Enclosed trailers rent by the day, week, or month from equipment rental companies, moving companies, and some vehicle rental chains

An enclosed trailer is a fully covered cargo box on wheels — no open bed, no exposed sides. You tow it behind your vehicle. Rental companies stock them in different sizes, from 5×8 feet (holds a few pieces of furniture) up to 8.5×20 feet (holds a full house move). The price depends on the trailer size, how long you rent it, and where you rent it from. Daily rates typically start around $40 to $60 for a small trailer and go up to $150 or more for a large one, but these figures vary significantly by location and season.

You need a valid driver's license and a vehicle with a hitch receiver to tow one. The rental company will show you how to connect the trailer, check the lights, and load it safely. You pay for the rental period whether you use the full time or not, and you're responsible for any damage beyond normal wear — dents, broken doors, torn interior panels. Most companies require a damage deposit, usually $200 to $500, which they refund if you return the trailer in acceptable condition.

Key Takeaways

  • Enclosed trailers rent from equipment rental chains, moving companies, and some vehicle rental locations, with prices varying by size, location, and rental length.
  • You must have a vehicle with a working hitch receiver and a valid driver's license; the rental company will walk you through hookup and safety checks.
  • Rental companies charge by the day, week, or month, and you pay for the entire rental period regardless of how much you actually use the trailer.
  • You are responsible for damage beyond normal wear, and most companies hold a refundable deposit that they keep if you return the trailer damaged.
  • Reserving ahead — especially during summer moving season or weekends — increases the chance the size and type you need will be available.

Where to rent an enclosed trailer

The largest equipment rental chains are Home Depot, Sunbelt Rentals, and United Rentals. Home Depot rents trailers at most locations; you can check availability and reserve online or by phone at your nearest store. Sunbelt and United Rentals operate hundreds of locations nationwide and handle both small residential rentals and large commercial jobs. Both let you reserve online and pick up the same day or later.

Moving companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget also rent enclosed trailers alongside their trucks. U-Haul has the widest network of pickup locations. Penske and Budget are often cheaper for longer rentals (a week or more) and sometimes offer better rates in certain regions. Local moving companies in your area may rent trailers too, and sometimes at lower prices than the national chains — call ahead to ask what they have available.

Vehicle rental companies like Enterprise and Hertz rent trailers at some locations, though selection is usually smaller than at dedicated equipment rental shops. If you're already renting a vehicle from them, ask whether they offer a package discount for adding a trailer.

What size trailer you actually need

A 5×8 enclosed trailer holds roughly a studio apartment's worth of furniture — a bed, a couch, a dresser, some boxes. A 6×12 holds a one-bedroom apartment. A 7×14 or 8×14 fits a two-bedroom house move. An 8.5×20 is for a full three-bedroom house or a commercial job. If you're unsure, tell the rental company what you're moving (furniture, equipment, boxes, a vehicle) and they can recommend a size. Renting too small means a second trip; renting too large wastes money.

Keep in mind that enclosed trailers have height and width limits inside. A standard 6×12 trailer is about 6 feet tall inside, so tall furniture or standing lamps may not fit. Ask the rental company for interior dimensions before you commit, especially if you're moving something large or oddly shaped.

Towing requirements and what your vehicle needs

Your vehicle must have a hitch receiver — a square metal socket welded to the frame underneath the rear bumper. Most cars, SUVs, and trucks made in the last 15 years have one, but not all. If you're unsure whether your vehicle has a hitch, look underneath the rear bumper or check your owner's manual. A Class II receiver (the most common type) can tow trailers up to 3,500 pounds; a Class III can handle 5,000 to 6,000 pounds. The rental company will verify your vehicle's towing capacity before they let you take a trailer.

Your vehicle also needs working brake lights and turn signals that the trailer can plug into. The rental company provides a wiring harness that connects the trailer lights to your vehicle's electrical system — it's a straightforward plug-in, usually a seven-pin connector. If your vehicle doesn't have a trailer wiring harness, the rental company can install one for a fee, typically $100 to $150, or you can have one installed at a mechanic or auto parts store beforehand.

Check your vehicle's owner's manual for its towing capacity (the maximum weight it can safely pull). An empty 6×12 enclosed trailer weighs about 1,500 pounds; a loaded one can weigh 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. If your vehicle's capacity is close to the loaded weight, choose a smaller trailer or make multiple trips. Exceeding your vehicle's towing capacity strains the engine, transmission, and brakes, and can void your vehicle's warranty.

Rental costs and what affects the price

Daily rental rates for a small (5×8) enclosed trailer range from $40 to $80 depending on location and season. A mid-size (6×12) typically costs $60 to $120 per day. A large (8×14 or 8.5×20) runs $120 to $200 or more per day. Weekly rates are usually cheaper per day than daily rates — renting for seven days might cost three to four times the daily rate instead of seven times. Monthly rates are cheaper still per day, sometimes 40 to 50 percent less than the daily rate.

