Uhaul Trailer - First time

coleco1981

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Picked up a 8 x 5 covered trailer from uhaul for my sienna because I need to pick up 2 games.

I dont think the trailer is large enough to lay them in side by side, so im going to load one in the van and then the trailer.

Im a bit nervous about driving 6 hours to pick up, on a highway since im told you shouldn't go over 55 mph. Also want to make sure I load the game laid down in the center and push it back as far as possible. Will need to figure out how to rachet strap it.

Posting for any tips on loading and hauling using this style trailer?
 
I totally agree on the 55. If that thing starts to sway, it becomes an instant shitshow. Go 55 and stay in the right lane. Use hazards for the congested areas since everyone rides your ass today. I hate driving anymore.
 
You feel every single bump on the road when you have a uhaul trailer. Loading is easy, just make sure you try your best to evenly distribute the weight otherwise you will run into issues.
 
You feel every single bump on the road when you have a uhaul trailer. Loading is easy, just make sure you try your best to evenly distribute the weight otherwise you will run into issues.
Yeah just driving it home empty for 5 mins made me feel uneasy over bumps. Its 2025. They can't come up with tech that makes hauling smoother?

Sprung for the insurance. Wish me luck lol
 
Drive 55, keep the weight of the load at the front of the trailer, keep it centered, and keep a good distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Biggest haul I did was 6 games in a Uhaul from Seattle to Portland. Long day, but worth it.
 
Drive 55, keep the weight of the load at the front of the trailer, keep it centered, and keep a good distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Biggest haul I did was 6 games in a Uhaul from Seattle to Portland. Long day, but worth it.
Thanks foe the advice. Does it matter if I lay the machine in top first or bottom first, obviously want to put it in top first but unclear if that is the heaviest part of the cab? Never really thought about this till im a trailer guy now.

Gotta lay it down since its a covered trailer only 5 feet tall.
 
Thanks foe the advice. Does it matter if I lay the machine in top first or bottom first, obviously want to put it in top first but unclear if that is the heaviest part of the cab? Never really thought about this till im a trailer guy now.

Gotta lay it down since its a covered trailer only 5 feet tall.
If laying down on the back, put it in top first and still make sure the game is as close to the front of the trailer/back of the van. Secure it so it doesn't slide around.
 
Yeah just driving it home empty for 5 mins made me feel uneasy over bumps. Its 2025. They can't come up with tech that makes hauling smoother?

Sprung for the insurance. Wish me luck lol
Small trailers like that handle terribly when unladen. It will actually ride better with weight on the axle. But absolutely take your time and don't speed. And strap down anything loaded on the trailer!

I've hauled games upright in a U-Haul trailer. Here's my MVS and my change machine loaded up for the trip home:

IMG_6753.jpeg
 
For just two games, I would have rented a pickup truck (or maybe a cube van). But that's just me. LOL :)

In any case, consider it an adventure with the trailer. Road trips are meant to be fun!!!
 
Open the back of the cabs and make sure everything is secure... power brick/supply, game boards, coin bucket, and most importantly... THE MONITOR. If some clown... er, previous owner never put the screws back in, the monitor will shift when healed back on a hand truck, or laid flat on its back.

If the monitor falls back, 95% of the time it's bye bye picture tube... there will be swear words, and later, tears... but you will NEVER move another cab without checking first.

I've never had that misfortune, but some here have.

Other than that, as others have mentioned... Load carefully, drive slow, increase braking distance, and remember space around you on the road is a good thing. And one last important thing that I've never seen mentioned anywhere else... don't let the asshole behind you in your mirror drive your vehicle... an old seasoned truck driving instructor told me that when I was getting my CDL... looking in his mirror, he noticed an asshat pushing on me from behind just before he told me that. Something else I might add... if someone is bullying you from behind, slow up a couple mph... if they get pissed off enough, they will pass you, and won't stick around long to bother you anymore. It works a treat every time!

Good luck, and try to enjoy the drive and the reward at the end of it!

Just my 2₵.

Dylan
 
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For just two games, I would have rented a pickup truck (or maybe a cube van). But that's just me. LOL :)

In any case, consider it an adventure with the trailer. Road trips are meant to be fun!!!
Thats been my go to when I've got multiple games before but its getting really expensive renting vans.

Did a truck once. Got caught in the rain coming from jersey. Even though i had it wrapped. Never again..
 
Thats been my go to when I've got multiple games before but its getting really expensive renting vans.

Did a truck once. Got caught in the rain coming from jersey. Even though i had it wrapped. Never again..
How did your pickup go?

Inquiring minds wanna know!

Dylan
 
Thats been my go to when I've got multiple games before but its getting really expensive renting vans.

Did a truck once. Got caught in the rain coming from jersey. Even though i had it wrapped. Never again..
I haul all my purchases in my pickup. You definitely need to factor weather into the plan. I always wrap the games thoroughly in plastic wrap, and another member here showed me a trick of using a pallet bag over the top of the machine and using the plastic wrap to help form the pallet bag to the cabinet.

I still schedule pickups for days where rain is unlikely if possible.
 
I don't know what the issue is for waiting for better weather before going- after all, sellers always hold games for buyers and never accept alternate offers in the interim. 😲
 
what's been said already, i've rented a *few* uhaul trailers, the ones with the grate ramps, they suck. box trucks w lifts are so much better :)
dont keep the load to the back, it will cause the trailer to sway. didn;t know that early on, scared the bejezzus outta me. move it towards the front of the trailer
 
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