TRAILER USER

INSTRUCTIONS

STUDY INSTRUCTIONS BEFOREUSING EQUIPMENT

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WARNINGFAILURE TO FOLLOW

THESE INSTRUCTIONSMAY RESULT IN SERIOUS

INJURY OR DEATH.

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USER INSTRUCTIONS

MAKES MOVING EASIER

MAKES MOVING EASIERAMERICA’S CHOICE SINCE ’45GAAUGUSTA

America‘s Moving Adventure

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TABLE OF CONTENTSWARNINGS .......................................................1

EQUIPMENT.....................................................2YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES................................2YOUR TOW VEHICLE........................................2U-HAUL RENTAL HITCH...................................4YOUR TRAILER .................................................5TIRE PRESSURE ...............................................5

INSPECTING THE CONNECTIONS........5PERMANENT HITCH.........................................5U-HAUL C1M RENTAL HITCH..........................5TRAILER COUPLER ..........................................6EMERGENCY SAFETY CHAINS .......................7EMERGENCY BRAKE CHAIN ...........................8LIGHTING CONNECTIONS...............................8

LOADING YOUR TRAILER.........................9VAN TRAILERS..................................................9OPEN TRAILERS.............................................10TONGUE WEIGHT...........................................10DO NOT OVERLOAD.......................................11HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/CONTRABAND....11

TOWING ...........................................................12SAFETY RESTRAINTS ....................................12CELL PHONES ................................................12SPEED LIMIT ...................................................12STOPPING/FOLLOWING DISTANCE .............13HILLS ...............................................................13PASSING .........................................................13COMBINATION DISTURBANCES...................14ROAD SHOULDERS........................................15BACKING UP...................................................15

BREAKDOWNS & ACCIDENTS..............15GET OFF THE ROAD.......................................15MINOR BREAKDOWNS ..................................16MAJOR BREAKDOWNS..................................16ALL ACCIDENTS .............................................17ACCIDENT REPORTING .................................17ACCIDENT FORM ...........................................18

GLOSSARY......................................................20

TOWING CHECKLIST ..........................BACK

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WARNING

FAILURE TO READ AND FOLLOW ALL THEINSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BOOKLET MAYRESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

DO NOT put the vehicle in motion beforeeveryone in the vehicle has their safetyrestraint fastened. See page 12.

NEVER use a cell phone when you are driving.You may become distracted and cause anaccident. See Page 12.

The recommended maximum speed whentowing a trailer is 45 mph.

Load 60% of the cargo weight in the front half ofthe trailer. See page 9.

NEVER exceed the trailer’s maximum grossweight posted in the trailer. See page 11.

DO NOT overload your tow vehicle. Check theGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on thelabel, inside the driver door. See page 4.

NEVER allow passengers in any trailer or loadcargo on the outside of the trailer. See page 9.

DO NOT use any type of sport-utility vehicle,not equipped with a hard top, to tow a trailer.See page 2.

Use the check list before towing and while onthe road. See back cover.

ANTICIPATE STOPS! BRAKE EARLY! Allow a 4second gap between you and the vehicle in front ofyou. In adverse weather, allow at least a 5 secondgap. See page 13.

Slow down for downgrades and shift yourtransmission into a lower gear. See page 12.

Slow down for curves, adverse weather, hazardous road conditions and expresswayexits. See page 12.

Your vehicle/trailer combination may experiencemomentary disturbances. If a disturbance happens, DO NOT brake, speed up or turn thesteering wheel. Let off the gas pedal and keepthe steering wheel in a straight ahead position,sufficient to maintain the lane of travel. Seepage 14.

If the combination travels off the paved roadway,hold the steering wheel firmly. Let off the gaspedal. DO NOT apply your brakes. DO NOTturn sharply. Slow down below 25 mph. Thengradually turn the steering wheel to get back onthe roadway. Proceed with caution when enteringtraffic. See page 15.

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EQUIPMENTYOUR RESPONSIBILITIESDriving a vehicle/trailer combination is differentfrom driving a vehicle alone. These instructions areto help you, your passengers and your cargo reachyour destination safely. If you have any questionswhile reading this booklet, please do not hesitateto contact the nearest U-Haul representative.

