Many Americans rent a trailer or tow something each year, so this question comes up all the time: which trailer rental company is actually the best? Short answer: U-Haul is usually the most dependable choice for trailer rentals, thanks to its huge network and consistent availability. A basic utility trailer often runs about $20 to $60 per day, enclosed cargo trailers cost around $30 to $80, car dollies and car haulers usually cost $50 to $120 per day, and heavy-duty flatbeds can range from $70 to $200 or more.
What you pay depends on weight capacity, trailer type, whether your rental is local or one-way, mileage, insurance, and even how many trailers your nearby locations have on hand. Trailers are also an option that a lot of people choose for their move. At HireAHelper, we help people move every single day, so we have seen every version of trailer confusion there is. Our goal is to make this whole process easier and far less stressful, so you feel confident choosing the right trailer from the start.
Thomas O'Sullivan is the Senior Manager of Service Operations at Porch Moving Group, where he oversees the post-booking customer experience for HireAHelper. His expertise is the part of a move most people never see — the logistics, coordination, and accountability that turn a booking into a finished move.
Thomas has spent six years in the moving and relocation industry, starting in corporate relocation and long-distance logistics before stepping into his current role. He's supported more than 130,000 moves across local labor, full-service, commercial, and long-distance work — experience he draws on to make sure HireAHelper content reflects how moves actually go.
A moving trailer is a tow-behind unit that you attach to your own vehicle to move household items, gear, or even another vehicle. Unlike a truck rental company that gives you a whole box truck to drive, or a moving company that sends a crew with their own truck, a trailer rental company simply provides the trailer. You bring the vehicle and the towing capacity, and you do the driving. People use moving trailers for all kinds of jobs, including:
When collecting hitch installation quotes, we discovered that two of the cars we were getting quotes for aren’t officially rated for towing. U-Haul has towing requirements that must be met before you can rent a trailer for moving. If your car isn’t rated for towing — or doesn’t meet the other requirements — there’s a chance U-Haul won’t let you rent a trailer. The requirements below were taken directly from the U-Haul website.
Below is a simple breakdown of the most common trailer types, what they are designed for, and what they usually cost. Prices vary by location, season, and availability, but these ranges will give you a solid idea of what to expect.
| Trailer Type | Typical Use | Typical Size and Weight Limit | Typical Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Trailers | Small moves, furniture, boxes, yard waste, DIY projects | 4x7 to 6x12, up to about 1,500 to 2,000 lbs | $20 to $60 |
| Cargo/Enclosed Trailers | Household goods, apartment moves, and belongings that need weather protection | 4x8 to 6x12, up to about 1,800 to 2,500 lbs | $30 to $80 |
| Car Trailers (Dolly or Full Hauler) | Towing a second vehicle for long-distance moves or relocations | Car dollies handle front wheels only, full haulers support the entire vehicle, often up to 5,000 lbs | $50 to $120 |
| Motorcycle Trailers | Transporting one or two motorcycles safely | Small open trailers with built-in tie downs, usually up to 1,200 lbs | $25 to $80 |
| Heavy Equipment or Flatbed Trailers | Moving appliances, building materials, lawn tractors, ATVs, or larger equipment | Varies widely by style, often 12 to 20 ft, 3,000 lbs and up | $70 to $200+ |
For most people planning a household move, an enclosed cargo trailer is the safest and simplest pick. It protects your boxes and furniture from rain, wind, and road debris, and it keeps everything contained so you don’t have to fuss with tarps or straps every few miles.
Utility trailers work for lighter moves, like hauling a mattress, a few pieces of furniture, or overflow items that will not fit in your car. Since the sides are open, you will need to secure everything well.
Car trailers come into play when you are relocating long-distance and need to bring a second vehicle, and motorcycle trailers serve a similar purpose for your bike. Flatbeds are more of a specialty option. They are great for construction projects, large equipment, bulky yard materials, or anything heavy that would not fit inside a regular trailer.
If you are stuck deciding between renting a trailer or renting a moving truck, here is the simplest way to think about it.
A moving trailer makes sense when you already have a vehicle that can tow, you do not mind driving with a trailer attached, and you want to keep costs low. Trailers are the more budget-friendly option in many cases, especially for smaller moves.
“...[The] average cost to purchase and install a hitch is $546...so if you already have an adequate hitch on your vehicle, then renting a trailer will almost certainly save you money…However, if you need to install a hitch, it may not.”
