I'll be renting a U-Haul trailer in a couple of weeks to help my daughter move. (The trailer makes a lot more sense than a truck because of the large number of miles involved.)

The trailers I saw had hydraulic brakes. I am accustomed to the electric brakes that are on my travel trailer. Will my brake controller be able to adjust the hydraulic brakes or do they function independently of any tow vehicle controls?

I was also unable to get a reliable estimate of the height of U-Haul's coupler. I want to tow as level as possible, so I need that information to make sure that I have a hitch bar with the correct offset.

Thanks in advance for any useful information...

 

Hi Blue

Seems to me you would want to go to Uhaul and match up the trailer to your truck. Hitch height etc. If you cant do that ahead of time, and you need ball mounts etc. they should have them.

Also about the brake system. I dont think your elect. brake controller will work on hydralic system. 2 different principals.

Again...i would verify with Uhaul...just what it takes to actuate the brakes on their trailers. Surge type? Or one that requires a tap into the brake system on your truck? Or maybe they have trailers with elect brakes?

Maybe someone here knows for sure, i dont.

Good luck...OT

 

The U-Haul trailer will have hydraulic surge brakes.

They are potentially excellent brakes -- IF they are adjusted, the fluid is without air bubbles, and the control mechanism is free to slide as designed.

The most common problem I've encountered is where the brakes are out of adjustment.

If you can encourage your local U-Haul to perform the maintenance they're contractually-required to perform on the brakes, then you'll have an uneventful experience.

(They all have 45 MPH speed restrictions. Any bets as to how long it will take you to ignore that?).

Most important: Ensure that you have a spare tire; and that the tires are fully inflated.

(Be sure to report in with your experience.)

Happy trails...