If the driving duties are to be shared, make sureall drivers read and understand these instructions.

YOUR TOW VEHICLE

WARNING:

U-Haul does not allow any type of sport-utilityvehicle, not equipped with a hard top, to tow a trailer. Towing with vehicles not equipped with ahard top is no different than towing with a hard topvehicle. In the unlikely event of an accident, vehiclesnot equipped with a hard top offer less crash andejection protection than vehicles that have a hardtop.

For occasional towing, your vehicle can tow anysingle axle U-Haul trailer, as long as the loadedweight of the trailer does not exceed your vehicle’scurb weight. Your vehicle also can occasionallytow any U-Haul trailer equipped with brakes, pro-vided the curb weight of your tow vehicle is at least80% of the loaded weight of the braked trailer.

Changes to your tow vehicle from how it wasmanufactured can affect its ability to tow. Thesechanges can include different tires, suspensionchanges, etc. Check your vehicle’s owner manualor with an authorized automotive dealer to makesure any changes to your tow vehicle areapproved. DO NOT tow the trailer if your tow vehiclehas changes that are not approved.

If a tire goes flat on your tow vehicle, avoid drivingon a compact spare tire any longer than necessary.Be sure the compact spare tire is properly inflatedand do not exceed its weight limits. Check thevehicle manufacturer instructions for further infor-mation.

Refer to the owner’s manual, decal instructions oran authorized automotive dealer for any specifichandling characteristics of your tow vehicle.

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MAINTENANCEYour tow vehicle’s engine, transmission, steering,suspension, front end alignment, and tire condition,if not properly maintained, may affect the vehicle’sability to tow the trailer at the recommendedmaximum speed of 45 mph. Have an authorizedautomotive repair facility inspect and repair yourvehicle before towing.To find the capabilities of the engine, transmissionand axles of your vehicle for towing, refer to theowner’s manual, or check with an authorized auto-motive dealer.

TOWING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Hitches

Hitches must be able to tow the weight of the trailerand its cargo. If your tow vehicle does not have anadequate hitch system, a U-Haul representativecan advise you on the type of hitch required foryour intended use.

Hitch Balls

If the tow vehicle has the proper hitch, a U-Haulrepresentative can advise you on the correct ballsize and rating for your trailer. Hitch ball sizes of1-7/8",2" and 2-1/8" are acceptable with a U-Haul trailer coupler.

Other Hitch Systems

Weight distributing or sway control devices ARENOT RECOMMENDED for towing U-Haul trailers.Towing a properly loaded U-Haul trailer does notrequire these devices (see page 8). These devicesmay have an effect on vehicle braking and may restrict the operation of the trailer couplingmechanism.

Lights and Mirrors

When towing a trailer, all lights must be operational.Also, your tow vehicle must have external mirrorson both sides. A U-Haul representative can adviseyou of the systems available if your vehicle is notproperly equipped.

LOADING YOUR TOW VEHICLE

To find how much weight you are allowed to put inyour tow vehicle, including driver, passengers,cargo and any additional equipment:

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Step 1: Find the tow vehicle manufacturer’s re-commended Gross Vehicle WeightRating (GVWR). This is found on a labelinside the driver door.

Answer _____ pounds

Step 2: Subtract the curb weight of your towvehicle from the answer in Step 1.Contact your U-Haul Representative forhelp in finding the curb weight of your towvehicle.

Answer _____ pounds

Step 3: Subtract 250 pounds from the answer inStep 2 if your trailer has 2 tires. Subtract400 pounds from the answer in Step 2 ifyour trailer has 4 tires.

Answer _____ pounds

The answer in Step 3 is the amount of weight youcan put in your tow vehicle. This weight includesdriver, passengers, cargo and any additionalequipment.

If the rear of your tow vehicle seems low, reducethe load in the rear seat, trunk or cargo bed areas.This can affect handling and headlight aim.

THE U-HAUL RENTAL HITCHThe U-Haul rental hitch has a maximum rating of5,000 pounds. Make sure the towing vehiclebumper is not cracked and is securely bolted tothe towing vehicle on both sides. The bumper ispart of your vehicle. U-Haul does not warrant thebumper, nor will we pay for the cost of repairing orreplacing it.

