Anatomy of loading a U-Haul trailer
How do you fit something that’s 96” long in a trailer that’s 92” long? You might think it’s like fitting a square peg into a round hole, but it’s really very simple when you understand the anatomy of a load in the new FS open trailers. These 4’x7’ star performers can accommodate things that, at first glance, might seem too long for a bed that is 7’ 8” long. For example, an 8’ piece of lumber fits perfectly in the trailer’s bed when it’s placed diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. In fact, the FS trailer easily accommodates a variety of building materials, commonly coming in 8’, 10’ and 12’ lengths.
Fitting 8’ building materials is only one of the many ways the 4’x7’ trailer can seemingly stretch itself out to accommodate large loads. For example, a 12’ ladder or 10’ pieces of lumber will fit in the FS trailer by placing one end at the base of the rear tailgate, and letting the other end hang over the front of the trailer. Two loops welded to the top of the side rails help secure this type of load. This also ensures that the trailer is loaded heavier in front, known as the “60-40 Rule.”
"This trailer is capable of easily hauling plywood, drywall and a mulititude of building materials efficiently and safely," Shannon Papa, Trailer/SRI Program manager exclaimed. " The key is understanding how to position the load. Once you understand this, it is no problem at all.
“Remember our mantra for trailer renters: First and foremost is, ‘Load heavier in front,’” Papa continued. “That’s followed by, ‘Reduce your speed,’ and, ‘Wear your seatbelt.’ We never want a customer to open the tailgate and hang their goods out the back.”
Big things come in small packages
The FS trailer’s versatility allows someone with a small car to tow enough building materials to complete a large project. Even a tiny Smart Car can tow an FS trailer and still have 365 pounds of usable payload!
Now, with the ease of hooking up to our new trailer, an environmentally-conscious small car owner can still handle the occasional load for home, remodeling and landscaping projects and save money on delivery fees.
Endless options
While the FS trailer is perfect for doing large or small home improvement projects, it has a wide variety of other possible uses and is a valuable alternative to owning a pickup truck. The options are seemingly endless. But then again, you wouldn’t expect anything less from a trailer that can haul things that are larger than it is!