Moving Trailers: What to Know When Renting a Trailer for Moving

When it comes to DIY moving, renting a moving truck is the most popular solution – yet, it may not always be the best one.

If you don’t have a lot of stuff to move, a truck – even a small one – may be too big for your needs. You may end up paying for space you’re not using when the entire point of self-moving is to save money on your move.

So, you need a better option – a cheaper way to transport your not-too-many belongings to your new home. That’s where moving trailers come in.

Renting a moving trailer is one of the most cost-efficient ways to relocate – and it’s extremely convenient too. You just need to pick the right trailer for your move and tow it carefully to your destination.

Here is everything you need to know about moving trailers so you can make your next DIY-move cheaper and easier than ever before.

Can your vehicle tow a moving trailer?

When considering renting a moving trailer, first you need to make sure that you have the right type of vehicle for the job.

Most cars can tow a cargo trailer, but you need to be careful not to exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle. When looking to rent a trailer for moving, you will be asked about your car’s make, model, and year – the rental company will let you know what size trailers your vehicle can safely handle.

Keep in mind that:

• For safety reasons, it is not allowed to tow a trailer with a soft-top SUV;
• It is required that the towing vehicle has external mirrors on both sides;
• The towing vehicle must have an adequate hitch.

Good to know: If you don’t already have a hitch installed on your car, you can get one from the trailer rental company. The type of hitch you need is determined by the year, make, and model of your car and the type and size of trailer you want to rent. The rental company can install the hitch for you for an extra fee (the necessary wiring and any required modifications will be included in the cost).

What kind of trailer to rent for your move?

There are different types of moving trailers for rent, so your first step is to determine the appropriate type – and size – of trailer you need. 

U-Haul, the best-known company for renting moving trailers, offers three types of trailers:

Cargo trailers

Cargo trailers are fully closed metal containers on a trailer base. Aerodynamic and lightweight, they’re fuel-efficient and easy to travel with.

Since they’re enclosed, cargo trailers protect the items loaded in them from the elements – and can be locked to prevent theft during the move.

What’s more, they come in a variety of sizes and can be towed by almost any vehicle.

All these factors make cargo trailers the most practical choice for moving.

Utility trailers

Utility trailers are intended to transport bulkier and heavier items like landscaping materials and building supplies. These trailers are open, have side rails, and often come with a ramp, which makes them very convenient for moving oversized items.

Utility trailers are great for transporting large and sturdy items like patio furniture and garden power tools, but they’re not a good option for delicate and/or valuable items – or for long-distance moves – because they don’t protect the load from damage or theft. Besides, they’re heavier, so they’re more difficult to maneuver and result in higher fuel consumption when driving.

Auto trailers

Auto trailers provide an easy solution for relocating an additional vehicle (a car or a motorcycle).

Unlike most truck rental companies that require you to tow auto trailers with their rental trucks, U-Haul offers tow dollies, car carriers, and motorcycle trailers that you can pull behind your personal vehicle.

You can find more detailed information about the different types of auto trailers and how to use them here.

What size trailer do you need?

Once you’ve determined what type of trailer will work best for you, it’s time to think about moving trailer sizes. Unless you’re moving just a few streets away and can make multiple trips between your current home and your new one, you need to make sure that the trailer you’re going to rent will fit all your belongings at once.

To find the correct answer to the question “What size moving trailer do I need?”, you have to consider how many and what type of items you have for moving and to know the dimensions and loading capacity of each size trailer.

U-Haul cargo trailer sizes

U-Haul offers four sizes of covered moving trailers:

• 4’x8’ cargo trailer – The smallest cargo trailer has interior dimensions of 8’1” x 4’1” x 4’ (LWH) and a maximum loading capacity of 1,600 lbs. It fits boxes and small household items and is designed for small moves (renters moving without furniture and/or appliances, college students moving in or out of dorm rooms, etc.);
• 5’x8’ cargo trailer – The mid-sized enclosed trailer measures 8’ x 4’8” x 5’4” (LWH) and can handle up to 1,800 lbs. It is one of the most popular U-Haul trailer sizes – there is enough room for items like a single bed, a small couch, a kitchen table, chairs, electronics, boxes, etc. The 5’x8’ cargo trailer is perfect for moving a studio apartment;
• 5’x10’ cargo trailer – This size trailer has inside dimensions of 9’10” x 4’9” x 4’7” (LWH) and a load capacity of 1,550 lbs. With 230 cubic feet of space, it can easily fit a queen-sized bed, a large couch, a dining room table, etc. – or all the contents of a one-bedroom apartment;
• 6’x12’ cargo trailer – This is the largest enclosed trailer option. It is 11’7” x 6’ x 5’5” inside and holds up to 2,480 pounds – suitable for moving the basic furnishings of a two-bedroom apartment.

