can you put a small car in a uhaul

[Eileen]

Yes, you can put a small car in a U-Haul, but it is generally not the recommended or safest method. The most common and secure way is to use a car trailer or an auto transport trailer specifically designed for this purpose. U-Haul rents these trailers, which are a far better option than trying to drive a car into the cargo van or truck itself.

Attempting to load a car into a U-Haul truck's cargo box is problematic for several reasons. First, the ramp weight capacity is typically around 1,500 lbs, which is insufficient for even the smallest car. Second, the ramp angle is often too steep, risking severe undercarriage damage. Even if you managed to get the car inside, its weight would likely exceed the truck's cargo load capacity and could damage the floor. Furthermore, securing the vehicle properly inside a dark box is extremely challenging and unsafe for transit.

The auto transport trailer is the correct tool. It has a low profile for easy loading, integrated ramps, and dedicated tie-down points. The process is straightforward: you secure the vehicle to the trailer using ratchet straps on the wheels or frame, not the suspension components.

Here is a comparison of U-Haul's relevant rental options:

Equipment Type	Typical Model	Max. Load Capacity	Suitable for a Small Car?	Key Consideration
Auto Transport Trailer	Car Tow Dolly	3,450 lbs	Yes, recommended	Tows only the front wheels; rear-wheel drive cars may not be suitable.
Auto Transport Trailer	2-Car Trailer	5,290 lbs	Yes, ideal	Full four-wheel support; requires a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
Cargo Van	10' Truck	2,810 lbs	No	Interior height and ramp capacity are insufficient.
Moving Truck	15' Truck	6,385 lbs	No, not advised	Ramp not rated for vehicle weight; improper weight distribution.

In short, while physically possible for a very small vehicle like a smart car, loading a car into a U-Haul truck is a high-risk operation. Renting the proper auto transport trailer is safer, easier, and protects both your car and the rental equipment.

[StFrank]

I helped my brother move last year, and we looked into this. The U-Haul guy told us straight up: don't even try putting a car in the back of the truck. The ramps aren't built for it and you'll probably break something. He pointed us to their car trailers instead. It was super easy—we just drove the car onto the low trailer, strapped it down, and hooked it up to the truck. Cost a bit extra, but way cheaper than fixing a smashed bumper or a broken ramp.

[VonLandon]

From a logistical standpoint, the primary issue is weight distribution and equipment limits. A U-Haul truck's cargo area is designed for boxes and furniture, not concentrated vehicle weight. The ramps have a strict weight limit far below a car's mass. Using an auto transport trailer is the engineered solution. It ensures proper weight distribution over the axles and provides safe, designated points for tie-downs, preventing load-shift accidents during braking or turns. It's a matter of using the right tool for the job.