On this page
An auto transport trailer carries a car with all four wheels off the road. Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland rents the U-Haul version from our lot in Upland, reserved on uhaul.com. It is the usual pick for rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Before you leave, a technician checks the hookup for free and walks you through the ramps and tire straps.
Why choose four wheels up?
- No drivetrain wear on the towed vehicle, since its wheels do not turn
- No added miles on the towed car's odometer
- Suits many rear-wheel, all-wheel and four-wheel-drive vehicles
- Carries a non-running car once it is loaded
- Easier to reposition than a dolly, though backing a long rig still takes practice
What parts of the trailer will you use?
The loading ramps come out from the back and lock in place for travel. The fenders on each side guide the tires as you drive on. The tire straps wrap over the front tires and ratchet tight. Safety chains or straps secure the towed car as the unit's instructions describe. We point out each of these at pickup, so the first time you touch them is not in a dark driveway.
What about low cars?
Sports cars and lowered vehicles can scrape the front bumper or undertray on the ramp angle. Measure the clearance at the front lip before you reserve. Approach slowly with a spotter watching the lip, and stop at the first sign of contact. If clearance is very tight, check eligibility on uhaul.com and consider other transport.
How we hand over an auto transport trailer
Step 1: Confirm both vehicles
The reservation lists the tow vehicle and the car you are hauling, and we check both.
Step 2: Walk the trailer
Ramps, straps, chains, tires and lights are inspected with you and photographed.
Step 3: Hook up
Ball size, coupler latch, pin and crossed chains are set by a technician.
Step 4: Light test
Brake, turn and running lights are confirmed.
Step 5: Loading walkthrough
We show the ramps and tire straps and point you to the unit's loading instructions.
What's included with an auto transport trailer
Included on the work order
- 01Reservation and license review
- 02Ramp, fender and tire strap orientation
- 03Checkout condition photos
- 04Free hookup check
- 05Trailer light test
- 06Tongue weight and hitch rating review
Need-now or need-later before a car haul?
Need now: call
- Tow vehicle transmission fluid that is dark or smells burnt
- Tow vehicle tires with uneven wear or low tread
- Towed car tires that are flat, which makes the straps hard to set
Need later: book
- A towed car with a dead battery, if you can push it aboard safely
- Paint chips on the tow vehicle's tailgate
- An upcoming coolant service with no symptoms
How pricing and timing work
U-Haul sets the auto transport rate and shows it on uhaul.com with your route and dates. The hookup check is free. If the tow vehicle needs a transmission fluid inspection or another paid check, the fee is stated at the counter, and repairs wait for your approval of a written estimate.
Unloading and return
Unload with the trailer hitched on flat ground, release the straps fully, and back the car down slowly. Stow the straps, secure the ramps, and photograph the trailer before return. Front-wheel-drive car? The tow dolly may do. Buying a car out of town? Read car carrier rental. All options are on the auto transport and towing hub.
Frequently asked questions
Does the car on an auto transport trailer add miles?
No. All four wheels sit on the trailer, so the towed car's wheels do not turn and its odometer does not change during the trip.
Can I load an all-wheel-drive car on an auto transport trailer?
Usually yes, and it is the common choice for all-wheel drive. Enter the vehicle on uhaul.com when you reserve to confirm it is eligible.
What tow vehicle do I need for an auto transport trailer?
One whose towing rating covers the trailer plus the car, with a hitch that meets U-Haul requirements. Usually that means a pickup or larger SUV. The reservation system checks the pairing.
Can I put a car that does not run on the trailer?
If the steering and brakes work and you have enough helpers to push it aboard safely on flat ground, yes. Plan the loading carefully, and never stand in front of a car rolling up a ramp.