A moving truck rental is usually the better fit when you have a larger home, want everything to fit in one trip, or do not have a tow-rated vehicle. Renting a truck also gives you a fully enclosed box with plenty of room, ramp access, and no need to worry about towing capacity. If you are searching for “moving truck rentals near me,” trying to rent a box truck, or looking for cheap rental trucks with unlimited mileage, a truck rental company will cover all of that.
In short, trailers are great for lighter loads and people with a tow-capable vehicle. Moving trucks are better for bigger homes, longer distances, and anyone who wants the easiest loading and driving experience.
Most people renting a trailer want something simple, affordable, and weatherproof. That is why U-Haul is our top pick. It is the only national company that rents enclosed cargo trailers, which are the safest and most practical choice for most moves. Everything stays contained, dry, and out of the wind, which makes a much bigger difference than people expect.
Below is an updated look at the main companies that offer towable trailers for moves, along with what you can actually rent from each one.
| Provider | Trailer Options | One-Way Rentals | Mileage Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul |
| ✅ Yes | Unlimited miles |
| Penske |
Trailers are only available with a truck rental. | ✅ Yes | Unlimited miles |
| Budget |
Trailers are only available with a truck rental. | ✅ Yes | Unlimited miles |
| The Home Depot |
| ❌ No Local only | Yes (varies) |
| Lowe’s |
| ❌ No Local only | Unlimited miles |
As the only company on our list that rents out cargo trailers, U-Haul is our top pick. This is simply because enclosed trailers are the best option for most moves. Unlike open-air utility trailers, cargo trailers keep all of your belongings contained and protected from wind and foul weather. Still, every move is unique. So here’s an overview of each company and the pros and cons when it comes to renting a towable moving trailer.
| Provider | Best For | Cost Structure | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Most household moves, weather protection, widest variety of trailers | Flat daily rate, optional add-ons, no mileage fee | About $20 to $120 per day |
| Home Depot | Local DIY projects and same-day hauling | 4-hour, daily, weekly, or 4-week rental, mileage fee applies | Often $30 to $60 for local use |
| Budget Truck | Towing a vehicle behind a Budget truck | Adds on a daily rate to a truck rental | About $50 to $120 per day |
| U-Pack | Long-distance moves without towing | Pay by linear foot in a freight trailer | Varies by distance and space used |
| Penske | Towing a vehicle behind a Penske truck | Adds on a daily rate to a truck rental | About $60 to $120 per day |
| Lowe’s | Small local hauls and home improvement projects | 4-hour, daily, weekly, or 4-week rental | Often $20 to $50 locally |
Now we break down each provider in more detail, including trailer options, pros, cons, and how pricing works.
U-Haul has over 10 different trailers to choose from, including three sizes of cargo trailers, four sizes of utility trailers, two utility trailers with ramps, and multiple specialty trailers. The best part? You don’t have to rent a U-Haul truck to rent a U-Haul trailer. You just need to have a vehicle capable of hauling a trailer (and a hitch). If you need a hitch, U-Haul will sell you one to fit your car and even install it for you for a fee.
Best For: Most household moves, weather protection, and the widest range of trailer choices
U-Haul’s cargo trailers (the best option for most moves) come in three sizes. The 4×8 trailer is usually big enough for a dorm or small studio apartment, the 5×8 trailer should work for a studio or small 1-bedroom apartment, and the 6×12 trailer can accommodate up to a 2-bedroom home (as long as it’s not too heavily furnished). Cargo Trailers (enclosed and weather-protected)
Utility Trailers (open trailers)
Specialty Trailers
Budget offers the same options as Penske, but the “tow dolly” is called a “car dolly.” Like Penske, the vehicle trailers are only available as an add-on to a truck rental. Budget adds the trailer fee to your truck rental reservation. You pay a daily rate for the dolly or carrier, plus taxes and any protection plan.
Best For: Towing a vehicle behind a Budget truck rental
The Home Depot rents out 5×8 open-frame trailers and 5×8 open solid-wall trailers. These are rented out for a variety of purposes, but they could also be used for a local move. The solid-wall trailers offer a little more stability for your items, though you’ll still want to tie them down properly. Trailer rental costs are based on the rental period (4 hours, per day, per week, or 4 weeks), and a mileage fee applies.
Best For: Local DIY projects and same-day hauling
U-Pack does not rent tow-behind trailers. Instead, they offer freight trailers where you pay by the linear foot you use. It is a different style of moving, but it is often compared to renting a moving trailer because it serves a similar purpose for long-distance, budget-friendly relocations. Costs depend on route, linear footage used, and seasonal demand. You pay a fixed rate per foot plus optional add-ons.