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YOUR TRAILERAfter a U-Haul representative has hooked up thetrailer, it is important for you to inspect all connec-tions before and during your trip.

U-Haul does not recommend that you try todetach or attach the trailer, hitch, ball, coupler,safety chains, or light connectors, unless anemergency arises. If you suspect or detectsomething is wrong, please contact the nearestU-Haul representative.

TIRE PRESSURESet all tires to the proper pressure. Find the recom-mended COLD pressures on the tire sidewall,owner’s manual, your vehicle’s door decal or onthe trailer decal. DO NOT put more pressure in thetire than is indicated on the tire sidewall. Tire pres-sures go up during driving. DO NOT let off thisextra pressure.

INSPECTING CONNECTIONSCheck all connections at each stop. Use thechecklist on the back cover.

PERMANENT OR TOW BUMPER HITCHMake sure the hitch is securely attached to yourtow vehicle and the hitch ball is securely attachedto the hitch.

U-HAUL C1M RENTAL HITCH (FIG. 1)1.) Make sure that the top (A) and bottom (B)

hooks are securely attached to the bumper (C).

2.) Check that the top and bottom hooks (A&B) arelocated as close as practical to the bumpermounting bracket (D).

3.) If your tow vehicle has bumper guards, makesure the hitch cross bar (E) does not contactthe bumper guards.

4.) The hitch ball (F) should be vertical and centeredon the rear bumper (C) and the hitch cross bar(E) should be level.

5.) The hook chains (H) must have one chain linkengaged in the key hole shaped slots (J) beforefirmly tightening the wing nut (K).

6.) When the wing nuts (K) are hand tightened, thecompression springs (L) under the wing nutsshould compress fully.

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7.) If the hitch ball is not vertical or the hitch crossbar (E) is not level, loosen the wing nuts, use adifferent chain link in the key hole slot (J) andrepeat step 6.

Fig. 1

TRAILER COUPLER (FIG. 2)

The coupler (A) should completely cover andenclose the hitch ball (B). Make sure there is nointerference or gap inside the coupler. Hand tighten the handwheel (C). Push back on the frontof the trailer to ensure that the coupler properlycovers the hitch ball. Re-tighten the handwheel (C)by hand. The U-Haul coupler has a positive lockingsystem (D).

Fig. 2

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CORRECT

B

A

D C

A

D

CE

F J

KLHB

EMERGENCY SAFETY CHAINS (FIG. 3)The purpose of the safety chains is to keep thetrailer connected to your tow vehicle in the unlikelyevent the coupler comes off the ball or the ballcomes off the hitch. Safety chains are attached tothe trai ler tongue and are equipped with “S”-hooks on their free ends. DO NOT attempt totow the trailer by the safety chains alone, unless itis necessary to get the combination off the roadwayto a safe place. DO NOT tow the trailer withoutthe safety chains securely attached to the towing vehicle.

The left chain (A) crosses underneath the trailertongue (B) and hooks to the right side of the towvehicle frame (C) or structure, the tow vehiclebumper brackets or to the permanent hitch. Theright chain (D) hooks to the left side in the samemanner. The “S”-hooks can be placed through alink in the chain. Crossing the chains under thetongue allows the minimum amount of slack forturning. This method may prevent the tongue (B)from striking the pavement in the unlikely event thetrailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle.

The chains (A&D) need slack to allow your vehicleto make turns. Make sure these chains attachsecurely to your tow vehicle and do not drag on theroadway.

Fig. 3

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C

C

A

D

B

EMERGENCY BRAKE CHAIN (FIG. 4)

Trailers with brakes have a third chain, called theemergency brake chain (E). This chain applies thebrakes automatically in the unlikely event of a separation of the trailer from the tow vehicle.Attach this chain to the tow vehicle frame memberor structure or bumper bracket (C). Use slightlyless slack than your safety chains. Slack is necessaryto prevent the emergency brake from activating onturns or inclined driveways.

Fig. 4

LIGHTING CONNECTIONSBefore starting your trip, get familiar with the lightingwire connections. The trailer has a separate lightingwire for the left and right side. Check that the lefttrailer wires are attached to the left side vehicleconnectors. The right trailer wire must connect tothe right side vehicle connectors.

