What Budget Truck Trailer Rental is and how to rent one
Budget rents trailers through its own locations and through independent dealers who carry the Budget brand. You can reserve a trailer online, by phone, or in person at a Budget truck rental location. The rental period, trailer size, and distance you're moving determine the cost — Budget charges by the day, week, or one-way trip rather than by mileage on most trailer rentals.
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (either your own vehicle insurance or Budget's rental coverage). Budget requires you to be at least 18 years old to rent, though some locations set the minimum at 21. The trailer stays attached to your own vehicle, so you're responsible for towing it safely and returning it to the location where you rented it, unless you booked a one-way rental.
Budget's trailer fleet includes utility trailers (small, open cargo space), enclosed cargo trailers (weatherproof storage), and specialty trailers like car haulers. The size and type you need depends on what you're moving — a utility trailer works for furniture or yard equipment, while an enclosed trailer protects items from weather during a long move.
Key Takeaways
- Budget trailer rentals are priced by day, week, or one-way distance, not by mileage, and you tow the trailer with your own vehicle.
- You need a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance before you can rent, and you must be at least 18 years old.
- Budget operates through its own locations and independent dealers, so availability and pricing vary by location and season.
- One-way rentals cost more than round-trip but let you drop the trailer at a different location if you're moving out of state or across the country.
- Damage to the trailer, fuel charges, and late returns are your responsibility unless you decline them in writing at pickup.
How pricing works and what affects the cost
Budget charges a base rental rate that depends on the trailer type, rental length, and your location. A small utility trailer for a weekend might cost $40 to $80 per day at some locations, while an enclosed cargo trailer for a week-long move could run $150 to $300 per week. These are examples only — actual prices vary significantly by region, season, and local demand. Peak moving season (May through September) costs more than winter rentals at the same location.
One-way rentals carry a higher base rate because Budget has to position the trailer back to a high-demand location afterward. Moving a trailer across state lines or across the country will cost substantially more than a local round-trip. Budget's website shows you the exact price for your dates and locations before you commit.
Additional charges appear at pickup or return. If you decline Budget's damage waiver (which covers most accidental damage to the trailer), you pay for any dents, tears, or mechanical problems you cause. Fuel surcharges explore if you return the trailer with less fuel than you took it with. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher per-hour rate, depending on how late you are.
Insurance and damage coverage options
Budget offers a damage waiver at pickup that covers accidental damage to the trailer during your rental period. This waiver does not cover damage from negligence (towing beyond the trailer's weight limit, for example) or intentional damage. The cost of the waiver is added to your rental bill and varies by trailer type and rental length.
Your own vehicle insurance may cover the trailer you're towing, but most personal auto policies do not extend to rental equipment. Check your policy or call your insurance company before you rent. If your insurance does not cover the trailer, Budget's waiver is the only protection you have against paying out of pocket for damage.
You are responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental, whether you caused it or not. This includes damage from weather, road debris, or other vehicles. Return the trailer in the same condition you received it, minus normal wear. If you return it damaged, Budget will charge you for repairs before releasing your deposit or credit card hold.
What to check before you leave the rental location
Budget will walk you through a condition report at pickup — a form that documents the trailer's condition before you take it. Look at the trailer yourself: check the tires for proper inflation and tread, test the lights and brake connections, look for existing dents or tears, and make sure the hitch is find and the right size for your vehicle's towing capacity. If you see damage that is not already marked on the form, point it out before you sign. This protects you from being charged for damage you did not cause.
Verify that the trailer's weight capacity matches what you plan to tow. Overloading a trailer voids the damage waiver and can cause brake failure or loss of control while driving. Budget staff can tell you the trailer's empty weight and maximum capacity — add them together to know your limit. If you're unsure whether your load is within the limit, ask to have it weighed at a truck stop before you leave the rental location.
