Renting an enclosed trailer costs between $40 and $150 per day depending on size, location, and rental company

An enclosed trailer is a fully covered cargo box on wheels, different from an open utility trailer because it protects contents from weather and theft. You rent one the same way you rent a truck — by the day, week, or month from a rental company — but availability and pricing vary widely by region and season.

The most common rental sources are U-Haul, Home Depot, Lowe's, and local moving companies. U-Haul typically charges $40 to $80 per day for a 5x8 enclosed trailer, with mileage fees added on top. Home Depot and Lowe's rent smaller trailers (usually 5x8) for $15 to $25 per day but often have limited stock and require you to pick up and return the same day. Local moving companies and independent rental yards may offer better rates for longer rentals or have specialty sizes, but you have to call each one individually.

Price depends on three things: the trailer size (5x8 is smallest and cheapest; 6x12 or larger costs significantly more), how long you rent it, and whether you drive it far. A week-long rental is usually cheaper per day than a single day. Mileage fees — typically 50 cents to $1 per mile — can add hundreds of dollars to a cross-state move, so always ask about that upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Home Depot, and Lowe's are the easiest places to check first, but local moving companies and independent rental yards often have better rates for week-long or monthly rentals.
  • A 5x8 enclosed trailer rents for $15 to $80 per day depending on the company, plus mileage fees that can exceed the daily rate on long trips.
  • Home Depot and Lowe's rent by the day only and require same-day return, while U-Haul and moving companies offer weekly and monthly options.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to reserve; some companies require a damage deposit of $50 to $200.
  • Enclosed trailers are best for protecting cargo during moves, storing items temporarily, or hauling valuable equipment; open trailers are cheaper if weather protection is not necessary.

Where to rent and what each company offers

U-Haul is the largest enclosed trailer rental network in the US. You can reserve online or by phone, pick up at thousands of locations, and return to a different location if you are moving. A 5x8 trailer runs $40 to $80 per day plus mileage; a 6x12 runs $60 to $120 per day. U-Haul requires a credit card, valid driver's license, and proof of insurance. Damage deposits range from $50 to $200 depending on trailer size.

Home Depot and Lowe's rent 5x8 enclosed trailers for $15 to $25 per day, but only for same-day rental — you pick up in the morning and return by evening. Both require a credit card and ID. These are the cheapest option if you need a trailer for just a few hours, but they do not work for overnight or multi-day moves. Availability is often limited, especially on weekends, so call ahead.

Local moving companies and independent rental yards often rent enclosed trailers by the day, week, or month. Rates vary widely — some charge $30 per day, others $100 — and they may offer discounts for weekly or monthly rentals that beat U-Haul's per-day price. Search "[your city] enclosed trailer rental" or "moving equipment rental" to find local options. These companies are worth calling if you need the trailer for more than three days.

Penske and Budget rent enclosed trailers in some regions, though less widely than U-Haul. Penske pricing is similar to U-Haul; Budget is sometimes cheaper. Both require the same documentation as U-Haul.

Comparing daily, weekly, and monthly rates

Rental companies price trailers to encourage longer commitments. A 5x8 trailer that costs $60 per day at U-Haul might cost $250 per week (roughly $36 per day) or $800 per month (roughly $27 per day). The longer you rent, the lower your effective daily cost — but mileage fees still explore on top.

For a one-day local job, Home Depot or Lowe's is almost always cheapest. For a two- to three-day rental, U-Haul's daily rate is reasonable. For anything longer than three days, call local rental yards and ask about weekly rates; you will often save 20 to 40 percent compared to U-Haul's daily rate multiplied out.

Mileage fees are the hidden cost that surprises renters. U-Haul charges roughly 50 cents to $1 per mile depending on trailer size. A 200-mile move adds $100 to $200 to your bill. A 500-mile move adds $250 to $500. Always ask the rental company for the total mileage fee before you commit, not just the daily rate.

What documents and deposits you need

All rental companies require the same basic documentation: a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your auto insurance policy covers rental trailers in most cases, but call your insurer to confirm), and a credit card in your name. Some companies ask for a second form of ID.

Most companies hold a damage deposit of $50 to $200 on your credit card. This is not a charge — it is a hold that disappears once you return the trailer undamaged. If you return the trailer with dents, broken lights, or interior damage, the company deducts the repair cost from the deposit. Inspect the trailer before you leave the lot and photograph any existing damage; the rental company will do the same when you return it.

A few companies offer damage waiver insurance for $10 to $20 per day, which covers accidental damage. Whether it is worth buying depends on what you are hauling and how confident you are in your towing skills. If you are moving fragile items or towing for the first time, it may be worth the cost.

Enclosed vs. open trailers: when to choose each

An enclosed trailer protects cargo from rain, snow, and sun, and prevents theft during overnight stops. It is necessary if you are moving furniture, electronics, or anything that cannot get wet. It is also better for hauling expensive tools or equipment. The downside is cost — enclosed trailers rent for two to three times more than open trailers.