The wire on each side of the tongue is made of twoor three separate colored wires. On a trailer withtwo wires, the black wire (brake & turn signal) isplugged into the black connector. The white wire(running lights) is plugged into the white connector.

For a trailer that has three separate colored wireson each side, the black wire (brake lights) isplugged into the black connector. The white wire(running lights) is plugged into the white connector.The green wire (turn signal) is plugged into thegreen connector.

When the trailer has three wires per side and thetow vehicle only has two connectors per side, donot attach the green (turn signal) wires. The turnsignals will work through the black wires.

Lighting connection systems for tow vehicles witha three-wire and other systems are available. Yournearest U-Haul representative will be able toinstruct you on the connection steps for these systems.

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C

E

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Make sure all vehicle and trailer lights functionproperly.

The wires need slack to allow your tow vehicle tomake turns. Make sure all wires are connected anddo not drag on the roadway.

LOADING YOUR TRAILERWARNING:

Failure to follow these loading instructions mayresult in disturbances of your tow vehicle/trailercombination at the recommended maximumspeed of 45 mph or below.

If you have any questions about loading your U-Haul trailer, contact U-Haul Customer Servicesat 1-800-789-3638.

WARNING:

Never allow passengers in the cargo area of anytrailer. It is against the law in most states and passengers risk injury due to shifting cargo,asphyxiation and lack of collision protection.

DO NOT load cargo on the outside of the trailer.Loading cargo outside the trailer may result in adisturbance of the vehicle/trailer combination at orbelow the recommended maximum speed limitof 45 mph.

VAN TRAILERSLoad your trailer with at least 60% of the cargoweight in the front half of the trailer. Do this by loadingthe heaviest items first (such as appliances, toolboxes, boxes of books, etc.) in the front of the trailer,then load your lighter items near the top and to therear. The centerline of the trailer box is marked onthe inside of the trailer. Pack all items closely andfirmly. This will place the proper amount of weighton the hitch (tongue weight). Secure the heavyitems with rope to the tie downs in the trailer. If thetrailer is not completely full, secure the load withrope to the trailer tie downs. This will prevent theload from shifting or damaging your belongings.

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OPEN TRAILERSLoad heavier in the front of the box (60% of thecargo weight). When loading an open trailer, followthe same instructions as outlined when loading avan trailer, except DO NOT load small goods abovethe height of the trailer box side. Secure the cargoto prevent the load from shifting or damaging yourbelongings.

A U-Haul representative can advise you on the equipment available to protect your goods.

TONGUE WEIGHTThe following guideline is to help you make sureenough weight is on the towing hitch (tongueweight).

DO NOT DISCONNECT THE TRAILER

Step 1: With thetow vehicle andtrailer empty, andthe trailer attachedto your tow vehicle,measure the dis-tance from theground to the top ofthe trailer couplerhandwheel. Answer _____ inches

Step 2: With thetrailer fully loadedand the tow vehicleempty, measure thedistance from theground to the top ofthe trailer couplerhandwheel. Answer _____ inches

Step 3: Subtract the answer in Step 2 from theanswer in Step 1. (Answer 1 – Answer 2)

Answer _____ inches

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TOP OF HANDWHEEL

TAPE MEASURE

LEVEL GROUND

TOP OF HANDWHEEL

(AT LEAST 1 INCH LOWER)

BOX SIDEHEIGHT

If your answer in Step 3 is greater than or equal to1 inch, your trailer has enough tongue weight. Ifyour answer is less than 1 inch, it is recommendedthat you reload your trailer, and put more weightin the front of the trailer. An answer in Step 3 lessthan 1 inch, can create a disturbance in your towvehicle/trailer combination at the recommendedmaximum speed of 45 mph or below.

Take your tow vehicle/trailer combination for ashort test drive. If you feel the combination is nothandling properly, reload your trailer.

If you are not sure the trailer is properly loaded,take your tow vehicle/trailer combination to thenearest U-Haul representative and ask if your traileris properly loaded.

DO NOT OVERLOADU-Haul trailers are designed to move household-typegoods. Commercial loads (such as wood, foodproducts, machinery, etc.) are heavier than house-hold goods. DO NOT load the trailer more thanone-third full, if you intend to move these items.Sand, dirt and gravel are even heavier, and requirethat you DO NOT load more than a maximum offour inches above the trailer floor.

