Toy Hauler User Instructions

The purpose of the safety cables is to keep the trailer connected to your tow vehicle in the unlikely event the ball comes off the hitch or the coupler comes off the ball. Safety cables are attached to the trailer tongue and are equipped with “S”-hooks on their free ends. DO NOT tow the trailer without the safety cables securely attached to the towing vehicle.

DO NOT attempt to pull the trailer by the safety cables alone, unless this is necessary to get the combination off the roadway to a safe place.

NOTE: This trailer was originally equipped with safety cables, but may have one or more safety chains if a repair was needed. If any safety chains are present, follow these same instructions as safety cables, with exceptions only where safety chains are specifically listed.

Make sure all tow vehicle and trailer lights function properly. The connecting wires need slack to allow your tow vehicle to make turns. Do not allow wires to drag on the roadway.

4-Way Flat

If your tow vehicle has a 4-way flat lighting system, connect the trailer lights by plugging into the tow vehicle connection plug. If your tow vehicle does not have a 4-way flat lighting connection system, your U-Haul representative will be able to instruct you on the connection steps and products available for your vehicle.

Loading and securing the vehicle-in-tow onto the trailer is the customer’s responsibility. When loading or unloading the vehicle-in-tow, have someone guide you from a safe distance.

For a video of loading a trailer go to: youtube.com/uhaulofficialvideos

1. Park the properly hitched trailer on level ground in a straight line with the tow vehicle; in park, motor off, and parking brake set.
2. Pull both ramps (figure 8) completely out and lower to the ground for loading.
3. Position the vehicle-in-tow behind the trailer, FACING FORWARD, and centered as well as possible. Make sure that the front tires will be on the ramps BEFORE driving on the ramps.
4. Approach ramps slowly. Make sure there is enough clearance for spoilers, air dams, etc. If more clearance is needed, lift the front of the trailer using the tongue jack. DO NOT unhook the trailer from the tow vehicle if the tongue jack is needed. The spoiler or air dam may also be removed to allow clearance. Do not load if there is not enough clearance for these items.
5. Keep doors closed and drive slowly up the ramp and forward on the platform until the rear tires are centered on the decal (Figure 8) or the front tires are resting firmly against the wheel stops. DO NOT brake quickly or ram the tire stops at the front of the platform. Shift to park and set PARKING BRAKE. Vehicle-in-tow tires must be turned straight ahead and fit on trailer platform without overhanging sides.
6. Exit the vehicle-in-tow. Carefully step off the trailer, using the step provided if necessary.
7. Lift and push both loading ramps back into the storage compartments, inward until the ramp latch fully engages.

1. Step 1: With the tow vehicle and trailer empty, and the trailer attached to your tow vehicle, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler release-lever.
2. Step 2: With the trailer fully loaded and the tow vehicle empty, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler release-lever.
3. Step 3: Subtract the answer in Step 2 from the answer in Step 1. (Answer 1 – Answer 2).

If your answer in Step 3 is greater than or equal to 1 inch, your trailer has enough tongue weight. If your answer is less than 1 inch, it is recommended that you reload your trailer and put more weight in the front of the trailer. An answer less than 1-inch can cause sway or WHIPPING.

Take your combination for a short test-drive. If you feel the combination is not handling properly, reload your trailer. If you are not sure the trailer is properly loaded, get help at uhaul.com/help or call Roadside Assistance at 1-800-528-0355 or take your combination to the nearest U-Haul location and ask if your trailer is properly loaded.

Hazardous Materials

• DO NOT transport hazardous materials, corrosives, explosives or flammables such as gasoline or paint thinner. A container that is almost empty is just as dangerous as a full one. Flammables may explode or ignite through spontaneous combustion from vehicle movement.
• Empty and air out the tanks on lawn mowers, camping stoves and lanterns before loading.
• NEVER fill a portable fuel container IN or ON the trailer. Set tanks on the ground to fill to avoid static electricity and prevent sparks.

Securely close and properly package household cleaning products.

Loading Your Combination

• NEVER exceed the trailer’s maximum gross weight, which is posted inside the trailer. Never exceed a lower allowed gross weight and allowed cargo weight as listed on your rental contract.
• NEVER overload your tow vehicle. Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), which are posted on a label inside the driver’s door opening.
• NEVER load cargo on the outside of the trailer or extend cargo out the rear of the trailer. Secure all cargo inside trailer. Unsecured cargo may (1) shift and cause dangerous WHIPPING or (2) be ejected and cause a roadway hazard.
• DO NOT transport or store hazardous materials, corrosives, explosives or flammables.

Equipment

Your Tow Vehicle

For occasional towing, your vehicle, when properly equipped, can tow any recommended U-Haul trailer, if the loaded weight of the trailer does not exceed your vehicle’s curb (empty) weight. Your vehicle can also tow any U-Haul trailer equipped with brakes, provided the curb weight of your tow vehicle is at least 80% of the loaded weight of the braked trailer.