An open utility trailer is a flat bed or low-sided box with no roof. It costs $15 to $40 per day and works fine for hauling lumber, mulch, gravel, or other materials that do not need weather protection. If you are moving a single piece of equipment or making a quick supply run, an open trailer saves money.

Some rental companies offer a hybrid: a tarp-covered trailer, which is an open trailer with a removable tarp. This costs less than a fully enclosed trailer but protects cargo from rain. It is a middle-ground option if you need some protection but want to save on rental cost.

Size options and what fits in each

The most common enclosed trailer size is 5x8 feet (interior dimensions). This fits a small bedroom's worth of furniture — a bed frame, dresser, nightstands, and boxes — or about 400 cubic feet of cargo. It is the cheapest option and works for small moves, storage, or hauling equipment. A 5x8 is also easier to tow if you are new to trailer driving.

A 6x12 trailer holds roughly twice as much: a one-bedroom apartment's contents or a small garage's worth of tools and equipment. It costs 50 to 100 percent more per day than a 5x8 but is still manageable for most vehicles with a hitch.

Larger sizes — 8x16, 8x20 — exist but are less common at rental companies and require a heavier-duty vehicle to tow safely. If you need something bigger than 6x12, ask the rental company what they have; you may need to rent from a moving company instead of a general rental chain.

Before you rent, measure what you are hauling and compare it to the trailer's interior dimensions. A 5x8 trailer is 5 feet wide, 8 feet long, and usually 5 to 6 feet tall inside. Furniture and boxes stack, but tall items like a dresser or bookcase may not fit if the trailer is only 5 feet tall.

How to reserve and what to expect on pickup day

Reserve online or by phone at least one day in advance, especially on weekends. U-Haul, Home Depot, and Lowe's let you reserve online; local companies usually require a phone call. When you reserve, confirm the trailer size, the daily rate, the mileage fee (if applicable), the pickup and return dates, and the pickup location.

On pickup day, arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and credit card. The rental company will walk you through the trailer's condition, point out any existing damage, and explain how to operate the hitch, lights, and brakes. Ask questions about anything you do not understand — especially how to connect the trailer to your vehicle if you have never towed before.

Before you leave the lot, inspect the trailer yourself. Check that the lights work (brake lights, turn signals, running lights), the hitch is find, the tires are inflated, and the door locks. Take photos or video of the interior and exterior. If anything is broken or missing, tell the rental company when ready so they do not charge you for it later.

When you return the trailer, the company will inspect it again. If there is new damage, they will show you and explain the charge. If you disagree with a damage claim, ask for photos and a written estimate before you leave.

Towing requirements and vehicle compatibility

Not every vehicle can tow an enclosed trailer safely. You need a hitch receiver (a square opening under the rear bumper), a hitch ball that matches the trailer's coupler, and a vehicle heavy enough to tow the trailer's weight without straining the engine or brakes.

A 5x8 enclosed trailer weighs 1,200 to 1,500 pounds empty. Most cars, SUVs, and trucks with a hitch can tow this. A 6x12 trailer weighs 2,000 to 2,500 pounds empty, which requires a vehicle rated for at least 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for your towing capacity.

If your vehicle does not have a hitch, you can have one installed at a shop for $200 to $500, but that is only worth doing if you plan to tow regularly. If you do not have a hitch and do not want to install one, rent an open trailer instead or ask a friend with a compatible vehicle to help.

Rental companies will ask your vehicle's year, make, and model when you reserve. They use this to confirm your vehicle can tow the trailer. If your vehicle is not rated for the trailer size you want, they will suggest a smaller option or decline the reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an enclosed trailer for just a few hours?

Home Depot and Lowe's rent by the day only, with same-day return required, so a few hours costs the same as a full day ($15 to $25). U-Haul and local rental companies charge by the day as well, so there is no hourly option. If you need a trailer for just a couple of hours, Home Depot or Lowe's is your cheapest bet.

What happens if I return the trailer late?

U-Haul and most rental companies charge an additional full day's rate if you return even one hour late. Some companies charge an hourly overage fee instead. Always confirm the return important date and plan to return 30 minutes early to avoid a surprise charge.

Do I need a special driver's license to tow an enclosed trailer?

In most states, no — a standard driver's license is enough to tow a small enclosed trailer (under 10,000 pounds). A few states require a special endorsement for heavier trailers. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm. The rental company will also tell you if there is a restriction.

Can I tow an enclosed trailer with a sedan or small SUV?

A sedan or small SUV can tow a 5x8 enclosed trailer if it has a hitch and is rated for at least 2,000 pounds of towing capacity. Check your vehicle's manual. Larger trailers (6x12 and up) require a truck or large SUV rated for 3,500+ pounds.

What if the trailer breaks down while I am towing it?

Call the rental company when ready. They will either send a technician to repair it roadside or arrange a tow to the nearest rental location. Most rental companies cover roadside repairs at no extra cost. Ask about this when you reserve so you know what to do if something goes wrong.