Every U-Haul trailer has an empty and maximumgross (fully loaded) weight labeled on the inside ofthe trailer at the front. Never load the trailer so thatit exceeds this maximum gross weight. If in doubt,check the weight at a commercial or state scale.(See the Yellow Pages under “Scales, Public.”)

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL/CONTRABAND

WARNING:

DO NOT transport hazardous materials, corrosives,explosives or flammables such as gasoline orpaint thinner. A container that is almost empty isjust as dangerous as a full one. Flammables mayexplode or ignite through spontaneous combustionfrom vehicle movement.

Empty and air out the tanks on lawn mowers,camping stoves and lanterns before loading.

Liquid Propane gas tanks cannot be transportedunless secured standing upright.

WARNING:

NEVER fill a portable fuel container IN or OUT thetrailer. Vapors can be exttremely flammable andexplosive.

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Securely close and properly package householdcleaning products.

Illegal items cannot be transported.

TOWINGBe rested before driving. DO NOT drive whenfatigued. Avoid driving at night. Night drivers havea 3 times greater fatality rate.

U-Haul does not recommend using cruise control or overdrive when towing a trailer.

SAFETY RESTRAINTSU-Haul recommends all occupants wear appropriatesafety restraints at all times while riding in a vehicle.State laws require children to be restrained whilein a vehicle. Smaller children and babies shouldalways be restrained in an approved child or infantrestraint. Refer to vehicle manufacturer instructionsand the child restraint instructions for proper applica-tion and usage for your child.

WARNING:

Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed inthe front seat of the tow vehicle equipped with apassenger-side air bag. A child may be seriouslyinjured if an activated airbag strikes the childrestraint.

CELL PHONES

WARNING:

U-Haul DOES NOT recommend using a cell phonewhen you are driving. You may become distractedand cause an accident. If you need to use a cellphone while driving, find a safe place to exit theroadway, such as a rest area, before using the cellphone.

SPEED LIMIT

WARNING:

Excess speed is a major cause of vehicle/trailercombination accidents. The recommended maxi-mum speed when towing a trailer is 45 mph.Please observe this limit or the posted speed limit,whichever is lower. Slow down for curves, adverseweather, hazardous road conditions and expresswayexits. Do not feel secure if your trailer tows easilyat higher speeds. A road hazard that could beavoided at 45 mph, may become unavoidable at55 mph.

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STOPPING/FOLLOWING DISTANCE

WARNING:

Your vehicle/trailer combination is heavier andlonger than your vehicle alone. This means it willtake you longer to stop.

Allow at least 4 seconds between you and thevehicle in front of you. Start counting whenthe back of the vehicle in front of you passesa fixed object, such as a sign post, telephonepole, or crack in the road. Count “one thou-sand and one, one thousand and two, onethousand and three, one thousand and four”.If the front of your vehicle reaches the objectbefore the end of the 4 seconds, ease off thegas pedal slightly to increase the distance.Then check your following distance again.

If you are driving in adverse weather, such asrain, snow, or fog, use at least a 5 second gap.

HILLSTo prevent your tow vehicle’s engine from luggingwhen traveling up hills, shift into lower gears. Thiswill improve gas mileage and reduce engine overheating.

WARNING:

Disturbances happen more frequently goingdownhill. Prevent this by decreasing speedBEFORE starting down the hill. Shift into lowergears, allowing the engine to help you control yourspeed.

DO NOT ride the brake pedal going downhill.Prolonged use of your brakes results in overheatingand the loss of braking effectiveness. When youneed to slow down, apply the brake pedal and slowdown below the 45 mph recommended maximumspeed. Then let completely off the brake pedal.

PASSINGYour vehicle/trailer combination is heavier andlonger than your tow vehicle alone and you willrequire more time and distance to pass.

WARNING:

Passing by another vehicle in the same or oppositedirection can result in a disturbance. This disturbance is greater as the speed of your vehicleincreases. See the COMBINATION DISTUR-BANCES section on what to do if a disturbancehappens.

