UHaul won't rent me a trailer because ...

[ashling]

We are traveling back to Texas this weekend in order to atternd graduation at the University that my wife used to work for. A couple of her interns are graduating.

I could say a lot of great things about these particular graduates - both activist Democrats - but I will save that for later ... after my blood pressure goes down.

We also planned to rent a UHaul trailer to bring back some things we have in a storeage unit down there.

So I went online the other day to set it up. I put in the largest trailer. I have pulled one like this before. It is a beast, but I had a Dodge Ram then with like a gazillion ton towing capacity - well, maybe slightly less, but I digress. This time I am using a 2008 Ford Explorer which I recently bought.

So anyway, I go through the steps online to secure this trailer and it says that

U-Haul has chosen not to rent behind this tow vehicle based on our history of excessive costs in defending lawsuits involving Ford Explorer towing combinations. This policy is not related to safety issues. This is an unusual circumstance for U-Haul – we have built our success for over 60 years by saying 'yes' to our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are committed to working with our customers to find alternative options to help with their move.

They won't even rent a toy trailer to be pulled by this vehicle.

[dameatball]

1. not good

[samnsara]

2. so whats the 'ford explorer towing combination' issue?

[PoliticAverse]

4. Has to do with old Firestone tire lawsuits apparently. n/t

[ashling]

6. I have no idea

[Phoenix61]

3. Interestingly, my Allstate car insurance

wouldn't cover a U-Haul van rental. They would cover anybody else.

[brush]

5. Try another rental outfit. U-Haul is not the only game in town.

[ashling]

13. UHaul is the only one I can find that will rent a

trailer of this size one way.

if you know of any others please let me know

[JDC]

14. Was Penske one of the one's you tried?

[ashling]

16. Have rented from them on occassion

but I don't think they have a trailer this small


We are probably going to have to sell some of our stuff and go back later for the rest.

[Quemado]

7. I was at a UHaul a few weeks ago

renting a Ubox, and overheard an employee talking to a customer about towing combinations. I don't remember the specifics, but I do remember that the customer owned two trucks. The UHaul employee told the customer that only one of the trucks was eligible to tow a UHaul trailer.

[mercuryblues]

8. call them directly with your year, make and model

A quick search brought up reasons why. Older explorers are top heavy and prone to rollovers. Apparently they were caught up in lawsuits because of this. They weren't happy about it and now won't rent to the Explorers that are prone to roll over.

[4139]

9. I was curious... it been going on for a while...

“According to a U-Haul representative, they only ban certain models of the Explorer from towing their trailers. This might leave people confused about whether or not they can tow a U-Haul with their vehicle.

Can I tow a U-Haul trailer behind my vehicle?
According to U-Haul, this regulation is based off the vehicle’s difference in body style. The 2011 and newer models have a lower center of gravity than the 2010 and older models. This means:

If you own a 2011 Ford Explorer or newer, you can rent a U-Haul towing dolly or trailer.
If you own a 2010 Ford Explorer or older, you can’t rent a U-Haul towing dolly or trailer....”
https://blog.upack.com/posts/why-u-haul-wont-rent-a-trailer-for-a-ford-explorer

[SkatmanRoth]

10. Tell them you will be using the Dodge Ram

If they question you about picking up the trailer with a Ford, tell them the Dodge is in the shop getting new tires, you are just using the Ford to move the trailer over to your place for the night.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

12. I rather suspect that lying to them as to which vehicle you are using

would invalidate any insurance coverage.

It does not seem as though they are being capricious, but have valid reasons for what they are doing.

The suggestion to find a different rental outfit is the best one.

[jberryhill]

17. But insurance only matters if something bad happens

Yes, lying will invalidate the insurance.

You spin the wheel, you takes your chances.

[Buzz cook]

11. There are alternatives

https://www.movinglabor.com/blog/7-alternatives-to-u-haul-cargo-trailers

[left-of-center2012]

15. If that's their policy ...

that's their policy.

[NBachers]

18. If it has to be U-Haul, can you just rent a truck?

[ashling]

19. My wife and I are driving down together, and

1. We don't want to each have to drive a 2d vehicle back as we both have health issues

2. There is really not enough to warrant a truck

3. It is graduation, but it is OUR anniversary

[5X]

20. U-haul is self insuring, at least they were when I worked for them many, many years ago.

you might consider buying your own trailer at Lowe's or Harbor Freight,
then resell when you are done.

[Bantamfancier]

21. That is actually not as crazy

as it sounds.
Used trailer prices are ridiculously close to new trailer prices.
A once used trailer should command 90% of new price.
Depending on the size of the trailer, that should keep your cost around a couple of hundred dollars.
And if you can catch them on a sale, you could break even.

[trixie2]

22. It seems the 2008 is the problem not the type

Ford Explorers 2011 and newer have a lower center of gravity..............

I would rather be safe.