DO NOT use a tow vehicle different than listed on your rental contract, unless U-Haul validates the new vehicle for you.

Changes made to your tow vehicle after it was manufactured can affect its ability to tow. These changes can include different tires, suspension changes, etc. Check your owner’s manual or with an authorized automotive dealer to make sure any changes to your tow vehicle are approved.

DO NOT tow the trailer if your tow vehicle has changes that are not approved.

DO NOT drive on a compact spare tire any further or faster than specified by your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.

Tow Vehicle Maintenance

Maintenance and condition of your tow vehicle’s engine, transmission, steering, suspension, front-end alignment and tires may affect your vehicle’s ability to tow the trailer. Have an authorized repair facility inspect and repair your vehicle BEFORE towing.

To find the towing capabilities of the engine, transmission and axles of your vehicle, refer to the owner’s manual, or check with an authorized dealer.

Towing Equipment Requirements

Hitches

Hitches must be able to tow the weight of the trailer and its cargo. A U-Haul representative can advise you on the available hitches and components that meet the requirements for your intended use.

Hitch Balls

Hitch-ball size of 2 inches is proper for a U-Haul coupler. A U-Haul representative can advise you on the correct ball size and weight rating for the trailer.

Other Hitch Systems

Weight distribution hitches or sway control devices ARE NOT USED for towing a U-Haul trailer. Towing a properly loaded trailer does not require these devices. These devices may have a negative effect on vehicle handling and braking and may restrict the operation of the trailer coupler mechanism.

Lights and Mirrors

When towing a trailer, all lights must be operational. Your tow vehicle may require external mirrors on both sides. A U-Haul representative can advise you of the systems available if your vehicle is not properly equipped.

Loading Your Tow Vehicle

NEVER overload your tow vehicle. Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), which are posted on a label inside the driver's door opening.

To find how much weight you are allowed to put in your tow vehicle:

1. Step 1: Find your tow vehicle’s GVWR on the label inside the driver’s door.
2. Step 2: Subtract the curb (empty) weight of your tow vehicle from the GVWR. Contact a U-Haul representative for help in finding the curb weight of your tow vehicle.
3. Step 3: Subtract 400 pounds from the answer in Step 2 if your trailer has 4 tires. This accounts for trailer tongue weight.

The answer in Step 3 is the amount of weight you can put in your tow vehicle. This weight includes driver, passengers, cargo and any additional equipment. If the rear of your tow vehicle seems low, reduce the load in the rear seat, trunk or cargo bed areas. Too much load in the rear can affect handling.

Tire Pressure

Set all tires to the proper pressure. Find the recommended COLD pressure on the tire sidewall, owner’s manual, your vehicle’s door decal or on the trailer decal. DO NOT put more pressure in the tire than is indicated on the tire sidewall. Tire pressures go up during driving. DO NOT let off this extra pressure.

Air pressure in the rear tires of some tow vehicles may be increased to accommodate the additional weight of the trailer. Inflate rear tires approximately 6 psi above normal, but do not exceed the pressure limit stamped on tire.

Your combination is heavier and longer than your vehicle alone. This means it will take you longer to stop.

• Allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. Start counting when the back of the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object, such as a line or crack on the road. If the front of your vehicle reaches the object before the end of the 4 seconds, increase your distance.
• If you are driving in adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, use at least a 5 second gap.

Combination Disturbances

A "combination disturbance" is improper handling, whipping, sway, over-steering or other deviation of the tow vehicle or trailer from their intended path, due to one or more causes (improper loading, steering inputs, excessive speed, cross winds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.).

If whipping or other combination disturbance occurs:

• Let off the gas pedal. NEVER speed up to try to control a combination disturbance.
• DO NOT apply your brakes.
• HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL in a straight-ahead position. DO NOT try to control the combination disturbance by turning the steering wheel.

After whipping or other combination disturbance has stopped:

• Pull a safe distance off the roadway and stop. Get all occupants out of the vehicle and away from the roadway.
• Check the cargo in the trailer to make sure the load has not shifted. Make sure the trailer is loaded heavier in front.
• Check that all tires are properly inflated and that all lug nuts are tight.
• Check the trunk or rear cargo area of the towing vehicle to make sure it is not overloaded.
• REDUCE SPEED to 55 mph or LESS. Combination disturbances happen most often at higher speeds.

If the combination disturbance persists after correcting any items above, contact the nearest U-Haul representative and have them inspect or exchange the trailer. If the combination disturbance still occurs, something is wrong with your tow vehicle. DO NOT continue towing the trailer, contact U-Haul for an alternative solution.