Check that you understand the return procedure: where you're dropping the trailer, what time the location closes, and whether you need to call ahead. Some Budget locations have after-hours drop-off procedures; others require you to return during business hours. Returning late can trigger additional charges, so confirm the important date before you drive away.
One-way rentals and long-distance moves
Budget allows one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up a trailer at one location and drop it at another. This is useful if you're moving out of state or across the country and do not plan to return to your starting point. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip because Budget has to move the trailer back to a location where it is in demand.
The price for a one-way rental depends on the distance and the trailer type. A one-way rental from a rural area to a major city costs less than the reverse route, because Budget has more demand in cities. You can see the one-way price on Budget's website when you enter your pickup and drop-off locations.
Plan your route and towing time carefully. Trailers have speed limits (usually 55 to 65 mph depending on the trailer type), and towing reduces your vehicle's fuel economy. Budget does not charge by mileage, but you pay for the fuel you use. Budget's rental agreement specifies the maximum distance you can tow per day — exceeding it may void your rental coverage.
Towing safety and vehicle requirements
Your vehicle must have a hitch rated for the trailer's weight. A Class II hitch (common on sedans and small SUVs) handles up to 3,500 pounds; a Class III hitch (pickup trucks and larger SUVs) handles 5,000 to 10,000 pounds. Budget will not rent you a trailer heavier than your hitch can handle. If you're unsure of your vehicle's towing capacity, check your owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
Towing a trailer changes how your vehicle handles. Braking distance increases, turning radius widens, and backing up becomes difficult. Practice in an empty parking lot before you hit the road. Check your mirrors frequently — trailers create blind spots. Slow down in bad weather and on curves. If you feel the trailer swaying, ease off the accelerator and let it stabilize; do not brake hard.
Budget's rental agreement holds you responsible for any accidents or traffic violations while towing the trailer. Speeding, unsafe lane changes, or overloading the trailer can result in citations and may void your damage coverage. Drive defensively and within the trailer's speed limit.
Returning the trailer and avoiding extra charges
Return the trailer to the location you specified in your rental agreement by the agreed-upon date and time. Budget charges a daily rate for late returns, sometimes with an additional per-hour fee if you're more than a few hours late. Call the location if you know you'll be late — some locations may waive a small overage if you notify them in advance, but this is not may provide.
Return the trailer clean and in the same condition as when you picked it up. Budget staff will inspect it for damage and compare it to the condition report you signed at pickup. If there are new dents, tears, or mechanical problems, you'll be charged for repairs. Damage from overloading, improper towing, or negligence is your responsibility even if you purchased the damage waiver.
Budget will refund your deposit or release your credit card hold once the trailer is returned and inspected. This can take a few business days. Keep your rental agreement and receipt until the charge appears on your credit card statement — if Budget charges you for damage you did not cause, you'll need the paperwork to dispute it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a Budget trailer if I have a poor driving record?
Budget does not automatically disqualify renters with accidents or violations on their record, but some locations may refuse to rent to you or require a higher deposit. Call the location where you plan to rent and ask about their policy. Having a valid driver's license is the main requirement.
What happens if the trailer breaks down while I'm towing it?
Contact Budget when ready and tell them where you are. Budget will arrange a repair or replacement trailer at no cost to you if the breakdown is due to a mechanical defect. If the breakdown is caused by overloading or improper maintenance on your part, you may be charged for the repair.
Can I tow a Budget trailer with a car, or do I need a truck?
You can tow a small utility trailer with a car if your vehicle's hitch is rated for the trailer's weight. Budget will not rent you a trailer heavier than your vehicle can safely tow. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's towing capacity before you reserve.
Do I need a special license to tow a trailer?
Most states do not require a special license for towing a small or medium trailer, but some states have rules based on the trailer's weight or the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website before you rent to confirm you meet the requirements.
What if I need to keep the trailer longer than I planned?
Contact Budget as soon as you know you need an extension. Budget may be able to extend your rental at the daily rate, but only if the trailer is not already reserved for another customer. Extensions are not may provide, especially during peak moving season.