connected. Place when you call. The Hotline will have a U-Haul
the combination on level ground. Make sure the auto representative contact you and do whatever is
transport trailer is directly behind the tow vehicle, in a necessary.
straight line. Set the tow vehicle’s PARKING BRAKE
firmly and turn the motor off. Allow room behind the ACCIDENTS
auto transport trailer to back the vehicle-in-tow clear In case of an accident, get everyone out of the vehicle
of the auto transport trailer. and completely off the roadway. Call an ambulance if
anyone is injured. Notify the police as soon as
Never unhook the auto transport trailer or loosen possible and then call U-Haul Hotline.
the coupler before unloading.

During the unloading process, keep children and TOWING CHECKLIST

others at least 25 feet away.
BEFORE TOWING
Check the boxes on the left side after completing the  Towing hitch and hitch-ball are tight.
instruction.  Coupler handwheel is tight.
 Safety chains, tire straps and security chains
 Fully extend the loading ramps. are properly attached and secure.
 All lights are connected and working.
 If more clearance for the vehicle-in-tow was  Check all tires for correct pressure.
needed in the loading process, lift the front of the auto  Load vehicle-in-tow heavier end (engine end)
transport trailer using the tongue jack. DO NOT toward the front of the auto transport.
unhook the auto transport trailer from the tow vehicle
 Ramps securely stored and latched.
if use of the tongue jack is needed.
 Tongue jack is fully raised.
 Unlatch the left fender and rotate it down fully.
BEFORE DRIVING
 Disconnect the security chains from the vehicle-in-  Fasten seatbelts.
tow. Free the tire straps from the ratchets and lay  Properly adjust mirrors.
them over the sides of the auto transport trailer. See
figure 7 on how to free the tire strap. ON THE ROAD
 Reduce speed to 55 mph or below.
 Enter the vehicle-in-tow. Release the parking brake  Stop often for rest.
on the vehicle-in-tow. Leave all doors CLOSED  Inspect your vehicles and trailer connections at
during the unloading process. each stop.
 Anticipate stops, brake early.
 SLOWLY drive the vehicle-in-tow off the auto
transport trailer. REMEMBER - CRASHES ARE CAUSED BY
• Driver error or Inattention.
 Slide the ramps into the storage compartments. • Excessive speed.
Make sure the latches hold the ramps securely in • Failure to load Auto Transport trailer heavier in
place. front.

69461134(P) 6/09 4