U Haul brakes

[havingfunnow]

I'm looking for at a 13 foot U Haul next week, and it doesn't have brakes. Does anyone know if brakes can be installed on the existing (I believe original) wheels? Or will I have to swap out for new wheels/axle?

[mary and bob]

You will have to replace the whole axle, the original is not made to adapt brakes to it. I've heard of one owner that machined out new axle stubs and adapters to put brakes on his Uhaul 13, but he has the machinery and knowledge to do that. If you do end up buying it, there is a good Uhaul group on Facebook now where there is a lot of good information available. In the document center here there is also good info on the Uhaul campers.

[havingfunnow]

Thank you! I thought I might have to do that.

Thanks for telling me about the facebook group, too.

[mary and bob]

The larger Uhaul campers, the VT16, have the hydraulic surge brakes. It may be possible to refit the CT13 with those parts but they may not be available. This is just another example of Uhaul's use of parts that are unique to them only. Considering it's a 30 year old trailer, axle replacement and use of current readily available parts would be the best option.

[Pam Garlow]

Hi, Louise,
I am towing a UHaul CT-13 with a 2011 Ford Escape 6cyl. It tows and brakes fine without them. Check the tow ratings on your tow vehicle.

[mary and bob]

we tow ours with a 2003 Honda CRV, no trailer brakes, no problems yet. Thinking about installing them at some point.

[Brandiwhne]

I've pulled my fair share of horse trailers. This little fiberglass lightweight doesn't even come close to needing brakes compared to those. Lol

[havingfunnow]

I've got a Ford E150, and if I were staying close to home, I wouldn't worry about brakes. Still, I remember the van having to work hard coming off some the mountains in Virginia and the Carolinas, and that's just the Appalachians, not the Rockies. I think trailer brakes are somewhere in my future.