Prices spike during summer (May through September), around holidays, and on weekends. If you can rent on a weekday or in the off-season, you'll pay less. Some companies offer discounts for longer rentals, military service, or AAA membership — ask when you call or book online.

Most companies charge a damage deposit ($200 to $500) that they hold during the rental and refund when you return the trailer undamaged. Some also charge a mileage fee if you're towing the trailer more than a certain distance, though many have unlimited mileage. Ask about mileage charges when you reserve. You also pay for fuel for your vehicle — the trailer itself doesn't use fuel, but towing it increases your vehicle's fuel consumption by 10 to 30 percent depending on the trailer size and your driving.

How to reserve and what to bring on pickup day

Reserve online or by phone at least a few days ahead, especially during summer or on weekends. When you reserve, tell the company the trailer size you need, your pickup and return dates, and your vehicle's year, make, and model. They'll confirm your vehicle can tow the trailer and tell you the total cost including the deposit.

On pickup day, bring your driver's license, proof of insurance for your vehicle, and a valid credit card for the damage deposit. Some companies ask for a second form of ID. Arrive with enough time to do a walk-around inspection with the rental agent — they'll point out any existing damage and note it on the rental agreement so you're not charged for it. Check the trailer lights, door locks, and interior for damage before you leave the lot. Take photos or video if anything looks wrong.

The rental agent will show you how to connect the trailer hitch, plug in the lights, and find your load. Ask questions if anything is unclear. They'll also explain the return process — most companies want trailers back during business hours, and some charge a late fee if you return after closing time or the next day.

Damage, insurance, and what happens if something breaks

You are responsible for damage to the trailer during your rental period. Normal wear — minor scuffs, dirt, small dents from loading — is not charged. Damage you caused — a cracked door, torn interior wall, broken lights, bent frame — is charged to your damage deposit or billed separately if the damage exceeds the deposit amount.

Some rental companies offer optional damage waiver insurance for $10 to $20 per day. This waiver covers accidental damage and reduces or eliminates your out-of-pocket cost if the trailer is damaged. It does not cover theft or intentional damage. If you're nervous about damage or renting a large expensive trailer, the waiver is worth the cost.

Your personal auto insurance typically does not cover a rented trailer. Check your policy or call your agent before you rent. If you want coverage, ask the rental company whether their damage waiver is sufficient or whether you need to purchase additional liability insurance through them.

Loading, securing cargo, and towing safety

Load heavier items low and toward the front of the trailer, closer to the hitch. Distribute weight evenly side to side. find everything with rope, straps, or blankets so nothing shifts during transit. Loose cargo can slide forward during braking and damage the trailer interior or shift the weight balance, making the trailer harder to control.

Do not overload the trailer beyond its weight capacity. The rental company will tell you the maximum weight when you pick it up. Exceeding it stresses your vehicle's brakes and suspension and can cause the trailer to sway or jackknife on the highway.

Drive slower than you normally would — 55 mph is safer than 70 mph when towing. Allow extra distance for braking. Avoid sudden lane changes. Check your mirrors frequently because the trailer reduces your visibility behind you. On long drives, stop every two hours to stretch and check that your load hasn't shifted and the trailer lights still work.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for most enclosed trailers. Some states require a commercial driver's license (CDL) only if the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer exceeds a certain threshold — usually 26,000 pounds. Most rental trailers are well below that. Check your state's DMV website or ask the rental company if you're unsure.

What if I return the trailer late?

Most companies charge a late fee — typically $20 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental rate if you return it after hours. Some offer a grace period of 30 minutes to an hour. Ask about late fees when you reserve, and plan to return the trailer during business hours to avoid surprises.

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

It depends on your vehicle's towing capacity. Many sedans and compact SUVs can tow 1,500 to 2,500 pounds, which is enough for a small (5×8) enclosed trailer. Check your owner's manual for the exact capacity. If your vehicle is underpowered, the rental company will recommend a smaller trailer or suggest you use a different vehicle.

What if the trailer breaks down while I'm towing it?

Call the rental company when ready. They typically provide roadside information or will arrange a tow truck to bring the trailer back to their location. You are usually not charged for mechanical failure of the trailer itself, only for damage you caused. Ask about roadside information coverage when you reserve.

Can I rent an enclosed trailer one-way, like dropping it off in a different city?

Yes, but most companies charge a one-way fee on top of the rental rate — typically $100 to $300 depending on distance. U-Haul and Penske offer one-way rentals at most locations. Call ahead to confirm the trailer size you need is available at your destination and to get the total cost including the one-way fee.