Moving Trailer Rental Cost Guide

How Much Does It Cost To Rent a Moving Trailer?

Renting a moving trailer typically costs around $15 to $30 per day for a local move, and between $162 and $381 or more for a one-way, long-distance rental of about 580 miles. Your final price will depend on the trailer size, your route, and any extras you need.

The cost of renting a trailer depends heavily on whether you are keeping it local or relocating long-distance:

• Local (in-town) trailer rentals are affordable, one-day options where you return the trailer to the same location. They are suitable for quick moves across town, picking up heavy building materials, or hauling away yard waste.
• Long-distance (one-way) rentals let you drop the trailer off in a different city. These come with higher costs since you are covering more miles and time, and the company needs to relocate the trailer afterward.

If your vehicle does not already have a hitch or proper wiring, you will likely need to rent extra equipment. U-Haul and others offer hitch kits, wiring adapters, and ball mounts for around $10 to $40 total. However, this is just for the equipment. Professional hitch installation is a more permanent investment that can cost $250 to $1,300 or more, according to AutoZone. Naturally, it depends on the vehicle and the type and class of hitch.

Total Cost Breakdown When Renting a Moving Trailer

U-Haul Trailer Costs: Real-Case Scenario

To give you real-world pricing, we pulled quotes from U-Haul for both local and long-distance moves using a 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer, their largest and most common option for household moves.

For our local example, we got quotes for a one-day rental in Tampa. For our long-distance example, we got quotes for a trip from Tampa, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina. The long-distance quote included:

• Up to 4 days of use
• Unlimited mileage
• Drop-off at a different location (one-way rental)

Note: The medium pricing applies to the 5x9 utility trailer with a ramp or the 5x8 cargo trailer. The standard 5x8 utility trailer is only available for local and round-trip moves.

Notice the trend? Larger trailers cost more, and long-distance moves rely on flat rates rather than daily fees. Since U-Haul offers unlimited mileage for one-way trips, it's a fantastic DIY option if everything fits in a single load. To see how these fees add up, check out our guide How Much Does A U-Haul Really Cost before you book.

Hidden Costs of Renting a Moving Trailer

Trailer rental prices look pretty low at first glance, but several fees can quickly add up to increase your quote. Beyond the extra gas you will burn while towing a heavy load, you might also have to buy a towing starter kit or a wiring adapter just to get the trailer off the lot.

Damage protection is an optional add-on, but U-Haul warns that most auto policies and credit cards don't cover rental trailers. You should always check with your personal insurance provider first to see if you are covered before you pay extra for the rental company's plan. Finally, remember to budget for helpful extras like roadside assistance, moving dollies, and furniture pads.

Possible Hidden Costs To Keep in Mind

Types of Moving Trailers

Not all moving trailers are created equal. Depending on what you are hauling and the vehicle you are using to tow it, some options are better than others. Picking the right style ensures your belongings stay secure and protected from the weather during your trip.

For a deeper dive into choosing the perfect size and towing setup for your project, check out our complete moving trailer rental guide.

Here is a quick breakdown of the most common types of moving trailers you will encounter on the lot:

Overview of Different Types of Trailers

Is Renting a Moving Trailer Cheaper Than Other Options?

Yes, renting a moving trailer is almost always cheaper than other options, provided you already own a tow-capable vehicle with a proper hitch. However, renting a trailer is not the best fit for everyone.

Even though trailers are budget-friendly, they do come with a few trade-offs:

• Towing takes skill. If you are not used to backing up with a trailer, parking or making tight turns can get frustrating.
• Your vehicle may not be up to the task. Without the right hitch or towing capacity, you will need to rent equipment, pay expensive installation fees, or rethink your plan.
• They run out of room quickly. Most trailers are not built for large household moves, especially if you have bulky furniture or lots of boxes.

If a trailer is not the right fit for your move, don't worry. There are plenty of other ways to get your belongings to your new home within your budget. Here is a closer look at how trailers compare to the most popular alternatives, what they typically cost, and who they are best for.

Comparison of Moving Trailer and Alternatives

Moving Truck Rental

Renting a moving truck is more expensive and still requires you to load everything yourself, but it is generally easier to manage than towing a trailer. Companies like Ryder, Home Depot, and Enterprise all offer various sizes.

Pros:

• More spacious than a trailer and doesn't require a towing vehicle.
• You maintain control over your schedule from pickup to drop-off.

Cons:

• You have to load it yourself (unless you hire help).
• You are responsible for gas, insurance, and driving.

