Does the trailer have to remain hitched in order to load the trailer?

Question

I'm having a language barrier issue with the U-haul guy and I have a question. I suspect I should be embarrassed for asking this question, but oh well--at least it's not one of those, "I'm losing blood rapidly, what should I do?" questions.

Anyway, I just rented a 5x8 trailer for the first time. I took it home and backed it into my driveway to load it. I detached it from the hitch because I needed to drive the car to work. That night I went to load the trailer and, of course, when I stepped into the trailer it tilted and slammed to the ground under my feet. Of course it did! Doh! How do I load the trailer? There are four black 18" poles in the trailer, but they look too large to serve as temporary legs for the trailer, but does that make sense? Obviously, I will just need to reattach it to load. I guess it seems silly now, but I just can't believe I can't load the trailer while it's unhitched. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Thanks for reading.

Answer 1

yes that happens when its load and you remove it from hitch only thing to do is unleoad and start over and yes they something have stands but not likey hey theres alway a block you can throw under it.. and alway load heavy to the front or over axle really yo uhave to just eye ball it so the load is centered,, to much either way wil make it handle the road funny best way is to watch the car and how it sitting while loading

Answer 2

For safety reasons keep it hitched together.....

Answer 3

It would depend what type of support the trailer has when its not attatched. Small utility trailers are often light enough that someone can pick the hitch up to put it on the car, so they don't need a jack. If this is the case, then you can't load it unless its on the car.

Some trailers have a jack that raises and lowers the trailer. If this is the case (and the jack is sturdy) then you can load it while its unhooked.

Your best option is to just keep the trailer hooked up while you load and unload.

Answer 4

If you do load the UHaul unhitched, remember to chock the wheels.  Loading while the trailer is hitched is better and safer.  You may find it difficult to hitch a loaded trailer.