Best For: Long-distance moves where you want to avoid towing
Pros
Cons
Penske only has two types of trailers available to rent: a tow dolly and a car carrier. The tow dolly is for front-wheel drive vehicles. It lifts the front of the car off the road, while the back wheels remain on the asphalt. Car carriers hold the entire car off the road, but are usually more expensive. These are recommended for vehicles with all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. You have to rent a towing-capable Penske truck (16-ft, 22-ft, or 26-ft) in order to rent a Penske trailer. You pay a daily rate added to your Penske truck rental. Exact pricing depends on route and equipment availability.
Best For: Towing a car behind a Penske truck
Lowe’s has a 4×6 utility trailer and a 5×8 highside utility trailer, available to rent for 4 hours, per day, per week, or for 4 weeks. Rentals are available for local use only and must be returned to the same store. Unfortunately for us, the closest Lowe’s with trailers for rent was about 27 miles away, which means 40 minutes there and back.
Also, it was a serious challenge to even find the trailer rental page on Lowe’s website. After several unfruitful Google searches, we finally got the right link from the chatbot. On the plus side, Lowe’s trailer rentals come with unlimited mileage, and a weekly rental of the 4×6 utility trailer is pretty cheap ($116). If you don’t mind a slow move with a small trailer, it could save you some money.
Best For: Small local hauling and home improvement projects
Some people look into commercial rentals when they cannot find the trailer they want at U-Haul or a home improvement store. These companies are built for contractors first, which means their trailers are heavier, pricier, and made for job sites more than household moves. Still, they can be helpful in a few situations, so here is a quick look at the most common ones.
United Rentals mainly serves construction crews, so the trailers you will find here are designed to move equipment, not couches or boxes. Most locations offer equipment haulers, heavy-duty utility trailers, and job site trailers. They are sturdy, but they often require a vehicle with serious towing strength. The rental process is straightforward, but the pricing is usually higher than what you would pay at a consumer rental company.
Sunbelt Rentals is similar to United. Their lineup leans toward landscaping gear, construction tools, and material haulers. You can rent a small utility trailer, but even the smaller ones tend to be heavier than what most people expect. You will also need to return everything to the same location.
Some regional tool rental companies and farm supply stores also rent trailers. These are usually meant for things like ATVs, mowers, or building materials. They work fine when you need to move something bulky, but they are rarely the best choice for household belongings.
Bottom line: Commercial trailers are great for heavy projects and job site tools. If you are packing up a home, they usually have more trailer space than you need, and you will pay more than you would with a standard moving trailer rental.
Most moving trailer rentals cost somewhere between $20 and $120 per day, depending on the type of trailer you choose and how far you plan to go. Some specialty equipment trailers’ prices can climb higher, while small local trailers often stay on the lower end of that range. Moving trailer rental costs also depend on various factors, such as:
Below is a simple overview of what you can generally expect to pay.
| Trailer Type | Typical Daily Rate | Typical Weekly Rate | Typical Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Trailer | $20 to $60 | $100 to $250 | $50 to $150 |
| Cargo / Enclosed Trailer | $30 to $80 | $150 to $400 | $50 to $150 |
| Car Dolly / Car Hauler | $50 to $120 | $250 to $600 | $100 to $250 |
| Motorcycle Trailer | $25 to $80 | $120 to $280 | $50 to $150 |
| Heavy Equipment / Flatbed Trailer | $70 to $200+ | $300 to $800+ | $100 to $300 |
These ranges vary by company and location, but they give you a realistic sense of what budget to set aside.
A typical local trailer rental for a small move or weekend project usually falls between $30 and $70, depending on the trailer size and how long you keep it.
Local rentals are billed in shorter time blocks, so you often pay by the hour or by the day. U-Haul, Home Depot, and Lowe’s all structure local rentals this way. Smaller utility trailers are typically the cheapest option, while enclosed cargo trailers and car haulers are generally more expensive. Here is how local pricing usually breaks down:
Accessories like tie downs, wiring adapters, and damage coverage can add a little to the total. Most companies also require the trailer to be returned to the same location, which keeps the cost lower but limits flexibility.
| Situation | Trailer Type | Expected Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Moving a small studio apartment a few miles away | 5x8 cargo trailer | $40 to $60 |
| Picking up materials from a home improvement store | Utility trailer | $20 to $40 |
| Transporting a motorcycle across town | Motorcycle trailer | $30 to $60 |
| Hauling landscaping equipment | Flatbed trailer | $70 to $150 |
A typical one-way or cross-country trailer rental often costs $50 to $120 per day for the trailer itself, but the total price depends heavily on distance, dates, and the trailer type. Enclosed cargo trailers are the most popular option for long-distance moves because they keep belongings protected from the weather over hundreds of miles.
