The Ultimate Guide To The U-Haul Travel Trailer: History, Rental Reality, And Modern Alternatives

For decades, the name U-Haul has been synonymous with DIY moving, orange-and-white box trucks, and public storage units. However, for a passionate community of outdoor enthusiasts and vintage RV collectors, the phrase "U-Haul travel trailer" conjures images of lightweight, molded fiberglass campers navigating scenic highways.

Whether you are searching for the legendary vintage U-Haul camper trailers of the 1980s or trying to figure out if you can rent a live-in camper from U-Haul for your next road trip, this comprehensive guide has you covered. We will dive deep into the fascinating history of U-Haul’s short-lived RV experiment, analyze what towing options U-Haul currently offers, and provide actionable steps on how you can get out on the road in a travel trailer today.

The Legend of the Vintage U-Haul Travel Trailer

In the mid-1980s, U-Haul made a bold move to diversify its rental fleet by entering the recreational vehicle market. Between 1984 and 1985, the company manufactured its own brand of molded fiberglass travel trailers designed specifically for rent. Because these trailers needed to withstand the rigors of rental use by inexperienced drivers, U-Haul engineered them to be incredibly durable, lightweight, and low-maintenance.

These vintage campers were constructed using two main fiberglass shells bonded horizontally, creating a highly aerodynamic and leak-resistant structure. To ensure they could be pulled by mid-sized family cars of the era, U-Haul kept the weight remarkably low. Although U-Haul eventually phased out the rental program and sold off the fleet in the early 1990s, these campers developed a massive cult following that persists to this day.

The U-Haul CT13 Camper

The most common model produced was the U-Haul CT13 (Camper Trailer 13-foot). This compact unit was designed to sleep up to four people, featuring a rear dinette that converted into a double bed and a front sofa that could be configured into bunk beds. Despite its small footprint, U-Haul managed to pack in a small kitchen block equipped with a two-burner propane stove, a sink, and a small icebox or refrigerator.

Because of its fiberglass construction, the CT13 had a dry weight of only around 1,250 pounds, making it incredibly easy to tow. Today, vintage RV enthusiasts actively hunt for these trailers, painstakingly restoring them with modern solar power systems, updated upholstery, and custom paint jobs.

The U-Haul VT16 Vacation Trailer

The much rarer sibling to the CT13 was the U-Haul VT16 (Vacation Trailer 16-foot). U-Haul produced significantly fewer VT16 models, making them highly prized collector's items today. The extra three feet of length allowed for a much more comfortable layout, including a dedicated private bathroom compartment with a marine toilet and shower.

The VT16 also featured expanded freshwater and holding tanks, a larger kitchen area, and increased storage space. With a dry weight hovering around 1,800 to 2,000 pounds, it still fell well within the towing capacity of most modern mid-sized SUVs, offering a perfect blend of vintage charm and practical utility.

Can You Rent a Travel Trailer From U-Haul Today?

The short answer is no. U-Haul no longer rents live-in travel trailers or camper units. The company completely exited the recreational camper rental business decades ago to focus entirely on cargo transport, utility trailers, and self-moving logistics. If you walk into a U-Haul location today asking for a camper, you will be directed to their standard utility and cargo trailer fleet.

However, this has not stopped creative outdoor enthusiasts from utilizing U-Haul's modern utility and cargo trailers for camping. Many budget travelers rent enclosed U-Haul cargo trailers to transport camping gear, motorcycles, and ATVs to campsites. Some even use these enclosed trailers as temporary "stealth campers" by placing cot beds and portable gear inside once parked, although U-Haul's rental agreements strictly prohibit transporting passengers or living inside rental trailers while in motion.

Technical Specifications & Towing Requirements

If you are lucky enough to purchase a vintage U-Haul travel trailer, or if you plan to use a modern U-Haul cargo trailer to haul your camping gear, you must understand the towing specifications. Towing safely requires a proper hitch setup, correct wiring, and an understanding of weight distribution.

The table below compares the historical U-Haul travel trailers with modern U-Haul utility alternatives that travelers frequently use for road trips today.

Towing Equipment Essentials

To tow any trailer using U-Haul equipment or your own vehicle, you must ensure your tow vehicle is equipped with:

• A Class II or Class III Receiver Hitch: Rated for the appropriate weight of your loaded trailer.
• Correct Wiring Harness: Typically a standard flat 4-way or round 7-way connector to operate the trailer's taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
• The Right Ball Mount and Hitch Ball: Most modern U-Haul trailers require a 2-inch ball, whereas vintage U-Haul campers occasionally utilized a 1-7/8 inch ball depending on modifications made by previous owners.

Pros and Cons of Vintage U-Haul Campers vs. Modern Cargo Trailers

If you are contemplating purchasing a vintage U-Haul travel trailer or renting a modern cargo trailer for a rugged DIY road trip, it is important to weigh the advantages and drawbacks of each approach.