U-Haul utility trailer sizes

The options for open trailers are quite similar:

• 4’x7’ utility trailer – The smallest utility trailer has interior dimensions of 7’8” x 3’4” and can hold up to 1,770 lbs.;
• 5’x8’ utility trailer – This trailer is 180” long and 51.5” wide and has a maximum load capacity of 1,890 lbs.;
• 5’x9’ utility trailer – The 5’x9’ trailer comes with a 4’9” wide ramp and can be used to tow a motorcycle. It has interior dimensions of 9’2” x 4’9” and can handle up to 1,650 lbs.;
• 6’x12’ utility trailer – The largest open trailer measures 12’ x 6’2” and can come with or without a ramp (the ramp option is 4’9” wide). The maximum load capacity is different, depending on whether there is a ramp or not.

You can choose between open and enclosed moving trailers and you have small, mid-sized, and big moving trailers to pick from – so, it will be really easy to find the type and size of trailer that perfectly suits your needs (just make sure it matches the towing capacity of your car).

Related: How to choose the right size rental truck for your move?

How much does it cost to rent a moving trailer?

The cost to rent a moving trailer depends on the type and size of the trailer, the distance of the move, and the amount of time you need the rental for, but other factors also come into play (hitch installation, location, time period of the move, etc.).

1) For local moves, the smallest U-Haul trailers start at $14.95 a day (without any taxes or miscellaneous fees). Bigger size moving trailers can cost up to $29.95. There are, however, taxes, mileage fees, and insurance costs that need to be taken into account as well.  

2) For long-distance moves, the rates are calculated based on the distance between the origin and destination locations. A set number of days is usually included in the rate, so if you don’t return the trailer on time, you’ll be charged an extra fee. You can, of course, buy extra days if you think you’ll need them. Most long-distance trailer rentals include unlimited mileage.

When considering your moving trailer rental costs, don’t forget that you may also need to pay for a hitch and hitch installation, which will add another few hundred dollars to the final cost.

Good to know: How much does it cost to get a hitch installed on your vehicle?

All types of trailers require an adequate hitch system and proper lighting connectors to hook to a vehicle. Unless your car already has a hitch and lighting that meet the relevant requirements, you will need to purchase the necessary equipment and pay to have it installed on your vehicle.

You can get an appropriate hitch from a car dealer or from the trailer rental company – if you’re renting a U-Haul trailer and purchase a hitch from the company, you can have it installed at a U-Haul center for a fee of about $100-$150.

Bear in mind that you have to pay the total rental cost when picking up your moving trailer – and if you pay in cash, you will have to leave a deposit that will be reimbursed upon return of the trailer.

See also: How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?; How much does it cost to hire movers?

What to know when renting a trailer for moving

When it comes to rental trailers for moving, there are a few more things to be aware of:

1) Enclosed moving trailers are the best option for moving household items

• Covered moving trailers provide excellent protection to the items transported in them – In a covered trailer, your belongings will be protected from rain, snow, wind, direct sunlight, road debris, dust, etc. – they will be as safe as they would be in a moving truck;
• Enclosed trailers come with a lockable latch, so you can easily secure your items with a padlock and prevent them from being stolen during your move;
• Cargo trailers’ aerodynamic and lightweight design results in better gas mileage and easier driving.

If you’re moving short distance and have some very large items to relocate, however, a utility trailer is your better choice. Utility trailers are open, so you can fit all kinds of bulky and irregularly shaped items in them, and some of them come with ramps, so they’re very easy to load.

2) One way trailer rentals aren’t easily available

When moving long distance, people need to rent moving trailers one way – so they can return the rented equipment at a location near their new home.

Finding one-way trailer rentals, however, may not be easy:

• While many truck rental companies and even some home improvement stores rent out trailers for moving, not all of them offer one-way options;
• Even when a company offers one-way rentals, not all its locations have that option;
• Some types of trailers may not be available for long-distance rentals.

If you can’t find a one-way trailer to rent, you’d have to return the trailer where you picked it up — which would be extremely inconvenient. Renting a small one-way moving truck is likely to be the better option.

See also: One way moving trucks

3) Towing a trailer will lower your car’s gas mileage

When towing a trailer, your vehicle will use much more fuel than usual.

So, if you intend to move with a trailer, you need to plan for more frequent refueling stops and to budget for extra gas.

Related: Forgotten costs of DIY-moving

4) Moving with a trailer is a viable option only for small moves

Renting a moving trailer is one of the most economical ways to move, but, in most relocation cases, it is not a realistic option.