True one-way trailer rentals are limited. U-Haul is the only major company that consistently offers them, which is why many people end up comparing trailers with long-distance moving trucks or container services. Here is what long-distance pricing usually looks like:
Other companies, like Home Depot and Lowe’s, offer local-only trailer rentals, while Budget and Penske only rent trailers as add-ons to a truck rental. For true long-distance needs, some customers compare trailer rentals with freight trailers or container moves, especially for cross-country moving trailer rental options that avoid towing altogether.
| Situation | Trailer Type | Expected Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Moving from one city to another using your own tow vehicle | 6x12 cargo trailer | $40 to $80 per day |
| Driving a moving truck while towing your second vehicle | Car dolly or car carrier | $50 to $120 per day |
| Budget-friendly long-distance move without towing | U-Pack freight trailer (per foot pricing) | Varies by distance and space |
| Transporting a motorcycle during a regional relocation | Motorcycle trailer | $30 to $80 per day |
If you are trying to decide between renting a trailer or renting a box truck, the right choice usually comes down to how much you are moving, what you are driving, and how comfortable you feel towing. Both options can work well, but they are built for different situations.
A trailer rental works best when:
Trailers fit people who want something simple, inexpensive, and easy to return. For apartment moves, small homes, or local projects, a trailer can cover everything you need without the cost of a full truck rental.
A box truck rental works best when:
Box trucks are made for bigger moves. They give you more space, better weather protection, and a smoother moving day because you load once and drive once. They are also helpful for people who feel unsure about towing or do not have the right hitch setup.
| Feature | Trailer Rental | Box Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small moves, people with tow vehicles, budget moves | Larger moves, long-distance trips, and one-trip loads |
| Driving Experience | Requires towing confidence | Easier for most drivers |
| Weather Protection | Good with cargo trailers, limited with utility trailers | Fully enclosed |
| Space | Limited by trailer size | Large enclosed cargo area |
| Cost | Usually cheaper | Higher daily rate |
| Flexibility | Great for short local errands | Best for full household moves |
Moving trailer rentals are an excellent choice for specific types of moves, but they simply do not work for others. Here are the moving situations where moving trailers make sense, and ones where they don’t.
While moving trailers are a cost-effective solution in some cases, they’re not ideal for every situation. Below, we break down when it’s better to skip the trailer — and share our top alternative ways to move instead.
If you’re moving locally and don’t already have a hitch installed on your car, you can save money on your move by renting a moving truck instead of a trailer. While a trailer rental is technically cheaper, it’ll cost around $500 to have a new hitch installed (which you’ll have to do in order to rent a trailer).
| What we recommend: Moving truck rental |
If you’re moving long-distance and have more than can fit into 396 cubic feet, a moving trailer just won’t cut it. While making multiple trips for a local move is doable, it’s impractical (if not impossible) for a long-distance move.
| What we recommend: Moving truck rental, freight trailer moving service, or portable moving and storage containers |
If you’re going to need to put things in storage during your move, moving trailers and trucks aren’t always your best options. Both require initial loading, unloading into a storage unit, later renting another truck or trailer, and then loading it again, then finally unloading everything into your new home. It’s a lot of unnecessary work! But those aren’t your only options. Portable moving and storage containers can be delivered to your driveway and then picked up and stored off-site until you’re ready for them to be delivered to your final destination.
| What we recommend: Portable moving and storage containers |
Towing a moving trailer behind your car requires that you’re a confident driver and are aware of not just your vehicle, but the way the trailer moves and responds to accelerating, braking, and turning. If you’re nervous about towing a moving trailer rental, opt instead for a freight trailer or portable moving and storage containers. Both of these alternatives are dropped off at your home for easy loading, then picked up and transported to your new place. You don’t have to do the driving at all!
| What we recommend: Freight trailer moving service or portable moving and storage containers |
Picking a trailer rental company is easy with these simple steps. This works whether you are moving across town, towing a second car, or hauling something heavy for a project.
Before you book, there are still some things you should know about renting a trailer. Here are the most important questions to ask any trailer rental counter or online rep:
A moving trailer can save you money, but it also means you handle all the lifting yourself. If you would rather avoid that part, hiring labor-only movers is one of the easiest ways to make your trailer move feel closer to a full-service experience without the full-service price.
