Why does uhaul prohibit towing with Ford Explorer?
A Ford Explorer is often not allowed to be towed behind a U-Haul moving truck using a tow dolly or similar setup. The restriction stems from the Explorer’s AWD/4WD drivetrain configuration and related safety and liability concerns, which can raise the risk of drivetrain damage during transport.
Policy context: drivetrain, safety, and liability
This section explains the policy rationale and what customers should know before booking. U-Haul's published guidelines generally restrict towing certain AWD/4WD vehicles with dolly setups. Because the Ford Explorer commonly uses AWD/4WD in many model years, the company often limits or prohibits towing it behind a U-Haul truck. Model-year and location can influence eligibility, so customers should verify with the rental center and consult the official policy pages before booking.
Key technical concerns
The following factors commonly drive such restrictions. The list below outlines the core risk factors associated with towing AWD/4WD SUVs behind a moving truck.
Before listing the concerns, here is a concise explanation of the main points:
- Drivetrain configuration: The Explorer’s AWD/4WD transfer case and center differential can be damaged when towed with two wheels on the ground, particularly if the driveshaft is engaged during motion.
- Drivetrain wind-up and lubrication issues: Towing with front wheels on a dolly while the rear wheels turn can cause wind-up in the driveline and transmission lubrication problems, risking component failure.
- Safety and handling: The added dynamics of towing an SUV behind a heavy moving truck can increase sway, braking loads, and handling challenges for the rig and other road users.
- Insurance and liability: Higher risk of damage claims for AWD/4WD towing scenarios leads to stricter policy enforcement and restrictions to manage risk.
In practice, these factors mean Ford Explorers with AWD/4WD are typically not eligible for tow-dolly towing behind a U-Haul moving truck. Confirming the specifics at the rental location is essential, and alternatives should be considered if towing behind is not permitted.
Alternatives for moving a Ford Explorer
If you need to transport a Ford Explorer and cannot tow it behind the moving truck, consider these options. Each approach has its own pros and cons, and availability may vary by location.
- Use an Auto Transport trailer: U-Haul offers auto transport trailers designed to carry a second vehicle on a separate trailer, allowing the Explorer to be transported without being towed behind the truck.
- Professional towing service: Hire a licensed towing company to move the Explorer as a standalone vehicle to the destination or a staging point.
- Drive the Explorer separately: Use the Explorer to transport your belongings separately while the moving truck handles the cargo, or have a companion drive the Explorer while you drive the moving truck.
- Choose a tow-vehicle option compatible with towing: If available, select a vehicle configuration that is permitted for tow-dolly towing under U-Haul’s policy (usually a two-wheel-drive car).
Verify equipment availability, pricing, and scheduling at your local U-Haul center, as options can vary by store and region.
What to check before you rent
Before finalizing a rental plan, confirm these points with the local U-Haul center to prevent last-minute changes or misunderstandings:
- The model, year, and drive configuration of your Ford Explorer (AWD/4WD vs. FWD).
- Whether your plan includes an auto transport trailer or only a tow dolly, and vehicle compatibility.
- Any location-specific restrictions or exceptions that apply to your rental route or equipment.
Having clear documentation from the rental location helps ensure a smooth move and avoids surprises during pickup or delivery.
Summary
U-Haul restricts towing a Ford Explorer behind a moving truck in many cases due to the Explorer’s AWD/4WD drivetrain design, which can be susceptible to damage when towed with a dolly or with wheels on the ground. Safety considerations and insurance/liability concerns also shape this policy. If towing behind the truck isn’t permitted, customers should explore alternatives such as auto transport trailers or independent towing services, and always verify the current rules with the local U-Haul center before booking.