Passing

• Your combination is heavier and longer than your tow vehicle alone and will require more time and distance to pass.
• Passing by another vehicle in the same or opposite direction can result in a combination disturbance. See the Combination Disturbances Section for what to do if this happens.

Hills

• SLOW DOWN BEFORE starting downhill. Shift into lower gear and let off the gas pedal, this allows the engine to help you control your speed. Combination disturbances happen more frequently going downhill and at higher speeds.
• DO NOT ride the brake pedal going downhill. Prolonged use of your brakes results in overheating and possible loss of braking. When you need to slow down, apply the brake pedal and slow down below the intended speed. Then let off the brake pedal completely. Repeat as needed.
• Shift into lower gear to prevent your tow vehicle from jerking due to engine lugging when traveling up hills. This will improve gas mileage and reduce engine overheating.
• When traveling up long or steep grades, shift to a lower gear and expect that your vehicle may slow down significantly. Stay in the lane designated for slower traffic. Turn on flashers if speed drops below 45 mph and other traffic is traveling faster than you. Watch gauges and if temperature is climbing turn off A/C and slow down until the temperature stabilizes well below "hot". This may be at 45 mph or less. If the temperature is getting too high pull off to a safe place and stop. After stopping do not turn the engine off, shift to park / neutral and let it cool down at idle; or to cool faster increase engine rpm slightly.

Road Shoulders

If a wheel goes off the paved roadway:

• DO NOT turn the steering wheel sharply.
• DO NOT apply your brakes.
• Let off the gas pedal and slow down below 25 mph. Then steer gradually back on the roadway. Proceed with caution entering traffic.
  Sometimes the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle. Allow for this by driving in the center of your lane.

Backing Up

Keep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To move the trailer left, move your hand left. To move the trailer right, move your hand right. If your combination starts to jackknife, or isn’t headed where you want it, STOP. Pull forward to straighten out, then start again.

• Get help to watch as you are backing. If you cannot get help, exit your vehicle and make sure there are no people or obstructions in the way.

Turning and Sharp Corners

Avoid U-turns or turning too sharp on street corners, in gas stations or parking lots. Because the combination is longer the trailer will track inside the turn and may sideswipe a vehicle or object. Drive slightly past the corner before turning or turn wider than you would with a car to avoid this. Or simply plan ahead and avoid sharp turns where you can.

Unloading Vehicle-In-Tow

• Before unloading, make sure TH is securely attached to the tow vehicle hitch. Check that the coupler connection is secured, and the release-lever is fully down or hand-tight. Make sure the safety chains are properly connected. Place the combination on level ground. Make sure the TH is directly behind the tow vehicle, in a straight line. Set the tow vehicle’s PARKING BRAKE firmly and turn the motor off. Allow room behind the TH to back the vehicle-in-tow clear of the TH.
• During the unloading process, keep children and others at least 25 feet away.

Complete each step below, in sequence.

1. Disconnect the straps and lay them to the sides of the TH.
2. Disconnect the security chains from the vehicle in-tow and lay them aside.
3. Pull both loading ramps completely out and lower to the ground.
4. If more clearance or better ramp angle for the vehicle-in-tow was needed during the loading process, lift the front of the TH using the tongue jack. DO NOT unhook the TH coupler from the tow vehicle hitch if using the tongue jack to create better loading clearance.
5. Enter the vehicle-in-tow and release the parking brake. Leave all doors CLOSED during the unloading process.
6. Straighten the front wheels of the vehicle-in-tow if necessary, then SLOWLY back the vehicle-in tow off the TH.
7. Lift and push the loading ramps back into the storage compartments, push inward until the latch engages the ramp. NEVER tow the TH with the loading ramps out.
8. If the tongue jack was used to add clearance, make sure the jack is fully raised off the ground before towing the TH.
9. Stow the security chains.

Breakdowns

Immediately park your combination in a safe place, completely off the roadway. Turn on your emergency flashers. Get all occupants out of the vehicle and away from the roadway.

If you must continue on the roadway to reach a safe place off the road, turn on your emergency flashers and proceed with caution.

If necessary, drive on a flat tire to reach a safe place completely off the roadway. Drive slowly.

If the trailer’s mechanical problem is minor and the combination can be safely driven, proceed to the nearest U-Haul location, get help at uhaul.com/help or call Roadside Assistance at 1-800-528-0355.

If the mechanical problem is major or if the trailer is inoperable or cannot be driven safely, get help at uhaul.com/help or call Roadside Assistance at 1-800-528-0355. Be prepared to give your exact location and a callback telephone number.

Have your contract with you when you call. They will have a U-Haul representative contact you and do whatever is necessary.

Accidents

In case of an accident, get everyone out of the vehicle and completely off the roadway. Call an ambulance if anyone is injured. Notify the police as soon as possible and then report the accident at uhaul.com/help or call Roadside Assistance at 1-800-528-0355.