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COMBINATION DISTURBANCESOne or more causes (cross winds, passing vehicles,driver steering inputs, improper loading, excessivespeed, etc.) may result in a disturbance.

WARNING:

During a combination disturbance, applying yourbrakes or turning the steering wheel can cause ajackknife, loss of control or both. If a disturbancehappens:

Let off the gas pedal. NEVER speed up to tryto control a disturbance.

DO NOT apply your brakes.

Steer straight ahead, sufficient to maintainyour lane of travel. DO NOT try to control thedisturbance by turning the steering wheel.

After the disturbance has stopped:Pull a safe distance off the roadway andstop. Get all occupants out and away fromthe roadway.

Check the cargo in the trailer to make surethe load has not shifted. Also make sure thetrailer is loaded heavier in front.

Check that all the tires are properly inflatedand all lug nuts are tight.

Check the trunk or cargo bed of the towingvehicle to make sure it is not overloaded.

DO NOT exceed the 45 mph recommendedmaximum speed. Disturbances happenmost often at higher speeds.

If the disturbance persists, contact the nearestU-Haul representative and have them inspect orexchange the trailer, if necessary. If the distur-bance still occurs, something is wrong with yourtow vehicle.

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ROAD SHOULDERSSometimes the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle.Allow for this by driving in the center of your lane.

WARNING:

If wheel(s) of the vehicle/trailer combination go offthe paved roadway:

Hold the steering wheel firmly.

Let off the gas pedal and slow down below25 mph.

DO NOT apply your brakes.

DO NOT turn the steering wheel sharply.

After slowing below 25 mph, gradually turnthe steering wheel to get back on the roadway.

Proceed with caution when entering traffic.

BACKING UPKeep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel.To move the trailer left, move your hand left. Tomove the trailer right, move your hand right. If yourtow vehicle/trailer combination starts to jackknife, orisn’t headed where you want it, STOP. Pull forwardto straighten out, then start again.

BREAKDOWNS & ACCIDENTSGET OFF THE ROADImmediately park your tow vehicle/trailer combina-tion in a safe place, completely off the roadway.Turn on your emergency flashers. Get all occupants out of the vehicle and away from theroadway.

If you must continue on the roadway to reach asafe place off the road, turn on your emergencyflashers and proceed with caution.

Do not hesitate to drive on a flat tire if it is necessaryto reach a safe place completely off the roadway.Drive slowly, since the scraping tire and wheelcould cause a fire.

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MINOR BREAKDOWNS

If the trailer's mechanical problem is minor, andthe tow vehicle/trailer combination can be safelydriven, go to the nearest U-Haul representative. AU-Haul representative can be found in the WhitePages under “U-Haul.” If a U-Haul agency cannotbe contacted, tire related service may be obtainedfrom a local Goodyear tire dealer.

Take the trailer to the nearest garage or servicestation, only if you have been unable to contact aU-Haul or Goodyear representative. If the estimateis less than $50, proceed with repairs. Obtain anofficial receipt from the company performing theservice.The receipt must have the company name,address, and an itemization of work and cost.Present the receipt to the U-Haul representativewhen you return the trailer.

If the estimate is more than $50, call U-HaulHotline. Be prepared to give your exact location, acallback telephone number, and have your contractwith you when you call.

MAJOR BREAKDOWNS

If the mechanical problem is major or if the traileris inoperable or cannot be driven safely, callU-Haul Hotline. Be prepared to give your exactlocation, a callback telephone number, and haveyour contract with you when you call. Hotline willhave a U-Haul representative contact you and dowhat-ever is necessary.

U-HAUL HOTLINE1-800-528-0355

24 HOURS - 7 DAYS A WEEK

U-HAUL HOTLINE1-800-528-0355

24 HOURS - 7 DAYS A WEEK

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ALL ACCIDENTSIn case of an accident, get everyone out of thevehicle and completely off the roadway. Call adoctor or ambulance if anyone is injured. Care foryourself and the people with you. Notify the policeas soon as possible.

Call U-Haul Hotline if anyone is injured, anothervehicle is involved in the accident, or there is anydamage.

Get the following information of all parties involved inthe accident: name, address, home and businessphone number. From the other driver get their driver'slicense number, the state the driver's license wasissued and their insurance carrier's name. Use theform on the next page.