Labor-only movers help with the heavy items, pack the trailer efficiently, and make sure everything is secured the right way so nothing shifts during the drive. This is especially helpful with cargo trailers, car haulers, and anything that needs careful strapping.
“[U-haul] is the only national company that rents enclosed cargo trailers, which are the safest and most practical choice for most moves. Everything stays contained, dry, and out of the wind, which makes a much bigger difference than people expect.”
With HireAHelper, finding that help is simple. You enter your move date and location, browse vetted crews in your area, and book the team that fits your needs. You can see real customer reviews, compare prices, and choose the level of help you want. Our process is outlined here in our step-by-step guide to how HireAHelper works.
You can also add optional coverage like Smart Protection, which gives you an extra layer of confidence on moving day. And if you want to learn more about what makes our marketplace unique, you can take a look at our highly rated platform overview. Hiring help for just the loading and unloading keeps your move budget-friendly while taking the hardest part off your plate. It is a simple way to make a trailer move feel smoother, safer, and a lot less stressful.
There are really only two downsides to moving with a trailer:
If you’re thinking, “No problem, I’ll just go get a hitch installed. How much could it cost?” think again. Based on the various hitch quotes we ran on the U-Haul website, the average cost to purchase and install a hitch is $546! If you already have an adequate hitch on your vehicle, then renting a trailer will almost certainly save you money on your move. However, if you need to install a hitch, it may not.
U-Haul sells hitches and towing accessories and offers an installation service (but only for hitches purchased from U-Haul). When you get a hitch from U-Haul, it actually includes multiple parts:
The year, make, and model of your vehicle will determine what kind of hitch you can get and how much weight you can tow. To get an idea of how much it actually costs to get a hitch and have it installed, we ran four quotes through the U-Haul website.
| Year/Make/Model | Towing Capacity | Hitch | Installation | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Soul | Not officially rated for towing by Kia | $297.75 | $132 | $469.09 |
| 2020 Honda CR-V (gas) | 1,500 lbs | $284.75 | $156 | $482.54 |
| 1990 Ford F-Super Duty | 12,500–14,500 lbs | $297.75 | $180 | $523.81 |
| 2024 Toyota Rav4 | 1,500–3,500 lbs | $333.75 | $180 | $562.33 |
| 2020 Honda Civic Coupe | Not officially rated for towing by Honda | $315.75 | $312 | $693.55 |
After collecting these quotes from U-Haul, we called a local trailer hitch company to see what they would charge for the same vehicles. Believe it or not, the quotes we got from the local company were more expensive than the ones we got from U-Haul. Also, unlike U-Haul, the local shop will install hitches purchased elsewhere, but they increase the installation charge by $60/hr. We also searched online for hitch kits for the same makes and models — and even searched for individual parts to see if they’d be cheaper — but it wasn’t all that different. Sure, you might save $50 on all the parts, but then you still need to install them. While installing a hitch can be a pricey endeavor, remember that you get to keep the hitch after your move. That’s a plus point, especially if you plan to use it for something else that needs towing in the future.
Towing a trailer is completely manageable once you know what to watch for. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping both your vehicle and your belongings safe on the road. Here are the most important safety tips to keep in mind before you start your trip.
Willow Glen, Japantown, and Downtown are some of the most popular neighborhoods right now in San Jose. The city is a major hub for people looking to live in the heart of Silicon Valley. And according to... Read More
Melanie MorrisFeb 26, 2026
Fishtown, Rittenhouse Square, and Chestnut Hill are among the most popular neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Most areas are seeing a steady influx of new residents who are drawn to the city's unique blend of colonial... Read More
Melanie MorrisFeb 26, 2026
With about 1.4 million residents, the charming and historic Southwest city of San Antonio is the second-largest in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States. So choosing a neighborhood can feel a little... Read More
Erin ScottAug 21, 2025
If you're considering moving to Charlotte, NC, you'll be heading to one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, thanks to a strong job market and steady population growth. Often called the Queen City,... Read More
Melanie MorrisOct 31, 2025
Thinking about relocating? Moving to Austin, TX, is an increasingly popular choice thanks to its booming tech industry, rich culture, and reputation as a city that balances work and play.
In fact, according to our 20... Read More
Melanie MorrisOct 31, 2025
Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill are among the most popular neighborhoods in Seattle. If you're wondering about the best areas in the city because you’re planning a move there, you're not alone —... Read More
Melanie MorrisFeb 26, 2026