Production has begun on the U-Haul Toy Hauler, the first addition to the company’s rental fleet of American-made trailers in 23 years.
The Toy HaulerSM is designed for towing large-capacity vehicles and practically anything else that requires a massive flatbed.
This multi-use transport is a steroidal ascent from anything else in the U-Haul trailer fleet. The Toy Hauler’s deck is nearly two feet wider and four feet longer than the U-Haul Auto Transport. Boasting a max load of 6,834 pounds, the Toy Hauler’s carry capacity is also nearly 30% greater than the Auto Transport’s max load of 5,290 pounds.
Three easy-use retractable loading ramps, drive-over fenders and hundreds of heavy-duty tie-down points make the Toy Hauler the perfect solution for towing racecars, side-by-sides, trikes and the vast majority of large pickups and SUVs on the road today.
“Customer response has been fantastic,” said Jasmine Spencer, U-Haul Towing Program manager. “With more people needing to move large items like side-by-sides, tractors, building supplies and even hot tubs, the Toy Hauler is a game-changer. Looking at the number of SUVs and trucks that families own, we saw a clear need for trailers that can handle these bigger loads.”
Initial production runs are occurring now in Tempe, Arizona; Pomona, California; Novi, Michigan; and Warrington, Pennsylvania. The first 1,000 trailers will be manufactured by mid-summer. Plans call for 5,000 to be ready by the end of 2025.
Rent a Toy Hauler on the U-Haul app or go to: uhaul.com/Trailers/16ft-Flatbed-Utility-Car-Trailer-Rental/TH. In-town rates start at $89.95 a day.
The introduction of the Toy Hauler won’t affect the existing U-Haul fleet. Every trailer previously available will remain for rent, with no inventory scheduled to be sold or decommissioned.
Anniversary Rollout
The Toy Hauler debuts as U-Haul celebrates its 80th anniversary of meeting the public’s mobility needs. The industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage was founded by a U.S. Navy veteran and his wife in the summer of 1945 as WWII was nearing an end. Joe Shoen, son of the founders, has served as U-Haul Chairman since 1986 — nearly half the company’s lifespan.
It’s a rare occasion when U-Haul introduces a new truck or trailer to its rental fleet. Its last trailer addition came in 2002 with the Ramp Trailer, an open 5×9 utility trailer that U-Haul made available for one-way rentals. Its last truck addition was the reintroduction of the 20-foot “TT” model box truck in 2011, which was previously available in the 1960s and 70s. U-Haul trucks range in size from 10 to 26 feet.
Spencer noted U-Haul will work to get Toy Haulers into racing communities and markets where there is steady demand for large trucks, SUVs, ATVs and UTVs. Outside of the production areas in Arizona, California, Michigan and Pennsylvania, states that can expect to see an inflow of the trailer include Colorado, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.
Specs and Uses
The Toy Hauler’s deck is 16 feet, 1¼ inches long and 8 feet, 2½ inches wide. The overall trailer length is 23 feet, 8 inches including the tongue, and spans nearly 31 feet with its back ramps extended for vehicle loading and unloading. Deck height is just over two feet off the ground.
With an unladen weight of 3,165 pounds and a max load of 6,834 pounds, the Toy Hauler’s gross vehicle max weight is 9,999 pounds.
Jeff Korman, director of the U-Haul Technical Center in Tempe, noted the size and carry capacity of the Toy Hauler make it applicable for any number of consumer uses, from transporting hot tubs and lumber to loading up toys for off-roading excursions and track days.
“It started out as a trailer to haul vehicles that wouldn’t fit our current offers,” Korman said. “As the design evolved, we saw the possibilities and needs beyond larger SUVs and longer-wheelbase trucks. A third ramp was added for three-wheeled motorcycles and other items that need a center loading ramp.
“The Toy Hauler is great for track days, car shows and side-by-side weekends. Not everyone owns a trailer for their toys. Renting a trailer is a perfect option.”
