How to Load a Vehicle onto the Toy Hauler

Loading a vehicle onto a U-Haul Toy Hauler trailer is straightforward when you follow the right steps and take your time. The process requires two people and careful positioning to keep both the vehicle and trailer stable. When using a flatbed utility trailer, proper setup and loading are key to a safe trip.

Reminders for Using a Toy Hauler

• Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what method of towing is best for your vehicle.
• The vehicle in tow must be loaded forwards on the toy hauler. Towing a vehicle backwards may result in sway or whipping and lead to a loss of control.
• Do not load cargo into the towed vehicle. U-Haul’s towing validation is based on the empty weight of your vehicle. Cargo can add too much weight or change the distribution of weight which can result in the towing vehicle swaying or whipping.

Follow these steps to safely load your vehicle onto a U-Haul Toy Hauler:

1. Prepare the Trailer and Tow Vehicle

Start by parking the trailer on level ground in a straight line with the tow vehicle. Place the tow vehicle in park, turn off the engine, and set the parking brake. Before loading, check that the coupler is securely attached to the hitch ball. Next, unhook the front security chain from the D-ring and set it aside so it is easy to access later. Make sure all D-rings are lying flat against the trailer bed so they do not interfere with loading.

2. Set Up the Loading Ramps

Pull the ramps all the way out and lower them to the ground. Take a moment to confirm they are fully extended and resting evenly.

If your vehicle has low clearance, such as a front spoiler, front or rear splitter, or air dam, you may need to reduce the ramp angle. Placing 2” x 8” wooden boards (also called shims) under the ends of the ramps can help create a smoother approach. If clearance is still not sufficient, do not continue loading.

Pro Tip: Get your shims from a local big-box hardware store to save some money; they will most likely have the equipment to cut your shims to the proper size.

3. Position the Vehicle for Loading

Position the vehicle directly behind the trailer with the engine end facing forward. Center it as much as possible so the tires will line up straight with the ramps.

Have one person stand on the driver’s side as a guide. The guide should maintain a clear view of the driver and the ramps to help check clearance and alignment as the vehicle moves forward.

4. Load the Vehicle onto the Toy Hauler

Approach the ramps slowly and steadily. Keep the vehicle doors closed and avoid sudden acceleration. The guide should watch closely to ensure the underbody, spoiler, front or rear splitter, or air dam does not make contact with the ramps or trailer.

If needed, adjust the wooden boards under the ramps during the process to maintain safe clearance. Never force the vehicle up the ramps if contact is likely.

Continue driving forward until one of the following happens:

• The rear tires are centered on the rear tire line decals, or
• The front tires rest firmly against the front wheel stops

Do not brake quickly or ram the wheel stops. Once in position, shift the vehicle into park, turn off the engine, and set the parking brake. The tires should be straight and fully on the trailer platform without hanging over the sides.

5. Store the Ramps and Secure Vehicle

After the vehicle is loaded, lift and slide the ramps back into their storage compartments until the latches fully engage. If you used wooden boards, store them in the vehicle so they are available for unloading later.

At this point, the vehicle should be properly positioned for transport on the toy hauler.

When securing the vehicle to the Toy Hauler, you will need to provide your own straps or you can purchase straps from your local U-Haul center. There are 20 D-rings placed around the Toy Hauler for this purpose. Securing your vehicle on the Toy Hauler is crucial to making sure it stays on top of the trailer.

Follow these simple steps to secure your vehicle with ratchet straps to the Toy Hauler.

1. View your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended attachment points.
2. Avoid contact with hot components such as exhaust pipes.
3. Secure the security chains to the vehicle’s frame on the front and rear, making sure to leave two inches of slack and securing with the provided rubber retainer, and taking care to avoid brake lines, electrical components.
4. Take your ratchet straps and wrap them around the inside of the wheel closest to the trailer or around your vehicle's frame, avoiding brake or electrical lines.
5. If the strap is too close to the D-ring, feed the strap through a second D-ring.

Please, while traveling, drive slower than your normal speed, stay attentive and avoid distractions, such as cell phones. Anticipate stops, brake early. Inspect connections at all stops. Wear your seatbelt.

For more detailed information, refer to the Toy Hauler User Instructions Guide. 

Need help or have questions? Visit your nearest U-Haul center, check uhaul.com, or use the U-Haul app for additional guidance and support.