On this page
If rain, dust or summer sun would ruin what you are moving, an enclosed U-Haul cargo trailer from Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland keeps it under a roof and behind walls. You reserve on uhaul.com and pick up in Upland, where a technician runs a free hookup check. The walls block most weather, but a hot box and wind-driven dust still call for smart packing.
What weather are you protecting against?
- Summer sun that bleaches fabric and warps thin plastic
- Santa Ana winds that push grit through the Cajon Pass
- Fine dust on dirt roads and construction detours
- Winter storms on the grade toward the high desert
- Sudden summer showers on the drive to Arizona
How hot does it get inside a closed trailer?
A closed box parked in Inland Empire sun gets hot inside, much like a car with the windows up. The walls keep sunlight off your sofa, but they also hold the heat in.
Keep candles, vinyl records, photos, medications, batteries and electronics in the air-conditioned cab when you can. If they must ride in back, pack them low, near the front and inside insulated boxes. U-Haul's rental terms list items that cannot be transported at all, so check them on uhaul.com before you pack.
How should you wrap items for dust and moisture?
Doors and seams are not airtight, so treat the trailer like a very good tarp. Shrink-wrap upholstered furniture, bag mattresses, and use plastic totes for linens and paperwork. Lift boxes off the floor on flattened cardboard so any water that gets in does not wick upward. Close the door firmly and check the latch at each stop, since a door that rattles lets in far more dust.
Our pickup steps for a weather-sensitive load
Step 1: Match the size
We confirm the enclosed size on your uhaul.com reservation.
Step 2: Look at the door
We open and close the rear door with you and look over the latch and door edges together.
Step 3: Photograph the box
The empty cargo area and existing marks are photographed at checkout.
Step 4: Free hookup check
Ball, coupler, pin, chains and lights are checked before you leave.
Step 5: Slow first lap
You circle the lot once before merging onto Foothill Blvd.
What's included for weather-protected hauling
Included on the work order
- 01Enclosed trailer matched to your reservation
- 02Rear door and latch walk-through
- 03Condition and cleanliness photos
- 04Free hookup check
- 05Trailer light test
- 06Packing and return tips from the counter
Tow vehicle checks: need-now or need-later?
Need now: call
- Wipers that smear badly before a storm drive
- A cooling fan that does not come on in traffic
- Rear lights that flicker when the plug is wiggled
Need later: book
- Hazy headlight lenses on a daytime-only trip
- A dusty cabin air filter that still flows
- Light surface rust on the hitch receiver
How pricing and timing work
U-Haul lists enclosed trailer rates on uhaul.com when you reserve. Book early when a storm or a heat wave lines up with month-end, since those weekends fill fast. If your cabin cooling is weak before a hot drive, our paid AC system inspection or cooling system inspection starts with the fee stated at the counter before testing.
After the trip
Unload promptly at the other end, especially in summer. Air out damp items before storing them. Sweep grit from the floor and photograph the empty trailer for your return. The enclosed cargo trailer page covers locking up on overnight stops, and the cargo trailers hub compares every size.
Frequently asked questions
Is a U-Haul cargo trailer waterproof?
It keeps out most rain, but the door and seams are not sealed like a boat. Wrap mattresses and upholstery in plastic, use totes for paper and linens, and lift boxes off the floor.
Can I leave electronics in an enclosed trailer in summer?
It is better not to. The inside of a closed trailer heats up in the sun. Carry computers, TVs, medications and photos in the air-conditioned cab when you can.
How do I keep dust out of the trailer on a windy day?
Close and latch the door firmly, check it at every stop, and wrap anything made of fabric. Wind drives dust through seams, so covered items arrive much cleaner than open boxes.
Should I choose a truck instead in bad weather?
A box truck protects cargo in a similar way. The choice usually comes down to whether your vehicle can tow and how comfortable you feel pulling a trailer in wind or rain.