How to Hook up a U-Haul trailer

U-Haul trailers are designed to be user-friendly, especially for first-time renters. Whether this is your first time towing or you need a refresher, this step-by-step guide will help you connect your trailer securely and hit the road with confidence.   

Before You Start: What You’ll Need  

Before connecting your trailer, make sure of the following:   

• Your hitch ball matches the required trailer ball size
• Your hitch system is properly rated for the trailer weight
• Your vehicle has the correct wiring connector
• Your vehicle is parked on level ground with the parking brake engaged

Steps to Hook Up a U-Haul Trailer 

 

How to Hook Up a U-Haul Trailer with a Drop & Tow Coupler  

1. Check the Release Lever: Make sure that the release lever is down. If the lever is up, push it to the down position. 
2. Hook Up Trailer: Pick up the trailer and drop the coupler onto the hitch ball until the coupler completely engulfs it. 
3. Test Coupler and Hitch Ball Connection: Make sure the connection is locked and secured properly by picking up the tongue of the trailer and seeing if the coupler remains on the hitch ball. 
4. Attach Safety Cables: Attach the cables from the trailer onto the towing vehicle with the S-hooks. Cross the cables under the hitch ball and attach the cables to the opposite side of the hitch. 
5. Attach Emergency Brake Cable: Attach the emergency brake cable if your trailer has one. 
6. Attach and Test Wiring: Take the trailer wiring and plug it into the towing vehicle. Test the light connection by testing your brake lights, blinkers, and running lights. 

 

How to Hook Up a U-Haul Trailer with a Hand-Wheel Coupler  

1. Loosen the Hand-Wheel: Fully loosen the hand wheel to open the coupler. 
2. Hook Up Trailer: Pick up the trailer and place the coupler onto the hitch ball so that the ball clamp is loose below the coupler. 
3. Tighten the Hand-Wheel: Turn the hand-wheel clockwise until the bolt is protruding above the hand-wheel, and the hand-wheel is tight. 
4. Test Trailer Connection: Pick up the trailer and ensure that the coupler does not come off the hitch ball.  
5. Attach the Safety Chains or Cables: Criss-cross the safety chains beneath the coupler and attach them to the hitch attachment points or loop the chains through the hitch attachment point and attach the s-hook back onto the chain itself. 
6. Attach Emergency Brake Cable: Attach the emergency brake cable if your trailer has one. 
7. Attach and Test Wiring: Take the trailer wiring and plug it into the towing vehicle. Test the light connection by testing your brake lights, blinkers, and running lights.

Final Safety Check Before Driving  

Before you drive off, take a few extra moments to make sure everything is secure:  

• Confirm the coupler is tight and latched.  

• Ensure safety chains are crossed and securely fastened.  

• Verify the wiring connection is secure, and brake lights, turn signals, running lights, and hazard lights all work.  

• Check the trailer tires for proper condition and inflation.  

• Remove any wheel chocks from the trailer.  

When you first start driving, go slowly and listen for unusual noises or shifting; this can alert you to issues before you hit highway speeds.  

Common Mistakes to Avoid  

Taking a few extra minutes during the trailer hook-up process and at each stop of your trip can prevent headaches on the road. Common mistakes often involve using the wrong hitch ball size, forgetting to cross the safety chains, not testing or verifying trailer lights, leaving safety chains too loose, and failing to double-check the coupler’s tightness.   

 

If you’re unsure about any steps, ask a U-Haul team member for assistance at pickup. They can walk you through the process and help ensure your setup is secure.  

Ready to tow? U-Haul trailers make your move easier and stress-free. Start your U-Haul trailer reservation today!