U-haul auto transport trailers

[CopperBronco]

I’m hauling my Bronco on a long distance move. Going to use U-haul auto transport trailer. I have their oversized tire straps and plan to use axle straps on the front and rear as well to secure the Bronco. I do have a 2.5” lift with 33” tires, and plan to not take it too fast. Curious if any of you ever secure from chassis as well to prevent side to side sway? Or better to just axle straps and let Bronco ride trailer the same as if going down the road? (This sounds wisest to me). But being elevated on an auto transport trailer makes me wonder. Will be using a Ford f250 superduty to haul it, with proper hitch rating for all this.

I’m also wondering how you all cover your Bronco on long road trips? I have an open top with a family cage. I also have a soft top but currently not installed, but I do try to avoid heavy rain on Bronco.

Will a Bronco car cover combined with a canvas tarp on top of that keep it protected? Or do you think the cover and tarp will get shredded down highway? Or cause wear to paint? Etc…

Debating covering Bronco for the haul, or leaving it all open, or just installing my Rampage soft top and calling it a day.

Any advice?

 

[serial car restorer]

I've had problems fitting larger vehicles on the U-Haul trailers. Check the width between the fenders and make sure your track with those 33" tires will fit.

 

[Tricky Dick]

I've never used more than the tire tie downs, I wouldn't expect any issue.

The new 10k uhaul trailer looks pretty amazing for bigger rigs. Only a handful out there so far. I was able to get a Travelall onto the regular small one though, they're bigger than they look.

I would leave the cover off.

 

[Glass Pony]

Here's mine from about 15 years ago on 33's headed to the muffler shop. They didn't have any oversized tire straps back then, so I used my own tie downs.

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, I have a car trailer and have trailered quite a few different cars. I am not an expert, but as far as I know, you only tie down the unsprung weight. Tires or axles. Never tie down sprung weight, that is anything resting on the springs. Good luck

 

[4xfun]

I have always just used tire and axle straps, but if you look at tow trucks and car transporters, they are using chains to the body. so both should not be an issue. I don't know that I would worry about a lot about sway unless you run into some bad weather conditions that would create high winds. In that case, I would slow down or stop.

 

[JSBX]

I would only use tire or axle straps. I hauled my bronco on a 20 hr. round trip through some bad rainstorms with a Rampage soft top with very little water getting inside. On a long trip there is no telling what kind of weather you will run into, so I vote the Rampage top. I would not use a car cover and tarp due to sand/dirt getting underneath and killing the paint.

 

[CopperBronco]

Cool, yeah, I have already measured and mine will fit on the trailer, more about best ways to prevent damage and water out. All above is helpful. Anyone else on covering or not?

 

[gnsteam]

I've used the standard U-haul trailer. The Bronco fits fine with 35 x 12.5 tires. However the stock tire straps are to short for the 35's. So I just used the standard practice of tie down straps in crossing pattern. From the axles to the trailer.

 

[DirtDonk]

Look up a YouTube video about the difference between crossing straps and straight straps.
If I can find it, I’ll post a link, but it was a real eye-opener and a good argument for never crossing straps.
I had no problem with the crossing straps intuitively. In fact, it looks like the better method. But I couldn’t argue with his testing methodology, or his results.

 

[Yeller]

@DirtDonk here’s the link toMac’s Straps cross or not video.

I’m a tie down the axle only guy, literally over a million happy miles that way. The tire straps on the trailer are more than sufficient, just loop the safety chain over the rear axle, unless you are super proud of the paint on it, then add another tire strap to the rear. As for the top, either install the top or leave it open. Mine has no top and been towed open in every imaginable weather for a few hundred thousand miles. The Super Duty will own that trailer, relax and enjoy the drive.

 

[DirtDonk]

Thanks. Not the one I saw, but explains it very well. And the other related videos that come up beneath it we’re good too.

 

[jerry]

My idea for protection: How about some well applied layers of stretch wrap to your rig? If you needed protection, you could use appliance (fridge) boxes, cheap tarps, or something to add protection where needed (front, top).

Then, wrap it up. My only concern would be ensuring it does not unwrap, so perhaps add packing tape somewhere to this equation?

 

[Broncobowsher]

FYI, U-Haul just started renting out a new car trailer, higher GVW, drive over fenders. Only heard/read about them. Have not seen one in person yet.

 

[56f100bbw]

I got this 18 foot trailer for sale it’s over 30 years old easier than renting Does not come with the 5 spoke American mags