The limited space in a trailer means that you can move a limited number of items in it. So, you can only move with a trailer if you don’t have a lot of stuff – or if you downsize substantially.

At maximum, the biggest moving trailer can hold the contents of a minimalist two-bedroom apartment. If your home has more than two bedrooms, if you have a large family, or if you’re moving a lot of furniture and/or other larger household items, you won’t be able to fit your goods in a trailer – you will need to rent a truck or hire professional movers.

Bonus tips for renting trailers for moving

1) When renting a trailer to move, you’re advised to:

• Choose the right type and size trailer for your needs and make a reservation as early as possible;
• Make sure your car has an adequate hitch – or make an appointment to have a proper hitch installed on your vehicle;
• Get adequate insurance;
• Inspect the trailer before signing the rental agreement – check the condition of the tires and the loading ramp (when applicable), make sure the signal lighting and the brakes (when available) are working, etc.

2) Know how to load a moving trailer the right way:

• Load heavier items in the front of the trailer (where the trailer is attached to your car);
• Place about 60% of the weight of the cargo in front of the center load line (the line is clearly indicated in the trailer);
• Pack lighter items on top of heavier ones and towards the back of the trailer;
• Secure your items with straps or ropes so they don’t shift during transit (all moving trailers have multiple d-rings for tying down the cargo);
• Be careful not to overload the trailer – do not exceed the allowed weight limit indicated on your rental agreement (the maximum weight your trailer can carry depends on the type of the trailer, the type of your car (your vehicle’s GVWR), and the hitch system rating).

Click here for more information on how to properly pack a moving trailer.

3) Remember that towing a trailer will affect your vehicle’s performance

A trailer will add 8-12 feet to the length of your vehicle and hundreds of pounds of extra weight. This will affect the car’s fuel consumption, braking ability, acceleration, and ease of maneuverability.

Therefore, you need to be very careful when driving with a trailer:

• Before driving, make sure the trailer is securely connected to your vehicle;
• Drive slowly – Keep in mind that the recommended maximum speed limit when towing a trailer is 55 MPH;
• Avoid sharp turns and sudden braking – If possible, make wide turns (the trailer wheels may hit a curb if a turn is too sharp) and slow down gradually when you need to stop;
• Be aware of trailer sway – When two vehicles are connected, they pull on each other and sway much more than they would on their own. So, if you swerve while driving, your trailer will start to sway and careen uncontrollably, creating an extremely hazardous situation. To minimize fishtailing, you need to put most of the cargo weight in the front of the trailer, drive slowly, and avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and turns;
• Backing up with a trailer is very difficult, so when possible, choose pull-through sites;
• Stop frequently to confirm the trailer is properly attached to your vehicle and your load is secure.

4) Take measures to prevent trailer theft

Moving trailers are easy targets for thieves – an offender can hook up the entire trailer to their vehicle and drive away with it.

To keep your trailer – and your belongings – from being stolen, you need to make it impossible (or at least extremely difficult) for potential thieves to disconnect the trailer from your car and hitch it to their vehicle:

• Use a hitch pin lock, so no one can pull the pin and separate the trailer from your vehicle;
• If the trailer is temporarily disconnected from your car for some reason, use a hitch coupler lock – it will prevent the trailer from being hooked up to another vehicle.

Don’t forget to lock the doors to the trailer too – use a quality padlock, so thieves can’t easily open the doors and get to your belongings.

A car alarm, wheel locks, and other anti-theft devices are also very useful for preventing trailer theft – wheel locks attach to the tires of the trailer and prevent them from turning (so thieves can’t drive away with your trailer); an alarm going off can scare away intruders; etc.

Also, be sure to always park your moving trailer in well-lit areas – and, when possible, within sight, so you can easily keep an eye on it.

If you’re careful, you can have a safe and smooth trailer move.

Keep in mind though that, as convenient and economical as they may be, moving trailers are only suitable for small moves – and they’re not ideal for long-distance relocations (one-way trailer rentals are difficult to find, driving with a trailer is quite difficult – and quite slow, the risk of getting into a traffic accident is high – and so is the risk of trailer theft, etc.).

If you have a lot of things to move – or if you’re moving across the country – professional movers are your best bet. They will do all the work for you, will take good care of your items, and will deliver them to your new home safe and intact – the pros will save you a lot of time, effort, and headaches and will provide you with peace of mind. It will be worth the extra cost – and that cost may not be as high as you thought. (Use our free moving cost calculator to find out how much it would cost you to hire professional movers for your relocation.)

Even if you have only a few things to relocate, it’s still worth seeing what professional movers have to offer before you decide to rent a moving trailer and perform a self-move – you may be surprised at how affordable small moving services are. (Must-read: Moving small loads)