Be courteous and calm. Do not argue. Make nocomment regarding the accident to anyone exceptthe police, a U-Haul representative or insurancecarrier, or your insurance carrier.

For your protection, complete a U-Haul EquipmentDamage Report when returning the trailer.

ACCIDENT REPORTINGFill out the On-Scene Accident Information Formfound on the next page of this booklet. Completionof this brief form will insure you prompt action.Bring this booklet with the completed form withyou when returning your trailer.

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ON-SCENE ACCIDENT INFORMATIONDATE & TIME OF ACCIDENT

STREET OR HIGHWAY

CITY STATE

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATED BY:

ACCIDENT REPORT NUMBER

OTHER VEHICLE DRIVER’S INFORMATION

OTHER DRIVER’S NAME

CURRENT ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

HOME PHONE BUSINESS PHONE

OTHER DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER STATE

OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE CO.

POLICY NUMBER

WITNESSES/ADDRESS/PHONE

NOTES/DESCRIBE ACCIDENT

❏ AM ❏ PM

( ) - ( ) - EXT

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ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION

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GLOSSARY

COUPLER – The part of the tongue thatcovers and connects to thehitch ball.

HANDWHEEL – The device on top of thecoupler that tightens orloosens the ball clamparound the hitch ball.

SAFETY CHAINS – The chains that are attachedto the trailer tongue withhooks on their free ends.These chains keep the trailerconnected to the tow vehicleshould the coupler come offthe hitch ball or the hitch ballcomes off the hitch.

TONGUE – The part of the trailer fromthe trailer box to the coupler.

TONGUE WEIGHT – The downward weight appliedby the trailer on the hitch ball.

CURB WEIGHT – The weight of the vehiclewith standard equipment, fullof all fluids and appropriateoptions.

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING – The weightspecified by the manufac-turer as the recommendedmaximum weight of a singlevehicle.

HARD TOP – A metal or fiberglass rigidstructure that fastens to thevehicle and encloses theoccupant compartment.

HANDWHEELLATCH

COUPLER TONGUE

SAFETY CHAINS

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HITCH – The device providing theconnection between the towvehicle and the trailer. Maybe a permanent hitch or arental hitch.

HITCH BALL – The ball-shaped portion ofthe hitch onto which thecoupler is attached.

SAFETY RESTRAINT – Seat belts for adults andolder children, approved childor infant restraints for smallerchildren. Refer to the vehiclemanufacturer instructions andthe child restraint instructionsfor proper application andusage for your child.

TOW VEHICLE – The vehicle that pulls the trailer.

DISTURBANCE – Movement of the tow vehicle,trailer or both from theirintended path, due to one ormore causes (i.e.: crosswinds, passing vehicles, roadsurfaces, driver steeringinputs, improper loading,excessive speed, etc.).

JACKKNIFE – When the tow vehicle andthe trailer are at an excessiveangle to each other.

LUGGING – The engine is temporarilyoverloaded, such as a vehiclegoing up a steep hill. Thevehicle may jerk when theengine is lugging.

PERMANENT

TOWBUMPER

RENTAL

USER INSTRUCTIONS

69461001(Q) ©6/02 U-HAUL® INT’L.

TOWING CHECKLIST(USE AT EACH STOP)

BEFORE TOWING�� Towing hitch and hitch ball are tight.�� Coupler handwheel is tight.�� Safety chains are properly attached and

secure.�� All lights are connected and working.�� Check all tires for correct pressure.�� Load trailer heavier in front.

BEFORE DRIVING�� Fasten safety restraints.�� Properly adjust mirrors.

ON THE ROAD�� Reduce speed to 45 mph or below.�� Stop often for rest.�� Inspect vehicles and connections at each stop.�� Anticipate stops, brake early.

REMEMBERACCIDENTS ARE CAUSED BY:• Driver error• Excessive speed• Failure to load trailer heavier in front

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www.uhaul.com

1-800-528-0355

24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

HOTLINE

Have your rental contract with youwhen you call. Be prepared to give the

operator the exact location of theequipment and a callback phone number.

USE FOR BREAKDOWNSACCIDENT ASSISTANCE ORABANDONED EQUIPMENT