SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — U-Haul® revved up its safety initiative for throngs of auto enthusiasts Jan. 11-19, acquiring a prominent central display in the main entry tent at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
This marks the third consecutive year the Phoenix-based organization and industry leader in DIY moving and self-storage reserved space at the event to showcase its interactive visual aid promoting safe trailering.
Selling Safety
The reason for U-Haul having a presence at a huge car show is simple. The Company is not selling a thing … other than safety.
As the No. 1 installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry – and whose business model has centered on trailer sharing for 75 years – U-Haul is invested in making sure its customers know the proper way to load and tow a trailer.
The U-Haul Safe Trailering® exhibit lets attendees interact with the Marco Garcia Trailering Demonstrator. This teaching tool features a running treadmill with a one-tenth-scaled car; a weight-toting bar attached to the car, representing a trailer; as well as a wheel for guests to steer the car.
When loaded properly with 60 percent of the cargo weight toward the front of the trailer (in front of the axle), the wheel can be turned abruptly and the trailer remains positioned behind the car. But when loaded incorrectly with too much weight in the back, the demonstrator shows the same abrupt turn will cause the trailer to fishtail, whipping and potentially creating a catastrophic towing scenario.
The demonstrator ran for 100 hours and traveled 5,500 miles during the nine-day Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event – or about the distance from Phoenix to Stockholm, Sweden.
Raffle Giveaways
In addition to giving safety tips, U-Haul was also giving away a vintage orange U-Haul “kiddie” trailer hooked up to a 12V electric Mercedes kid-sized car. This was one of two free raffles that attendees who visited the U-Haul display could enter. The other giveaway was a hitch and tow package valued at approximately $500.
From 1,155 raffle entries, Christine from Honey Brook, Pa., won the kid-sized car and collector trailer. Janine from Altoona, Pa., won the hitch system.
Impact at Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson reportedly enjoyed its highest-grossing week in history. With more than 1,900 lots selling for a cumulative total of more than $137 million, the average sale price was close to $72,000.
With a projected 4% year-over-year increase in attendance, an estimated 350,000-plus event guests had the chance to pass by the U-Haul display and benefit from the safety message. The result will be smarter drivers, more properly loaded trailers and safer roads — not only in Scottsdale, but all over the world.
Learn about our trailers, and also what equipment your vehicle can tow, by clicking on uhaul.com/trailers.
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 
U-Haul Safe Trailering at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020
Lastly, do you have an event that offers an audience for the U-Haul Safe Trailering message and demonstrator? U-Haul furnishes demonstrators to government, education and industry groups as a public service. Email trailerdemonstrator@uhaul.com to schedule your event.