Read our guide comparing Penske vs U-Haul or check out our list of the cheapest moving trucks to find the best deal.

Portable Moving Containers (like PODS)

A container is delivered to your home, you load it on your own time, and the company picks it up and drives it to your new location.

Pros:

• Great for flexibility. Some services offer temporary storage if your move-in date changes.
• You completely skip the stress of driving a rental truck.

Cons:

• You still need to handle all the packing, loading, and unloading yourself.
• It often costs more than a standard truck or trailer rental.

Check out the cheapest moving container companies to see what to expect before you book.

Freight Trailer Moving

A freight company drops off a big trailer (often 28 feet or more), you load your portion of it, and they handle the driving.

Pros:

• A budget-friendly option if you have a lot to move but don't want to drive a truck.
• You only pay for the space you use, which makes it cheaper than full-service movers.

Cons:

• You have to load and unload yourself.
• You share the trailer with other shipments, so delivery timing can be less precise.

Full-Service Movers

During a full-service move, professionals show up, load everything, drive it to your new place, and unload it all. Some even pack for you for an added fee.

Pros:

• The easiest and most convenient option available.
• Saves time and physical effort.
• Fantastic for busy families, older adults, or complicated moves.

Cons:

• It is the priciest moving option on the list.

You can also read our comparison of U-Haul vs movers to see if the trade-off of time, energy, and peace of mind is worth the cost.

Need a hand with any of these options? HireAHelper connects you with experienced, local moving pros who can help with loading, unloading, or both—whether you are driving a truck, getting a container, or pulling a trailer.

How To Save Money on a Moving Trailer

Renting a trailer is already a budget-friendly choice, but you can stretch those savings even further. Try these strategies to keep your costs as low as possible:

• Book early: Trailer rentals get snatched up quickly during peak season, especially since people are probably using them for things other than moving, like yard work and seasonal home improvement. Reserve ahead if you're moving at the end of the month or between May and September when demand spikes.
• Choose a smaller trailer: Don't pay for unused space! Larger trailers cost more, so by decluttering your belongings before you pack, you can fit into a smaller unit and save anywhere from $100 to over $200 on a one-way move.
• Avoid peak moving seasons: Demand skyrockets during periods when more people are moving, such as summer months, the end of the month, and weekends. This drives rental rates higher. If you have flexibility, schedule your move for the middle of the week or during the winter. Dodging these peak times often reduces your rental rate by 10% to 20%.
• Use your own towing equipment: Rental centers charge a premium for hitch balls, mounts, and wiring adapters. Borrow these items from a friend or purchase them online beforehand to save $15 to $45 right at the checkout counter.
• Check your personal auto insurance: Before you automatically add the rental company's daily damage protection, call your auto insurance provider. If your current policy covers towed rental equipment, you can decline the extra coverage and save money.
• Pack light to save gas: Towing a heavy load lowers your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Only hauling what you need keeps the total trailer weight down, which saves you money at the gas pump.

Essential Tips for First-Timers

If it's your first time renting a moving trailer, you should know that it is not a complex process, but preparation is key. Beyond the money-saving strategies we just mentioned—like booking early and packing light—you need to keep these crucial driving and safety tips in mind before hitting the road:

• Verify your vehicle is heavy enough: Your tow vehicle must always weigh more than the loaded trailer behind it. This base measurement is called your "curb weight." You can usually find this on the safety sticker inside your driver's side door or in your owner's manual. If the trailer outweighs your car, the momentum of the heavy load will easily overpower your brakes and steering.
• Know your towing capacity: Just because your car has a hitch does not mean it can pull anything and everything. Check your towing specs in your owner's manual to avoid overloading your suspension or overheating your engine.
• Master the 60/40 rule: Always load 60% of your cargo weight at the front of the trailer (closest to your car) and 40% in the back. This weight distribution keeps the trailer stable and prevents dangerous swaying on the highway.
• Backing up takes practice: Driving forward is easy, but reversing with a trailer is a completely different story. Practice in a wide, empty parking lot before moving day, and ask a friend to stand outside as your spotter.
• Make wider turns: Trailers cut corners much tighter than your tow vehicle does. Swing slightly wider than normal at intersections so your trailer tires don't hop the curb or swipe a sign.
• Double-check your connections: Before you ever leave the rental lot, verify that your safety chains are securely crossed under the tongue (the long metal arm connecting to your car), the hitch is locked tight, and all brake lights and turn signals work.

With the right trailer and a little preparation, towing your belongings to your new home is totally manageable!