Vintage U-Haul Travel Trailers (CT13 & VT16)

• Pros:
  
  
  • High Resale Value: These trailers do not depreciate like modern RVs; their collector status ensures they hold or increase in value.
  • Lightweight Towing: Can be towed by many crossovers and mid-sized SUVs, saving on fuel costs.
  • Durability: The molded fiberglass shell is incredibly resilient against hail, rust, and water leaks compared to traditional wood-frame RVs.
• Cons:
  
  
  • Hard to Find: Because they were only produced for two years, finding one for sale in good condition can take months or years of searching.
  • Scarcity of Parts: Finding original replacement parts (like proprietary taillights or window seals) often requires custom fabrication or sourcing from enthusiast forums.

Modern U-Haul Cargo Trailers for Camping Support

• Pros:
  
  
  • Inexpensive and Available: You can rent a cargo trailer in almost any city across North America for a very low daily rate.
  • Guaranteed Maintenance: U-Haul maintains the tires, brakes, and suspension, reducing your roadside breakdown risks.
  • Versatile Cargo Space: Ideal for hauling heavy camping equipment, kayaks, bicycles, and generators.
• Cons:
  
  
  • No Amenities: No built-in beds, kitchens, bathrooms, or insulation.
  • Strict Rental Rules: You cannot permanently modify the trailer or legally sleep inside it at commercial campgrounds.

How to Get Started: Your Step-by-Step Towing Guide

If you are planning to rent a towing setup from U-Haul to transport camping gear, or if you have just purchased a vintage camper, follow this step-by-step process to ensure a safe and successful journey.

1. Calculate Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity: Look up your vehicle’s owner's manual to find the Maximum Towing Capacity and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Never exceed these limits.
2. Install a Tow Package: If your vehicle lacks a hitch, schedule an installation at a local U-Haul center. They can install custom-fit receivers and wiring harnesses for almost any vehicle make and model.
3. Perform a Pre-Trip Safety Inspection:
   
   
   • Check that the hitch ball is securely tightened.
   • Ensure the coupler is locked onto the ball and secured with a safety pin.
   • Cross the safety chains under the trailer tongue (forming an "X") and attach them to the tow vehicle.
   • Test all lights (left turn, right turn, running lights, and brake lights).
4. Practice Driving and Backing Up: Before hitting the open highway, practice driving in an empty parking lot. Remember that trailers require wider turns and significantly longer stopping distances.

Best Modern Alternatives for Renting Real Travel Trailers

If your goal is to experience the joy of camping in a fully equipped travel trailer without buying a vintage U-Haul camper, several modern rental platforms can fulfill your needs.

• Outdoorsy: Often described as the "Airbnb of RVs," Outdoorsy connects local RV owners with renters. You can find thousands of lightweight fiberglass trailers (like Scamps, Casitas, and Airstreams) that match the aesthetic and ease of the classic U-Haul camper.
• RVshare: Another premier peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace offering a vast selection of travel trailers, toy haulers, and motorhomes. Many owners on RVshare even offer delivery and setup directly to your campsite.
• Cruise America: If you prefer renting from a dedicated commercial fleet rather than an individual, Cruise America offers compact, truck-mounted campers and class C motorhomes across hundreds of national locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does U-Haul currently rent camper trailers?

No, U-Haul does not rent live-in travel trailers or camper trailers anymore. Their rental inventory is strictly limited to utility trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, car dollies, and moving trucks.

2. Why did U-Haul stop making and renting travel trailers?

U-Haul discontinued its camper rental program in the early 1990s due to high maintenance costs, liability concerns associated with inexperienced drivers towing live-in rigs, and a strategic decision to focus strictly on the more profitable DIY moving market.

3. How much does a vintage U-Haul CT13 camper cost today?

Due to their high demand and collector status, a vintage U-Haul CT13 in restorable condition usually starts around $5,000. Fully restored models with modern amenities can easily fetch between $12,000 and $20,000.

4. Can I sleep inside a rented U-Haul cargo trailer at a campsite?

No, U-Haul's rental policies strictly prohibit passengers from riding inside or living in their trailers. Additionally, standard cargo trailers lack ventilation, emergency exits, insulation, and carbon monoxide detectors, making sleeping inside them highly unsafe.

5. Can my car tow a lightweight travel trailer?

It depends entirely on your vehicle's tow rating. Many small crossovers and mid-sized SUVs have a towing capacity between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds, which is sufficient for pulling lightweight fiberglass trailers like a vintage U-Haul CT13 or a modern Scamp trailer. Always verify your vehicle’s specific limit before towing.

Plan Your Next Great Adventure Today

Whether you are hunting for a vintage molded-fiberglass U-Haul CT13 to restore into your dream retro rig, or you simply need to equip your SUV with a high-quality hitch to pull a rental trailer, preparation is the key to a seamless journey. Don't let logistics hold you back from exploring the great outdoors. Head over to your local towing specialist or RV rental platform today, hook up your trailer safely, and hit the open road with total confidence!